Cognitive Constructs Research Articles

A - 83 Concordance between Informant Measures, Executive Functioning, and Functional Ability in an Older Adult Population

Abstract Objective Informant-report measures often do not correlate with neuropsychological tests measuring the same cognitive construct, yet they may offer insight into everyday difficulties not captured by objective tests. Performance-based measures of functional ability, developed to capture real-world skills, may better align with informant-report measures. Clarifying the relationship between subjective and objective assessment tools in older adults could enhance precision in selecting the most appropriate measures. Method As part of a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, community-dwelling older adults who were cognitively unimpaired or who presented with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment completed tests of executive functioning (EF), (D-KEFS Trail Making Test 4, Letter Fluency, WCST, WAIS-Comprehension) and financial capacity, Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI-SF). Informants responded to measures of functional ability, Amsterdam Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire Short Version (A-IADL-Q-SV) and Assessment of Functional Capacity Interview (AFCI) and items capturing EF on the Brief Informant Form of Neurobehavioral Symptomatology (BINS). Results Participants’ (N = 97, Mage = 74.64 ± 7.42 years; Meducation = 15.76 ± 2.42 years; 74.2% female) FCI-SF performance significantly correlated with higher A-IADL-Q-SV (r = 0.403, p < 0.01) and AFCI (r = −0.294, p < 0.01) scores, whereas there was no significant correlation between a composite Z-score for traditional neuropsychological tests and select EF items from the BINS, (r = −0.119, p = 0.252). Conclusion We found greater alignment between objective and subjective measures of functional ability than EF, possibly due to the observable nature of functional tasks. Objective and informant measures of EF do not align, potentially targeting different aspects of cognition in non-demented older adults. This should be considered when selecting instruments measuring specific constructs of interest.

Obstacles of Qualitative Research in The English Language Field from the Perspective of Its Faculty Members at King Abdul Aziz University (Case Study)

The current study aimed to identify the obstacles that prevent conducting qualitative research in the English Language field at university, as well as the theoretical and philosophical premises of qualitative research. The researcher used the explanatory approach, and used the interview as one of the qualitative research methods. The study found that we need to conduct qualitative research in the English language because of the predominance of quantitative research tools and methods in an explicit omission of qualitative research, despite its importance and suitability for the study of many phenomena and problems in the field of the English language. Philosophical study of the phenomenon is more in depth in the cognitive construction, in addition to its use of a number of means to collect the data of the phenomenon such as observation, interview, document analysis, and knowledge of the social, personal and material circumstances and scenes related to the phenomenon being studied. The study also found that there are many obstacles that prevent conducting qualitative research in the field of education in general and the field of English language in particular. The researcher has developed a set of proposals to overcome the obstacles of qualitative research in the English language field.

Bridging oral health and nutrition: Assessing produce prescription programs in pediatric dental clinics serving low-income communities.

This study assesses the needs and feasibility of conducting a produce prescription (produce Rx) program in a pediatric dental clinic setting serving low-income patients. We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey examining several household characteristics including demographics, benefits received, fruit and vegetable intake patterns, food security, feasibility of a produce Rx program, and respondents' answers to questions based on social cognitive theory constructs. The survey was administered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) pediatric dental clinic, a pediatric dental residency clinical training site. One hundred adult respondents with low income completed a 36-item questionnaire during their child's dental appointment. Almost half of respondents reported experiencing food insecurity (45%). Respondents who were food insecure experienced higher levels of nutrition insecurity (p = 0.012), less confidence in choosing fruits and vegetables (FVs) (p = 0.026), difficulty in purchasing FVs in their neighborhood (p = 0.012), and more concern that FVs cost too much (p < 0.001) when compared to respondents who were food secure. Notwithstanding the barriers they face, almost all respondents reported that they eat FVs because of health benefits (95%) and to set a good example for their family (91%). Additionally, most respondents expressed an interest in produce Rx programs (80%) and nutrition education activities (81%). This study demonstrated the potential for produce Rx program uptake in a pediatric dental clinic setting through positive caregiver-reported need and interest. Future studies should explore how produce Rx programs can be adapted most effectively in this novel setting.

