Behavioral Research Research Articles

Tucker3-PCovR: The Tucker3 principal covariates regression model.

In behavioral research, it is very common to have manage multiple datasets containing information about the same set of individuals, in such a way that one dataset attempts to explain the others. To address this need, in this paper the Tucker3-PCovR model is proposed. This model is a particular case of PCovR models which focuses on the analysis of a three-way data array and a two-way data matrix where the latter plays the explanatory role. The Tucker3-PCovR model reduces the predictors to a few components and predicts the criterion by using these components and, at the same time, the three-way data is fitted by the Tucker3 model. Both the reduction of the predictors and the prediction of the criterion are done simultaneously. An alternating least squares algorithm is proposed to estimate the Tucker3-PCovR model. A biplot representation is presented to facilitate the interpretation of the results. Some applications are made to empirical datasets from the field of psychology.

Analogical Visuospatial Matrix Reasoning, Verbal Relational Reasoning, Verbal IQ and Memory Relationships With Maths and Science: A Behavioural and fMRI Study

There is no research that combines behavioural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research approaches to investigate the relationships between analogical reasoning and the mediating and moderating effects of working memory, verbal IQ, visuospatial and verbal reasoning on students’ performance of maths and science. This paper investigates all these multiple relationships between working memory (WM), verbal IQ, visuospatial and verbal reasoning with performance in maths and science accuracy. The multimethod research consists of a behavioural survey and a fMRI neuroscience investigating the interactive and multiple relationships of all cognitive independent variables (IVs) with the dependent variables (DVs) of maths and science performance. Using structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and Warp Partial Least Squares (Warp PLS) analytical approach, the research discusses the findings of both, the behavioural and fMRI data. The adolescent sample (N=34) for the behavioural and fMRI study, was recruited from consenting schools in London, UK, and consisted of equal numbers of girls and boys between 11-15 years old. The hypothesised behavioural SEM model predicted positive relationships between all the independent variables (IV) of visuospatial matrix reasoning (VSMatAR), verbal analogical reasoning (VerbAR), verbal working memory (VWM), visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and verbal IQ, with performance in maths and science accuracy. The findings support all hypotheses except two and identifies verbal IQ, Verbal WM and VerbAR as the three strongest predictors of maths and science accuracy. The hypothesised fMRI SEM, produced mixed results, which supported some of the hypothesised relationships between the IVs of verbal AR and VSMatrix AR associations and four brain regions, namely, the bilateral dorso lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), Parietal, Temporal and pre-supplementary motor area (PSMA). The paper makes two original contributions, firstly, by testing the hypothesis that Verbal WM mediates the independent variables’ effects on maths and science outcomes. And secondly, by using Warp PLS to test the SEM (behavioural and fMRI) models’ multiple non-linear interactions simultaneously between the IVs with the DVs of maths and science accuracy. The research produced some interesting new insights relevant for educational practitioners regarding the strong relationships between Verbal analogical reasoning and maths and science performance for adolescent students.

Automated Observations of Dogs' Resting Behaviour Patterns Using Artificial Intelligence and Their Similarity to Behavioural Observations.

Although direct behavioural observations are widely used, they are time-consuming, prone to error, require knowledge of the observed species, and depend on intra/inter-observer consistency. As a result, they pose challenges to the reliability and repeatability of studies. Automated video analysis is becoming popular for behavioural observations. Sleep is a biological metric that has the potential to become a reliable broad-spectrum metric that can indicate the quality of life and understanding sleep patterns can contribute to identifying and addressing potential welfare concerns, such as stress, discomfort, or health issues, thus promoting the overall welfare of animals; however, due to the laborious process of quantifying sleep patterns, it has been overlooked in animal welfare research. This study presents a system comparing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with direct behavioural observation methods for the same data to detect and quantify dogs' sleeping patterns. A total of 13,688 videos were used to develop and train the model to quantify sleep duration and sleep fragmentation in dogs. To evaluate its similarity to the direct behavioural observations made by a single human observer, 6000 previously unseen frames were used. The system successfully classified 5430 frames, scoring a similarity rate of 89% when compared to the manually recorded observations. There was no significant difference in the percentage of time observed between the system and the human observer (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in total sleep time recorded, where the automated system captured more hours than the observer (p < 0.05). This highlights the potential of using a CNN-based system to study animal welfare and behaviour research.

EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING PHARMACISTS’ BEHAVIOR REGARDING THE SALE OF VITAMINS AT RETAIL PHARMACIES IN VINH LONG PROVINCE FROM 2022 - 2023

Objectives: To survey the current situation and assess factors affecting pharmacists’ behavior regarding the sale of vitamins at retail pharmacies in Vinh Long province from 2022 - 2023 based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) research model. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 424 pharmacists at retail pharmacies in Vinh Long province using a set of printed or online questionnaires based on the Google Forms platform. Results: Among 424 pharmacists participating in the study, females accounted for 72.9%, compared to 27.1% of males; there were 47.9% with intermediate pharmaceutical education, and 45.3% were pharmacy owners. Multivariate analysis indicated that both "Attitude" and "Subjective norm" significantly influenced pharmacists’ behavior in selling dietary supplements at retail pharmacies in Vinh Long province from 2022 - 2023. Conclusion: "Attitude" is a factor that strongly affects pharmacists’ behavior regarding the sale of vitamins at retail pharmacies in Vinh Long province from 2022 - 2023.

Experience shapes non-linearities between team behavioral interdependence, team collaboration, and performance in massively multiplayer online games

This paper examines quantitative predictors of team performance in Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) based on team management literature. Analyzing data from more than 140,000 squad-mode matches involving over 500,000 players, we replicate and extend existing research by confirming a curvilinear association between behavioral interdependence and team performance and introduce the moderating effect of experience. For less experienced teams, behavioral interdependence follows an inverted U-shaped pattern showing that excessive collaboration may be counterproductive. However, this is not the case for experienced teams, where the relationship is fairly linear. Additionally, we observe that riskier teams tend to perform worse. Moreover, our research also highlights the potential of e-sports data in advancing behavioral science and management research. The digital nature of e-sports datasets, characterized by size and granularity, mitigates concerns related to reproducibility, replicability, and generalizability in social science research, offering a cost-effective platform for scholars with diverse backgrounds.

The effect of financial literacy and demographic variable on behavioral biases

The current research investigates the association between demographic factors, including financial knowledge and demographic characteristics like gender, occupation, age, education, and income, and investor behavior biases, including bias against overconfidence, disposition effect, and herding bias. Further enhancement of behavioural finance research is required in Indonesia. This study applied a quantitative analysis technique called structural equation modeling. Stock investors aged 17 and 40 were given questionnaires for this study. Respondent data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires through several social media sites, such as Line, WhatsApp, and Instagram, to members of the investor’s community. The total number of respondents obtained from distributing this questionnaire was 170. According to the study, overconfidence bias significantly affects income and financial literacy. However, overconfidence bias does not affect gender, occupation, investment experience, education, or age. Furthermore, for behavioral biases, the disposition effect does not affect financial literacy or all demographic factors. Finally, for herding behavior bias, bias significantly affects financial literacy, investment experience, and income, but herding bias does not affect gender, occupation, education, age, or income. These results have implications for investors with a high level of financial literacy, which will help them determine rational investment decisions. This research also has implications for high-income investors who tend not to follow herding behavior.

Commentary on “developing an evidence base for behavioural interventions: a case study of the Headsprout® Early Reading programme”

Purpose This paper aims to offer a commentary on Denne et al.’s (2024) article discussing the journey undertaken by the Sharland Foundation Developmental Disabilities Applied Behavioural Research and Impact Network to augment evidence surrounding the efficacy of the online Headsprout® Early Reading programme. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from over 15 years of professional experience as a qualified teacher in special education settings, the author reflects on the network’s approach and its alignment with their own expertise. Findings While acknowledging the commendable focus of the network on amassing additional evidence, this commentary underscores the importance of identifying barriers and fostering adaptability within the educational landscape. Central to the discussion is the imperative to prioritise students’ needs and tailor data collection methods to suit their unique contexts. Originality/value This commentary is aimed at professionals working in special education settings striving to improve their practice and student outcomes.

Reviewing workplace innovation as a plea for a practical approach

AbstractWorkplace innovation (WPI) approaches share the ‘advancement’ of work as a commonality, that is, the notion of good jobs and its relation with good business performance. How WPI approaches contribute to the advancement of work is discussed in this ‘narrative review’ of the WPI literature, which intends to provide direction to future study and implementation of advanced work. A human‐centric theoretical position is chosen with regard to WPI, good work and well‐performing organisations. The heart of the review is investigating the roots of WPI and its historical development along the lines of four different research streams: sociology and organisation research, safety science and organisation research, economic strategy and human resources research, and psychology and behavioural research. These streams are evaluated from their contribution to advanced work, ‘good jobs’. In this review of WPI as a plea for a practical approach, we conclude how the streams connect to the conceptualisation of WPI and human‐centricity, discuss the implications for practice and some limitations, and make recommendations for future research.

