Relationship between fine/gross motor skills and language and math development in Colombian Caribbean children: A study in Barranquilla

Literature suggests that motor skills are associated with other areas of development or domains, such as language and math, especially at early ages. These results are mainly based on studies developed in medium-to-high sociocultural contexts. Thus, this study was conducted in a medium-to-low-income area. The aim was to know the 4–5 years old children's motor development (both fine and gross motor skills), and its relation to language and mathematical development. A total of 219 Colombian Caribbean children (105 boys and 114 girls) aged 4 and 5 years participated in this study. Results revealed higher motor skills among girls, although differences by gender were not notable. Positive and significant correlations were found between motor skills and language and mathematical skills, although most of the correlations were weak or moderate. Also, it was observed that fine motor skills were less related to language or mathematical development in comparison with gross motor skills, especially among boys. These results suggest that among Colombian Caribbean children gross motor skills could have a higher influence on the development and acquisition of some language and mathematical skills in comparison with fine motor skills.     

项目反应模型的应用问题研究

以高等学校入学考试的考生实测数据,研究项目反应理论中数学模型的应用、数学模型的拟合性统计检验,并研究了模型与样本容量、模型参数估计与样本容量的关系,得到一些有意义的结论。     

Multidimensional adaptive testing

Maximum likelihood and Bayesian procedures for item selection and scoring of multidimensional adaptive tests are presented. A demonstration using simulated response data illustrates that multidimensional adaptive testing (MAT) can provide equal or higher reliabilities with about one-third fewer items than are required by one-dimensional adaptive testing (OAT). Furthermore, holding test-length constant across the MAT and OAT approaches, substantial improvements in reliability can be obtained from multidimensional assessment. A number of issues relating to the operational use of multidimensional adaptive testing are discussed.     

中美成年人和老年人数学能力发展的比较研究

采用一套心理计量测验考察中美两国青老年被试在算术能力、知觉速度及空间方位能力方面的操作是否有国家间和年龄组间差异,不同领域之间是否有不同的能力模式。测验结果表明：在知觉速度和空间方位测验上,中美青年组的操作成绩均明显超过老年组;在算术能力测验上,中国青年组的成绩仍超过老年组,但美国青老年组间则无明显差异;中国青年组在算术能力测验上成绩优于美国同龄组,在其它两个测验上则无明显差异;在所有能力测验上中美老年组的成绩都无明显差异;总的模式表明,美国青年的算术能力呈逐代下降趋势,中国儿童和青年的算术能力远远超过美国同龄人的状况可能只是个近期的现象。     

A dynamic generalization of the Rasch model

In the present paper a model for describing dynamic processes is constructed by combining the common Rasch model with the concept of structurally incomplete designs. This is accomplished by mapping each item on a collection of virtual items, one of which is assumed to be presented to the respondent dependent on the preceding responses and/or the feedback obtained. It is shown that, in the case of subject control, no unique conditional maximum likelihood (CML) estimates exist, whereas marginal maximum likelihood (MML) proves a suitable estimation procedure. A hierarchical family of dynamic models is presented, and it is shown how to test special cases against more general ones. Furthermore, it is shown that the model presented is a generalization of a class of mathematical learning models, known as Luce's beta-model.     

SOCIOBIOLOGY, GOD, AND UNDERSTANDING

Abstract. This article presents the rationale of a new approach to the debate between sociobiology and religion. In it, I outline a sociobiology that may generate alternative and competing hypotheses about the existence of gods as beings (theisms) and the nature of their participation in the universe. I examine the central theoretical issues of this sociobiology and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a sociobiological approach to theological issues, including problems pertinent to nontheistic theologies. A concluding case is made for an enriched and revitalized agenda in the dialogue between sociobiology and religion. While consistent with current research on gene-culture coevolution, the article's treatment expands on earlier work to begin incorporating theoretical terms that carry a more direct theological impact.     

初中生数学学习策略的可控心理影响机制

运用问卷调查和访谈的方法,探讨了主要可控心理因素对初中生数学学习策略的影响机制。结果表明,所纳入的可控心理因素具有良好的代表性;可控心理因素对初中生数学学习策略的影响机制主要体现为数学学习动机、策略意识、积极归因和困难应对感对数学学习策略有显著的直接效应。研究提示,数学学习策略的教学应重视可控心理因素的作用并处理好各因素之间的关系。     

小学儿童数学态度与数学成就的纵向联系：学业拖延和数学元认知的作用

为深入探讨小学儿童的数学态度、学业拖延、数学元认知与数学成就之间的纵向联系及内在作用机制,对515名三、五年级小学生进行为期半年的追踪研究。结果表明:(1)学业拖延在儿童的数学态度与数学成就之间发挥着即时和纵向中介作用;(2)不同水平数学元认知个体在纵向中介模型中“数学态度→数学成就”这一路径上存在差异。这意味着较积极的数学态度有利于减少小学儿童的学业拖延行为,进而提高其数学成就,而高数学元认知则能够监控和调节个体的数学态度,使其发挥积极作用,从而提高数学成就。该发现为有效促进儿童的数学学习提供了重要实践启示。     

动态测验对“数学学习困难”儿童的进一步甄别

本研究意在考查动态测验对数学学习困难儿童作进一步程度区分的有效性。以传统且常用的数学学习困难鉴别方式和标准选取30名四年级数学学习困难儿童为实验组,30名同年级智力匹配儿童为对照组,以Swanson认知加工测验(S-CPT)的4个子测验为测量工具对被试进行动态测验。结果发现：(1)在传统数学学习困难鉴别方式的基础上,动态测验的“潜在认知能力”指标可以对儿童数学成绩增加19%的预测力;(2)以“潜在认知能力”指标为依据能够将数学学习困难儿童进一步区分为“发展落后”和“发展缺陷”两个水平;(3)“发展落后”儿童一年内数学成绩发生了增长性变化,与正常儿童水平相当,而“发展缺陷”儿童的数学成绩没有变化。研究证实关注潜能指标的动态测验范式在快速、准确甄别数学学习困难儿童上具有独特效用。