A Cognitive Semantic Account of the Preposition “‘bra” in Modern Standard Arabic with Reference to the English “Through”

Prepositions are crucial grammatical devices for indicating location, movement, time, and other meanings. A case in point is the Arabic preposition “‘abra,” which expresses different spatial, temporal, and abstract meanings. Adopting a cognitive semantic perspective, this study investigates ‘abra, its diverse spatial meanings, and metaphorical extensions. It also uses cognitive constructs such as image schemas, prototypes, and conceptual metaphor to demonstrate how various senses of ‘abra can be described based on perceptual properties and cognitive characteristics. In addition, this study compares the meanings of ‘abra with those of its English equivalent (through). This research uses authentic examples from Modern Standard Arabic available through the Sketch Engine website and illustrations created by the researcher. The analytical description involves the basic schema, the prototypical meaning, and the metaphorical extensions. The findings reveal that ‘abra and “through” share a basic image schema and prototypical sense with slight differences resulting from varying conceptualizations. The metaphorical extensions are also similar. The distinctions between the two mostly pertain to the semantic scope in addition to the fact that ‘abra also covers the meaning of the preposition “across.” Generally, this analysis asserts that prepositional meanings are best described using a cognitive semantic framework. The results may be useful in the fields of lexicon, second learning and teaching, as well as translation.

Modeling perceived information needs in human-AI teams: improving AI teammate utility and driving team cognition

ABSTRACT As AI technologies advance, teams are beginning to see AI transition from a tool to a full-fledged teammate. Introducing an AI teammate brings several challenges, ranging from how human teammates perceive their new AI teammates from an affective standpoint to how AI should engage in the various teaming behaviors that make up effective teamwork. The current study used a mixed factorial survey and structural equation modeling to assess how participants in hypothetical human-AI teams respond to various forms of AI information-sharing, including information related to explainability, back-up behavior, situational awareness, and augmenting team memory. The study's results found that AI design features related to situational awareness and augmenting the teams' memory had the strongest effect on participants' attitudes and perceived team cognition with their teammates. However, much of this effect was mediated by participants' affective attitudes towards the AI as a teammate, with higher ratings leading directly to higher levels of perceived team cognition constructs. These results highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards AI teammates, such as trust and cohesion in human-AI teams, to support the development of effective team cognition and the ability of AI information-sharing to bring about such positive impacts.

Flexible word position coding in reading: Roles for attention and memory.

Readers may fail to notice the error in 'Do love you me?': this is the recently established transposed-word (TW) phenomenon. Word position coding is a novel cognitive construct, and researchers are presently debating the underlying mechanisms. Here I investigated roles for attention and memory. Participants (N = 54) made grammaticality judgements to four-word sequences that formed correct sentences ('The man can run', 'The dog was here'), TW sentences ('The can man run', 'The was dog here'), or ungrammatical control sentences ('The man dog run', 'The was can here'). Sequences were replaced by post-masks after 200ms, and that post-mask was accompanied by a 50-ms retro-cue in the form of an 'X' presented at a critical location (where one could have locally inferred grammaticality; e.g., between the first and second word of 'The was dog here') or a non-critical location (e.g., between the third and fourth word of 'The was dog here'). TW sentences were harder to reject than control sentences - the classic TW effect - and crucially, this effect was modulated by cue validity, with valid cues attenuating TW effects compared to invalid cues. The present results suggest that focused attention aids the process of binding words to locations. Furthermore, as cues appeared after sentence offset, these results suggest that word position coding may take place in memory.

Relationships between depression, anxiety, and motivation in the real-world: Effects of physical activity and screentime.