Putting science to work for women's health.

The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)'s whole health paradigm expands the scope of women's health research, incorporating a life-course perspective that recognizes the profound influences of sex and gender on health. From childhood through adulthood, external and societal factors along with internal factors and biology shape women's health and influence access to quality healthcare. This comprehensive approach integrates data-driven sex- and gender-aware strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, focusing on the unique needs of women. Acknowledging the historical lack of timely research and data on women's health, an initiative led by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council, ushers in a new era of women's health research that offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the health of women through biomedical and behavioral research. The initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting research on autoimmune diseases, menopause, oral health, and chronic pain conditions. ORWH serves as the focal point for National Institutes of Health (NIH) women's health research. With a commitment to advancing holistic outcomes, ORWH engages in partnerships, outreach, and educational initiatives to disseminate critical research findings and support women's health researchers. Here we describe the convergence of this initiative with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research's work to advance the understanding of sex as a biological variable for conditions such as Sjogren's disease and temporomandibular disorder. This transformative approach to women's health research propels the United States toward innovative solutions, ensuring that science works for the health and well-being of every woman.

The impact of procedural justice on employee turnover intentions and the role of two mediators

Purpose While there is ample discussion in management studies and organizational behavior textbooks about the factors that impact organizational outcomes, such as employee retention, this research is focused on exploring the previously unexplored question of how procedural justice, job characteristics and meaningful work influence employees' intentions to leave their organizations. As such, this study aims to investigate the impact of procedural justice on employees' intentions to leave, both independently and in conjunction with job characteristics and meaningful work as mediators. Design/methodology/approach This study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to develop the research model and for hypothesis testing. The path model is assessed using critical model fit indices and measures of goodness of fit. Findings The results reveal a negative relationship between procedural justice and employees’ intentions to leave. This negative relationship persists and is strengthened when both job characteristics and meaningful work act as mediators. Although job characteristics only exerted a significant effect through indirect effects, meaningful work demonstrated a significant negative impact on the intentions to leave through both direct and indirect effects. Originality/value This study presents a new perspective on employee retention by proposing an original mediation-based path model. Through the testing of eleven hypotheses, the study reveals the intricate relationships between the four constructs examined. The findings provide valuable insights that can serve as a basis for future research in management studies and organizational behavior.

A preliminary analysis of the effect of individual differences on cognitive performance in young companion dogs

Many factors influence cognitive performance in dogs, including breed, temperament, rearing history, and training. Studies in working dog populations have demonstrated age-related improvements in cognitive task performance across the first years of development. However, the effect of certain factors, such as age, sex, and temperament, on cognitive performance in puppies has yet to be evaluated in a more diverse population of companion dogs. In this study, companion dogs under 12 months of age were tested once on two tasks purported to measure aspects of executive function: the delayed-search task (DST) and the detour reversal task (DRT). Owners also filled out the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) to evaluate how temperament influenced task performance. Contrary to prior research, performance did not improve with age on either task. However, the lack of age effects was likely the result of small sample sizes and individual differences across other factors influencing performance. Specifically, temperament differences as measured by the C-BARQ subscales for nonsocial fear and excitability predicted task performance on the DST, but the effect of temperament on task performance differed between males and females. Excitability also predicted performance on the DRT, but the effect depended on the age of the dog. In addition, no correlations were observed between task measures, indicating a lack of construct validity. Overall, these findings provide a preliminary analysis of factors that appear to influence cognitive task performance in young companion dogs and highlight suggestions for future research evaluating the impact of individual differences on cognitive performance.

