Using a Response Time–Based Expected A Posteriori Estimator to Control for Differential Speededness in Computerized Adaptive Test

This study investigates using response times (RTs) with item responses in a computerized adaptive test (CAT) setting to enhance item selection and ability estimation and control for differential speededness. Using van der Linden’s hierarchical framework, an extended procedure for joint estimation of ability and speed parameters for use in CAT is developed following van der Linden; this is called the joint expected a posteriori estimator (J-EAP). It is shown that the J-EAP estimate of ability and speededness outperforms the standard maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of ability and speededness in terms of correlation, root mean square error, and bias. It is further shown that under the maximum information per time unit item selection method (MICT)—a method which uses estimates for ability and speededness directly—using the J-EAP further reduces average examinee time spent and variability in test times between examinees above the resulting gains of this selection algorithm with the MLE while maintaining estimation efficiency. Simulated test results are further corroborated with test parameters derived from a real data example.     

American base‐rate neglect: It is not the math,but the context

We investigate cross‐cultural disparities in focalism bias through two studies of probability estimation. Using 60 American and 60 Chinese participants, Experiment 1 yields the standard finding that Americans manifest greater focalism bias by tending to neglect background probability base‐rates and to rely more heavily on obtained samples in estimating true probabilities, whereas Chinese participants show little tendency to ignore base‐rates. In Experiment 2, the phrasing of the probability‐estimation task is changed to bring base‐rates into the focus of the problem statement, again using a sample of 60 Americans and 60 Chinese. This allows us to test whether cross‐cultural differences result from a tendency to focus on the sample, and ignore ‘context’ (i.e., the background base‐rates), rather than simply a discrepancy in mathematical facility between the two groups. The results show far less base‐rate neglect for Americans, but essentially no change for Chinese (who always use base‐rate information, regardless of how presented). This outcome argues against the explanation that Americans are poorer Bayesians simply because they are weaker mathematicians. Implications are discussed.     

1秒以上时距判断的ERP研究

以视觉呈现时距信号,采用时间泛化范式要求被试判断5种探测时距(1～4秒)与标准时距(2秒)之间的长度关系,并记录11名大学生在时距判断过程中的事件相关电位(ERP),继而探讨不同探测时距条件下CNV波幅特征变化以及左、右侧额叶在时距判断中的功能。结果发现:1秒、1.42秒以及2秒条件下,CNV波幅峰出现在探测时距结束点,2.84秒、4秒条件下,CNV波幅峰出现在大约2秒处(标准时距);CNV负性翻转至基线位置在1秒、1.42秒、2秒条件下随探测时距的增长而延后,而在2.84秒、4秒两种条件下无显著差异;左、右侧额叶处诱发的CNV波幅峰潜时在2.84秒、4秒探测时距条件下无显著差异,且均在2秒附近。这说明在1秒以上视时距判断中CNV波幅峰反映了基于记忆中标准时距的时距判断的决策过程;CNV负性翻转至基线位置与时距判断的决策阶段存在共变关系,CNV负性翻转至基线位置相当于负荷解脱过程中的一个由负翻正的转折点;左、右侧额叶均参与了时距脉冲累加过程。     

新世纪20年国内结构方程模型方法研究与模型发展

新世纪前20年, 国内结构方程模型(SEM)方法研究主要涉及5个主题：模型发展、参数估计、模型评价、测量不变性及特殊数据处理, 特别是模型发展方面(即SEM的各种变式)有较多成果。对每个主题, 在简述背景知识的基础上, 系统总结了方法学研究发展及成果。最后也讨论了SEM的国外方法学研究进展和未来研究方向。     

Effect of click trains on duration estimates by people with Parkinson's disease

Patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and age- and IQ-matched controls estimated the duration of short 500-Hz tones (325–1,225 ms), on trials where the tone was either preceded by 3 s of 5-Hz clicks, or presented without clicks. The click manipulation had been shown in earlier studies with student participants to make verbal estimates longer. Patients were tested both on and off their dopaminergic medication, and controls were also tested in two sessions. Verbal estimates were markedly and significantly longer on trials with clicks than on those without clicks for both the patients and the controls, but there were no significant performance differences between patients or controls, nor between the on and off medication sessions in the patients. The study shows that a manipulation of subjective time, which has had small but consistent effects in student participants, also affects timing in patients and adds to a growing body of evidence that timing in patients with Parkinson's disease may in many cases have the same characteristics as those of neurologically intact control groups.     

青少年测量估计能力的发展状况及相关因素

测量估计(简称估测)是上世纪七十年代数学认知领域兴起的研究热点之一。采用自编的测验任务对747名青少年估测能力的发展状况及相关因素进行了考察。其中测验任务包括长度和面积估测两种类型,并且每种类型都采用了图形和实物两种题目形式。被试平均年龄为17.11岁。结果发现青少年的估测能力的发展表现出如下特点:(1)青少年的总体估测能力普遍较低;(2)青少年的估测能力在初中阶段会显著提高,但之后的发展相对缓慢;(3)青少年的估测成绩易受任务类型和题目形式的影响。对长度任务的估测成绩好于对面积的估测;对图形题目的估测成绩好于对实际物体的估测;(4)青少年的估测能力不存在明显性别差异。     

CDF‐quantile distributions for modelling random variables on the unit interval

This paper introduces a two‐parameter family of distributions for modelling random variables on the (0,1) interval by applying the cumulative distribution function of one ‘parent’ distribution to the quantile function of another. Family members have explicit probability density functions, cumulative distribution functions and quantiles in a location parameter and a dispersion parameter. They capture a wide variety of shapes that the beta and Kumaraswamy distributions cannot. They are amenable to likelihood inference, and enable a wide variety of quantile regression models, with predictors for both the location and dispersion parameters. We demonstrate their applicability to psychological research problems and their utility in modelling real data.     

六年级儿童的估算水平与策略

借鉴Lemaire与Siegler提出的儿童认知策略的一般概念框架,运用自编的估算题目对210名小学六年级儿童的估算能力进行了初步分析。结果表明;小学六年级儿童具有一定的估算能力,只是所给估算答案明显受到数字类型和运算规则的交互影响;他们会运用多种估算策略,但各种策略的使用频率、执行速度和准确性都存在明显差异。文章还对儿童估算策略的评估做了深入讨论。     

Estimation of trade‐off between costs of preprocessing and primary processing

When people engage in a task, they often take preliminary actions (preprocessing) to simplify primary processing. Usually, a trade‐off is made between the costs of preprocessing and primary processing. We conducted three experiments to find out whether people could adaptively estimate the utility of preprocessing depending on the task situation. The result demonstrated that in performing a high‐complexity task, almost all the participants reduced their overall task performance cost by conducting cost‐adaptive preprocessing. However, for a low‐complexity task, participants tended to conduct preprocessing even though this increased overall task performance cost. Based on these results, we discuss human nature from the viewpoint of the influence of cognitive effort.