Mood and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and comorbid worldwide, with variability in symptom severity that fluctuates over time. Digital phenotyping, a growing field that aims to characterize clinical, cognitive and behavioral features via personal digital devices, enables continuous quantification of symptom severity in the real world, and in real-time. In this study, N=114 individuals with a mood or anxiety disorder (MA) or healthy controls (HC) were enrolled and completed 30-days of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of symptom severity. Novel real-world measures of anxiety, distress and depression were developed based on the established Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ). The full MASQ was also completed in the laboratory (in-lab). Additional EMA measures related to extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and passive activity data were also collected over the same 30-days. Mixed-effects models adjusting for time and individual tested the association between real-world symptom severity EMA and the corresponding full MASQ sub-scores. A graph theory neural network model (DEPNA) was applied to all data to estimate symptom interactions. There was overall good adherence over 30-days (MA=69.5%, HC=71.2% completion), with no group difference (t(58)=0.874, p=0.386). Real-world measures of anxiety/distress/depression were associated with their corresponding MASQ measure within the MA group (t's > 2.33, p's < 0.024). Physical activity (steps) was negatively associated with real-world distress and depression (IRRs > 0.93, p's ≤ 0.05). Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were negatively associated with real-world distress/depression (IRR's > 0.82, p's < 0.001). DEPNA revealed that both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation significantly influenced other symptom severity measures to a greater extent in the MA group compared to the HC group (extrinsic/intrinsic motivation: t(46) = 2.62, p < 0.02, q FDR < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.76; t(46) = 2.69, p < 0.01, q FDR < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.78 respectively), and that intrinsic motivation significantly influenced steps (t(46) = 3.24, p < 0.003, q FDR < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.94). Novel real-world measures of anxiety, distress and depression significantly related to their corresponding established in-lab measures of these symptom domains in individuals with mood and anxiety disorders. Novel, exploratory measures of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation also significantly related to real-world mood and anxiety symptoms and had the greatest influencing degree on patients' overall symptom profile. This suggests that measures of cognitive constructs related to drive and activity may be useful in characterizing phenotypes in the real-world.

ESD goals and soft skills competencies through constructivist approaches to teaching: an integrative review

Recent studies claimed that the absence of a paradigm is a challenge to developing education for sustainable development and soft skills competencies. This integrative study examines stimulating these transferable and transversal competencies through constructivist approaches to teaching from the cognitive, social, radical, and critical perspectives. The study argues that the use of constructivist approaches to teaching can contribute to the achievement of education for sustainable development and soft skills competencies through the delegation of power from teachers/lecturers to students. This, in active and interactive classrooms, empowers students and builds their confidence to develop on the personal, academic, and professional levels. The use of the cognitive constructivist approach assists in developing competencies based on a clear understanding of the cognitive structures of students in a vibrant classroom environment. The use of the social constructivist approach assists in constructing individualized learning environment based on predetermined zones of proximal development in sociocultural contexts. The radical and critical constructivist approaches to teaching, through the rejection of conventional epistemologies, allow students the freedom to creatively address issues related to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. This becomes effective through the fostering of self and social awareness, challenging existing ideas, and provoking innovative thoughts that are necessary to shape a sustainable future.

Mobile toolbox (MTB) remote measures of executive function and processing speed: development and validation.

The ability to remotely monitor cognitive skills is increasing with the ubiquity of smartphones. The Mobile Toolbox (MTB) is a new measurement system that includes measures assessing Executive Functioning (EF) and Processing Speed (PS): Arrow Matching, Shape-Color Sorting, and Number-Symbol Match. The purpose of this study was to assess their psychometric properties. MTB measures were developed for smartphone administration based on constructs measured in the NIH Toolbox® (NIHTB). Psychometric properties of the resulting measures were evaluated in three studies with participants ages 18 to 90. In Study 1 (N = 92), participants completed MTB measures in the lab and were administered both equivalent NIH TB measures and other external measures of similar cognitive constructs. In Study 2 (N = 1,021), participants completed the equivalent NIHTB measures in the lab and then took the MTB measures on their own, remotely. In Study 3 (N = 168), participants completed MTB measures twice remotely, two weeks apart. All three measures exhibited very high internal consistency and strong test-retest reliability, as well as moderately high correlations with comparable NIHTB tests and moderate correlations with external measures of similar constructs. Phone operating system (iOS vs. Android) had a significant impact on performance for Arrow Matching and Shape-Color Sorting, but no impact on either validity or reliability. Results support the reliability and convergent validity of MTB EF and PS measures for use across the adult lifespan in remote, self-administered designs.