179 Clinical and Translational Researchers from Underrepresented Groups Identify the Barriers they Experience

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Using the NIH’s expanded definition of underrepresented populations in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social science research enterprise, we examined the impediments for conducting translational research experienced by those from underrepresented groups. [https://acts.slayte.com/calls/detail/740a13de-316c-11ee-90f4-0e0ce905385c/draft/389221c1-434e-11ee-90f4-0e0ce905385c#_ftn1] #_ftn1 METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: One hundred and ninety-nine people completed a survey distributed to 750 persons who had interacted with our Center’s service cores as users, awardees, mentors, committee members, seminar attendees, and/or participated Center sponsored programming (response rate = 26.5%). The survey addressed barriers to conducting clinical and translational research at the respondent’s institution, awareness of and interest in using specific Advance RI-CTR services, and satisfaction with their institution’s efforts to support clinical and translational research. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Women reported access to collaboration across institutions as a barrier to clinical and translational research that existed to a great extent (28%) significantly more than men (10%). More than half (53%) of the other underrepresented researchers surveyed identified insufficient grant administration supportas a barrier that occurs to a great extent, compared with 35% of researchers who were not from an underrepresented group. Other barriers reported more frequently among underrepresented researchers included lack of pilot project funding, inadequate space for conducting research, lower access to collaborators across institutions, and difficulty obtaining advice on regulatory issues and commercial development. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Efforts to address the barriers identified by underrepresented groups will include, but not be limited to, improving collaborations across institutions, support for grant administration, and a discussion of plans for the Center to augment and advocate at the partner institutions on behalf of these underrepresented individuals.

Changing Settlement Organization in the Late Pleistocene of the Wadi al-Hasa, West-Central Jordan

Since the 1980s, surveys in Jordan’s Wadi al-Hasa document dozens of Late Pleistocene hunter–gatherer sites, some of them tested or partly excavated. To track landscape-scale forager mobility and settlement patterns over time, we examine 26 levels from 13 sites dated to the Middle, Upper, and Epipaleolithic using aspects of Barton’s whole assemblage behavioral indicators research protocol, a collection of methods designed to extract patterns from archeological palimpsests. Because forager ethnographies document adaptive strategies that do not map onto the discrete site types employed by archeologists, we evaluate the utility of the latter so far as behavioral inferences are concerned. We show that discrete bimodal contrasts like “curated” and “expedient” and their archeological correlates fail to capture the much more complex reality. Only by using these methods in conjunction with these analytical contrasts can a realistic picture of forager mobility and land use approximating that known from ethnography be attained.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-Powerful Yet Underutilized Tools and Algorithms in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Research.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-Powerful Yet Underutilized Tools and Algorithms in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Research.

Image Semantic Segmentation Approach for Studying Human Behavior on Image Data

Image semantic segmentation is an essential technique for studying human behavior through image data. This paper proposes an image semantic segmentation method for human behavior research. Firstly, an end-to-end convolutional neural network architecture is proposed, which consists of a depth-separable jump-connected fully convolutional network and a conditional random field network; then jump-connected convolution is used to classify each pixel in the image, and an image semantic segmentation method based on convolutional neural network is proposed; and then a conditional random field network is used to improve the effect of image segmentation of human behavior and a linear modeling and nonlinear modeling method based on the semantic segmentation of conditional random field image is proposed. Finally, using the proposed image segmentation network, the input entrepreneurial image data is semantically segmented to obtain the contour features of the person; and the segmentation of the images in the medical field. The experimental results show that the image semantic segmentation method is effective. It is a new way to use image data to study human behavior and can be extended to other research areas.

Precision Psychiatry Implementation in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinical Practice: Opportunities and Challenges

Precision psychiatry is becoming a realistic ambition for clinical practice. Modern data gathering and data analysis tools create great opportunities for prediction of outcomes, decreased trial and error in selecting treatments, and improved understanding of complex mechanisms leading to more effective treatments. Some current challenges to implementation of these approaches are highlighted in this article. These include the limitations related to characteristics of the statistical methods used for precision medicine, standardization and clinical implementation of the various behavioral research paradigms in use, and the process of defining new outcome measures. Some clinical experiences and possible ways forward are also discussed, including patient and clinician interest in objective measures to complement current clinical assessments, sensitivity to existing workflows, a focus on defining new clinical categories rather than attempting to predict DSM diagnosis, and the use of alternative measures as meaningful outcome measures themselves. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(4):e108-e112.]

Diversity in the career lifecycle: A review and research agenda

Acknowledging the evolving composition of modern workforces and nature of contemporary work, we offer a review and research agenda for integrating diversity process theory into career and vocational behavior research. Based on a review of theories that articulate how social identity shapes career outcomes, we highlight a need for additional theorizing that captures the dynamism and complexity of human experience and intersecting roles embedded within the career lifecycle. To address this need, we propose approaching the study of vocational behavior from a diversity process perspective. Integrating three diversity-related processes (identity, information processing, inclusion) across three career stages (career choice, adjustment, exit), we develop a model for exploring how diversity influences people's career experiences and transitions. Specifically, we identify five career transitions – identity-choice, information processing-choice, information processing-adjustment, inclusion-adjustment, and inclusion-exit – and discuss the underlying mechanisms for each. We also suggest specific directions for future research that respond to the increasing diversity and intersectionality of modern workforces and advances foundational insights into how individuals navigate their career experiences and trajectories. By bridging the gap between the career and diversity theoretical domains and offering a new perspective for researchers and practitioners in the field of career development, we hope to take an important step toward a more comprehensive, inclusive and socially responsive understanding of vocational behavior.