Predicting physical activity behavior among university students using the multi-process action control framework

Most university students do not engage in enough physical activity (PA) despite the known physical and mental health benefits. Action control theories such as the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework have been proposed to better understand the translation of intentions into action by incorporating post-intentional processes. However, the explanatory power of the M-PAC framework beyond traditional social cognitive constructs has received limited attention. This study examined the predictive utility of the M-PAC framework for explaining variance in self-reported and device-measured PA behavior among university students. A total of 2418 undergraduate students (Mean age = 19.1 ± 1.73 [SD] years) completed an online survey that included a self-reported measure of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) as well as constructs outlined in the M-PAC framework: instrumental and affective attitudes, perceived capability and opportunity, behavioral regulation, habit and identity. A subsample (n = 376) also wore an ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for seven full days to assess MVPA. Robust linear regression models were computed to investigate associations between M-PAC framework constructs and PA behavior. Findings showed the M-PAC framework explained as high as 14.3 % and 37.9 % of the variance in device-measured and self-reported MVPA, respectively. Regulatory (behavioral regulation), and reflexive (habit and identity) processes were significant predictors of self-reported MVPA when examining the full M-PAC framework, whereas the role identity dimension of PA identity was the only significant predictor of device-assessed MVPA. Taken together, these results reinforce the importance of post-intentional processes, specifically role identity, in understanding PA behavior among university students.

Interplay of academic emotion regulation, academic mindfulness, L2 learning experience, academic motivation, and learner autonomy in intelligent computer-assisted language learning: A study of EFL learners

In the evolving landscape of second language (L2) education, Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL) stands out as a transformative force with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Despite its growing prominence, integrating cognitive and affective constructs such as academic emotion regulation and mindfulness remains underexplored in ICALL environments. This study addresses this gap by examining their interplay with L2 learning experience, academic motivation, and learner autonomy among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Drawing on data from 398 intermediate EFL learners, this research utilized a comprehensive array of validated instruments, including the Academic Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, the Langer Mindfulness Scale, the L2 Learning Experience Scale, the Academic Motivation Scale, and the Learner Autonomy Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed significant correlations, indicating that academic emotion regulation positively influences L2 learning experience, academic motivation, and learner autonomy within ICALL settings. Furthermore, academic mindfulness emerged as a robust predictor of these educational outcomes in ICALL environments. These findings underscore the pivotal role of ICALL in L2 education and offer practical insights for teachers, curriculum developers, and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning practices.

How do emotions influence healthy food choice? Investigating an extended framework of the social-cognitive theory

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate how and through which social-cognitive constructs, emotions influence healthy food shopping behaviors. Direct effects of those constructs, as well as indirect effects of consumer emotions are considered.Design/methodology/approachAn altered version of the Social Cognitive Theory, including intention, socio-structural factors, outcome expectancies and self-efficacy with the addition of consumer emotions was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Data of 1,181 volunteers were collected in Germany in 2021 through an online survey.FindingsIntention was the most important positive predictor of food choice, while socio-structural factors had the biggest impact on intentions. Those were mostly influenced by self-efficacy, which was strongly predicted by consumer emotions. Outcome expectancies did not influence the current model in any way. Consumer emotions did not directly influence intention, nor actual choice, however showed to be influencing those variables through indirect effects.Practical implicationsMarketers could benefit from these results by incorporating the current findings into existing marketing strategies through targeting a combination of social cognitive constructs, as well as consumer emotions to facilitate healthier food shopping behavior.Originality/valueAffect has received increasing attention in regards to its impact on healthy eating behaviors in recent years. Less attention has been paid to the mechanisms through which emotions influence healthy nutrition behavior, specifically how consumer emotions influence healthy food shopping behavior.