Automated and repeated aerial observations of GPS‐collared animals using UAVs and open‐source electronics

AbstractTelemetry has enabled ecologists to link animal movement trajectories and environmental features at a fine spatiotemporal resolution; however, the effects of social interactions on individual choice within large mobile groups remain largely unknown. Estimating the effect of social interaction in the wild remains challenging because existing long‐term tracking tools such as GPS collars focus on the movements of a single individual and cannot observe the behavior of other individuals within the group. The progression of socially informed movement models requires measuring simultaneous trajectories of many individuals at once, as well as the instantaneous social cues to which individuals may be responding. The availability of low‐flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low‐cost open‐source electronics presents a promising opportunity to collect fine‐scale data on social interactions in order to advance our understanding of collective behavior. Here, we present a tracking system that enables the repeated localization and observation of a collared individual and its near neighbors using nadir video footage collected from a commercial UAV. We make use of open‐source electronics combined with the UAV's in‐built functionality that allows it to follow a stream of GPS locations to create an automated system that can follow a specific individual without user control. We demonstrate the tracking systems' performance by studying the group movements of a herd of Exmoor ponies (Equus ferus caballus), and as a proof of concept, we examine the position of the focal individual (collared animal) in relation to the center of the video frame. We also collect information about the focal individual's nearest neighbors. The automated animal observation tool is effective at consistently keeping the focal individual close to the center of the video frame, offering a new dimension to existing remote telemetry tools. For instance, the repeated observation of the same individual in different physiological states, seasons, and demographic groups potentially opens new avenues in collective movement ecology research. By making our design, software, and firmware freely available, we aim to encourage continuous improvements to collective behavior research and to facilitate replicable approaches across other species and ecosystems.

Examining Green Transformation In Nepalese Human Resource Management Practices

Purpose: This study examines the variables influencing the implementation of environmentally friendly practices in organizations and to examinining the relationships between green transformational leadership, personal moral principles, green management of human resources, green commitment, with employee green behavior.&#x0D; Methodology: The study used a descriptive and causal research approach. The study used primary data with a questionnaire based on stratified random sampling techiniques, collected from a sample of 393 respondents consisting of employed personnel from both public and private sectors, encompassing banking and non-banking and college campuses. The study used Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis method to analyze data using the SPSS tool.&#x0D; Findings and Conclusion: The study reveals a signicant relationship of personal moral norms (0.800), green human resource management (0.749), green transformational leadership (.815), green commitment (.810) with employees green behaviour. These factors account for essential differences in employees’ involvement in environmentally conscious actions. The regression analysis determines the significant predictive capability of these parameters with green commitment being particularly prominent.&#x0D; Implications: These findings emphasize the solid empirical evidence of the study’s results, establishing a quantitative basis for the interrelatedness of personal beliefs, organizational practices, leadership styles, and employee participation in environmentally sustainable behaviors. The practical implications for organizations are enhanced by including quantitative evidence, highlighting the importance of dedication and strategic leadership in achieving long-lasting effects on a sustainable workplace. Further research in green behavior is essential, and the qualitative observation method is recommended for future researchers.

Measuring Indonesian young consumers’ halal purchase intention of foreign-branded food products

This article is among the few focusing on halal young consumer behavior in Indonesia. The focus is to examine the topic of halal food product purchase intention. Here, we focus specifically on Muslim teenagers in Indonesia to explore whether they still hold on to the halal principle that most Muslims adhere to when consuming food. This research examine their halal awareness based on theory of planned behavior (TPB) theory and compare it to the previous publications so far. To reach this objective, we used quantitative methodology. Our data was acquired from 161 Indonesian young Muslim consumers. Furthermore, the variance-based structural equation modeling and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) research model were utilized. Our findings demonstrate that subjective norm and attitude are significant determinants of halal food buying intent. However, perceived behavioral control has not been established as a purchase intention component. Finally, this study provides additional research on halal consumer behavior, focusing on the empirical findings of young Indonesian consumers, especially seen from TPB perspective.