Feasibility and preliminary effects of the Fit2ThriveMB pilot physical activity promotion intervention on physical activity and patient reported outcomes in individuals with metastatic breast cancer.

Physical activity research among patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is limited. This study examined the feasibility and potential benefits of Fit2ThriveMB, a tailored mHealth intervention. Insufficiently active individuals with MBC (n = 49) were randomized 1:1 to Fit2ThriveMB (Fit2ThriveMB app, Fitbit, and weekly coaching calls) or Healthy Lifestyle attention control (Cancer.Net app and weekly calls) for 12weeks. Fit2ThriveMB aimed to increase daily steps via an algorithm tailored to daily symptom rating and step goal attainment. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as ≥ 80% completion rate. Secondary feasibility metrics included meeting daily step goal and wearing the Fitbit ≥ 70% of study days, fidelity, adherence to intervention features and safety. Secondary outcomes included physical activity, sedentary time, patient reported outcomes (PROs), health-related quality of life (QOL) and social cognitive theory constructs. A subsample (n = 25) completed functional performance tests via video conferencing. The completion rate was 98% (n = 1 died). No related adverse events were reported. Fit2ThriveMB participants (n = 24) wore the Fitbit 92.7%, met their step goal 53.1%, set a step goal 84.6% and used the app 94.1% of 84 study days. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated trends toward improvements in activity, QOL, and some PROs, social cognitive theory constructs, and functional performance tests favoring the Fit2ThriveMB group. Significant effects favoring Fit2ThriveMB were observed for self-efficacy and goal-setting. However, some PROs and functional performance improvements favored the control group (p-values > 0.05). Fit2ThriveMB is feasible and safe for patients with MBC and warrants further evaluation in randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04129346, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04129346.

The Integration of Ethnoscience and Technology: A Review

This literature review critically examines the integration of ethnoscience and technology, highlighting the transformative impact of this amalgamation on the field of social sciences. Ethnoscience, with its focus on understanding the diverse ways in which human communities perceive and interact with their world, and ethnography, a methodology for the immersive study of cultures and social interactions, together provide a robust framework for exploring human cognition, behavior, and societal constructs. The review delves into the key principles of ethnoscience, emphasizing the development and significance of ethnography in anthropological research and the methodological flexibility required to address contemporary challenges. This study further explores the integration of technological innovations such as wearables, digital traces, and information and communication technology (ICT) into ethnographic studies, underscoring the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital era. The paper argues that the incorporation of technology not only expands the methodological toolkit available to researchers but also enhances the depth and breadth of ethnographic insights into socio-economic, policy, and environmental factors influencing technology adoption across various sectors. Despite the methodological, socio-economic, and infrastructural hurdles, the integration offers unprecedented opportunities for understanding complex social phenomena, contributing significantly to policy-making, community development, and technological innovation. This review underscores the necessity of evolving ethnographic practices to keep pace with technological advancements, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the intricacies of human life in the digital age.

Anxiety sensitivity in relation to smoking dependence motives among Latinx persons who smoke.

Hispanic/Latinx (hereafter Latinx) persons are an established tobacco disparities population in the United States (US). Past work has suggested that individual differences in anxiety sensitivity, or the fear of arousal-based sensations, is one important cognitive construct for smoking maintenance and relapse among Latinx persons who smoke. However, previous research has not examined if anxiety sensitivity is associated with motivational facets of smoking dependence among this tobacco disparities population. In the current study, anxiety sensitivity was explored in terms of smoking motives for primary, secondary, and overall cigarette dependence. Participants included 336 English-speaking Latinx adults in the US who smoked cigarettes daily (Mage = 35.53, SD = 8.65, 37.3% Female). Results indicated that anxiety sensitivity was statistically significantly and positively related to higher primary and secondary dependence motives and marginally statistically significant to cigarette dependence; findings were evident after adjusting for numerous theoretically relevant variables (e.g., depression). Overall, the current study is the first to document linkages between anxiety sensitivity and numerous motivational bases of tobacco dependence among Latinx persons who smoke from the US.

Development, validity, and reliability assessment of the Canadian Food Literacy Measure.

Food literacy is a growing area of interest given its potential to support healthy and sustainable diets. Most existing food literacy measures focus on nutrition and food skills but fail to address food systems and socio-environmental aspects of food literacy. Further, measures developed and tested in the Canadian context are lacking. The objective of this project was to develop and test the validity and reliability of a brief self-administered measure, in French and English, designed to assess multiple dimensions of food literacy among adults living in Canada. The 23-item Canadian Food Literacy Measure was developed through an iterative process that included assessment of face and content validity through expert review (n=20) and cognitive interviews (n=20) and construct validity and reliability, i.e., internal consistency through an online survey (n=154). The results indicate that the measure is well understood by both English- and French-speaking adults. The measure's construct validity is demonstrated by the observed differences in total scores in hypothesized directions by gender (p=0.003), age (p=0.007), education level (p=0.002), health literacy (p<0.001) and smoking status (p=0.001), and the significant positive correlation (r=0.29; p=0.002) between total scores and fruit and vegetable intake. The measure also has high internal consistency with a Cronbach's coefficient alpha of 0.80. This measure can be used in surveillance studies to provide insight into the food literacy of adults living in Canada and in epidemiologic research that aims to explore how food literacy is associated with a variety of health outcomes.

A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relations Between Cognition and Cochlear Implant Outcomes and the Effect of Quiet Versus Noise Testing Conditions.

Evidence continues to emerge of associations between cochlear implant (CI) outcomes and cognitive functions in postlingually deafened adults. While there are multiple factors that appear to affect these associations, the impact of speech recognition background testing conditions (i.e., in quiet versus noise) has not been systematically explored. The two aims of this study were to (1) identify associations between speech recognition following cochlear implantation and performance on cognitive tasks, and to (2) investigate the impact of speech testing in quiet versus noise on these associations. Ultimately, we want to understand the conditions that impact this complex relationship between CI outcomes and cognition. A scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed on published literature evaluating the relation between outcomes of cochlear implantation and cognition. The current review evaluates 39 papers that reported associations between over 30 cognitive assessments and speech recognition tests in adult patients with CIs. Six cognitive domains were evaluated: Global Cognition, Inhibition-Concentration, Memory and Learning, Controlled Fluency, Verbal Fluency, and Visuospatial Organization. Meta-analysis was conducted on three cognitive assessments among 12 studies to evaluate relations with speech recognition outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify whether speech recognition testing in quiet versus in background noise impacted its association with cognitive performance. Significant associations between cognition and speech recognition in a background of quiet or noise were found in 69% of studies. Tests of Global Cognition and Inhibition-Concentration skills resulted in the highest overall frequency of significant associations with speech recognition (45% and 57%, respectively). Despite the modest proportion of significant associations reported, pooling effect sizes across samples through meta-analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between tests of Global Cognition ( r = +0.37, p < 0.01) as well as Verbal Fluency ( r = +0.44, p < 0.01) and postoperative speech recognition skills. Tests of Memory and Learning are most frequently utilized in the setting of CI (in 26 of 39 included studies), yet meta-analysis revealed nonsignificant associations with speech recognition performance in a background of quiet ( r = +0.30, p = 0.18), and noise ( r = -0.06, p = 0.78). Background conditions of speech recognition testing may influence the relation between speech recognition outcomes and cognition. The magnitude of this effect of testing conditions on this relationship appears to vary depending on the cognitive construct being assessed. Overall, Global Cognition and Inhibition-Concentration skills are potentially useful in explaining speech recognition skills following cochlear implantation. Future work should continue to evaluate these relations to appropriately unify cognitive testing opportunities in the setting of cochlear implantation.

Mathematics Teaching-Learning Methodology and Its Impact on Academic Performance

Mathematical logical thinking is essential for the development of cognitive constructs of complexity, where the symbolic and abstract take shape, hence the importance of teaching-learning of mathematics, however the strategies in the educational process are not always diverse. which may have an impact on academic performance. Objectives: identify the main methodological elements of teaching-learning mathematics and their relationship with academic performance. Methodology: the research was developed based on a quantitative, non-experimental and descriptive approach. An instrument designed with 12 questions was used, whose Cronbach's Alpha validity was .890, indicating internal consistency. The sample was 383 teachers from public and private educational entities, characterized by not having normality with a value of p .000. Results: The type of classes in public and private educational institutions is generally synthetic-analytical libraries, the institutional guide text and sources from institutional are used as guide materials, in addition, educators reinforce memory and understanding in students to enhance learning significantly, they implement problem solving and presentations, and evaluating through tests and projects. Conclusions: the mathematics teaching-learning methodology that the educators of the Sierra regime apply implies a synthetic-analytical modality, in addition, strategies are used that vary according to the type of educational entity.

The Efficacy of Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With a Shame-Specific Intervention for Social Anxiety Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders and generally co-occurs with elevated shame levels. Previous shame-specific interventions could significantly improve outcomes in social anxiety treatments. Recent review suggests that integrating a more direct shame intervention could potentially increase the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy. Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (WCBT) has proven efficacy, sustaining benefits for 6 months to 4 years. Previous evidence indicated that shame predicted the reduction of social anxiety and mediated between engagements in exposure and changes in social anxiety during WCBT. This study aimed to design a shame intervention component through a longitudinal study and conduct a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a shame intervention component in reducing social anxiety symptoms and shame experience in a clinical sample of people with SAD. The development of a shame intervention component was informed by cognitive behavioral principles and insights from longitudinal data that measured the Experience of Shame Scale (ESS), the Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) in 153 participants. The psychoeducation, cognitive construct, and exposure sections were tailored to focus more on shame-related problem-solving and self-blame. A total of 1220 participants were recruited to complete questionnaires, including the ESS, the SIAS, the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and diagnostic interviews. Following a 2-round screening process, 201 participants with SAD were randomly assigned into a shame WCBT group, a normal WCBT group, and a waiting group. After the 8-week WCBT intervention, the participants were asked to complete posttest evaluations, including the ESS, SIAS and SPS. Participants in the shame WCBT group experienced significant reductions in shame levels after the intervention (ESS: P<.001; ηp2=0.22), and the reduction was greater in the shame intervention group compared to normal WCBT (P<.001; mean deviation -12.50). Participants in both the shame WCBT and normal WCBT groups experienced significant reductions in social anxiety symptoms (SIAS: P<.001; ηp2=0.32; SPS: P<.001; ηp2=0.19) compared to the waiting group after intervention. Furthermore, in the experience of social interaction anxiety (SIAS), the shame WCBT group showed a higher reduction compared to the normal WCBT group (P<.001; mean deviation -9.58). Problem-solving (SE 0.049, 95% CI 0.025-0.217) and self-blame (SE 0.082, 95% CI 0.024-0.339) mediated the effect between ESS and SIAS. This is the first study to design and incorporate a shame intervention component in WCBT and to validate its efficacy via a randomized controlled trial. The shame WCBT group showed a significant reduction in both shame and social anxiety after treatment compared to the normal WCBT and waiting groups. Problem-solving and self-blame mediated the effect of shame on social anxiety. In conclusion, this study supports previous findings that a direct shame-specific intervention component could enhance the efficacy of WCBT.

How to enhance villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance through political efficacy?

This paper is grounded in social cognitive theory and constructs a research framework of ‘individual cognition- environment-behavioral willingness’ to investigate the influence of political efficacy on villagers’ willingness to participate in grassroots governance, as well as whether satisfaction with the government and social justice play a chain-mediating role between them. Utilizing empirical data from the 2019 Chinese Social Survey (CSS), comprising 7,031 responses, this study rigorously tests the hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that political efficacy significantly and positively predicts villagers’ willingness to engage in grassroots governance. Furthermore, satisfaction with the government and social justice are identified as playing a chain-mediating role in this relationship. These results not only deepen our understanding of villagers’ attitudes toward political participation but also contribute to the democratic process in China.