Considerable Individual Differences Research Articles

Testing Theories of Threat, Individual Difference, and Ideology: Little Evidence of Personality-Based Individual Differences in Ideological Responses to Threat

Recent attempts to establish the veracity of the conservative shift hypothesis have failed to find supportive evidence. Instead, this work yields inconsistent results and reveals considerable individual differences in ideological responses to ecological threats. In two studies, we build upon this work in two ways. First, we test the conservative shift hypothesis across five ecological threats: unemployment, immigration, racial diversity, COVID-19, and violent crime, more than has been examined previously. Second, we test whether, in line with political personality theories, openness to experience and conscientiousness predict who is likely to shift to the right in the face of threat and who is not. In one nationally representative panel study from the Netherlands ( N = 11,189) and one nationally representative repeated cross-sectional study in the United States ( N = 9,040), we find minimal support for the conservative shift hypothesis and theories that predict personality-based individual differences in ideological responses to threat.

Methods and Strategies for Effective Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools in Nigeria

If the mathematics is to be interesting rather than a dull experience for the students, the first steps must be to make it a positive rather than negative emotional experience for the teachers. The importance placed on the subject is derived from the fact that it would help the nation meet its quest for science and technological advancement. A lot required from the mathematics teacher in terms of methods and strategies for effective teaching and learning of mathematics in secondary schools to meet the learning expectation of the students and other stake-holders. You need satisfied, competent and confident teacher to produce satisfied and confident students. The teacher is a major learning resource in mathematics at any level. If he is effective, he is catalyst, a stimulator, an inspirer and facilitator. He has to be able to facilitate learning by creating opportunities which enable learner to investigate situations. He has to have internalized techniques which enable him to go beyond ordinary routine questions ending at the knowledge level, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation which may together be called higher intellectual skills and abilities have to be viewed by the mathematics teacher as important attributes to be acquired by his students. Teaching process cannot be said to be complete if assessment of the students, teachers and the, methods and strategies employed are not thoroughly carried out, The teacher must know the best techniques and methods of presenting his ideas to the students putting into consideration students interest, needs, individual differences, difficulties and abilities. Thus, for effective teaching and learning of mathematics, a teacher must embrace active learning as against the traditional method of teaching mathematics.

Individual differences in decision-making shape how mesolimbic dopamine regulates choice confidence and change-of-mind.

Nucleus accumbens dopamine signaling is an important neural substrate for decision-making. Dominant theories generally discretize and homogenize decision-making, when it is in fact a continuous process, with evaluation and re-evaluation components that extend beyond simple outcome prediction into consideration of past and future value. Extensive work has examined mesolimbic dopamine in the context of reward prediction error, but major gaps persist in our understanding of how dopamine regulates volitional and self-guided decision-making. Moreover, there is little consideration of individual differences in value processing that may shape how dopamine regulates decision-making. Here, using an economic foraging task in mice, we found that dopamine dynamics in the nucleus accumbens core reflected decision confidence during evaluation of decisions, as well as both past and future value during re-evaluation and change-of-mind. Optogenetic manipulations of mesolimbic dopamine release selectively altered evaluation and re-evaluation of decisions in mice whose dopamine dynamics and behavior reflected future value.

Effects of behavioral interventions on stress reactivity in adults with substance use disorders.

Heightened reactivity to stress is associated with poor treatment outcome in people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Behavioral strategies can reduce stress reactivity; however, these strategies are understudied in people with SUDs. The objective of this study was to test the effect of two behavioral strategies (cognitive reappraisal and affect labeling) on stress reactivity in people with SUDs. Treatment-seeking adults with SUDs (N = 119) were randomized to receive brief training in cognitive reappraisal, affect labeling, or a psychoeducational control, followed by a standardized stress induction. Markers of stress reactivity were collected before and following stress induction and included self-reported negative affect and substance craving, as well as salivary cortisol, and skin conductance response. Analyses of covariance did not indicate a significant effect of treatment condition on negative affect, cortisol, or skin conductance response. Participants in the affect labeling condition had greater increase in craving than those in the cognitive reappraisal condition; neither condition differed from control. Results indicated that, although participants were able to implement behavioral skills following a brief training, training condition did not modify stress reactivity, on average, relative to control. Future directions include consideration of individual differences in response to training and determination of whether higher "dosing" of skills via multiple sessions or extended practice is needed to influence stress reactivity in people with SUDs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Judgment and decision strategies used by weather scientists in southeast Asia to classify impact severity

Impact-based weather forecasting requires forecasters to predict what weather might do (impact information), rather than solely what weather might be (meteorological information). In a collaboration between the UK Met Office, UK psychologists, and weather scientists in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, the present study employed Judgment Analysis and decision strategy comparisons to better understand weather scientists' impact severity judgments. In the Judgment Analysis Task, weather scientists (from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam) made numerical and categorical severity judgments for 70 hypothetical heavy rainfall events, each described via six impacts (e.g., number of deaths, number of people affected). The hypothetical impacts were generated from a multivariate distribution estimated from a distribution of real rainfall events. Subsequently, participants provided categorical severity classifications for a list of impact values for each type of impact (Threshold Identification Task) to aid the identification of decision strategies. In all four countries, weather scientists' severity judgments were best predicted by incorporating all six impacts via a compensatory judgment strategy. However, considerable individual differences were identified in the weights assigned to the different impacts and in the identified thresholds for each impact's categorical severity classification. To improve impact-based forecasting, meteorological agencies should seek to enhance consistency among forecasters.

Human-in-the-Loop Trajectory Optimization Based on sEMG Biofeedback for Lower-Limb Exoskeleton.

Lower-limb exoskeletons (LLEs) can provide rehabilitation training and walking assistance for individuals with lower-limb dysfunction or those in need of functionality enhancement. Adapting and personalizing the LLEs is crucial for them to form an intelligent human-machine system (HMS). However, numerous LLEs lack thorough consideration of individual differences in motion planning, leading to subpar human performance. Prioritizing human physiological response is a critical objective of trajectory optimization for the HMS. This paper proposes a human-in-the-loop (HITL) motion planning method that utilizes surface electromyography signals as biofeedback for the HITL optimization. The proposed method combines offline trajectory optimization with HITL trajectory selection. Based on the derived hybrid dynamical model of the HMS, the offline trajectory is optimized using a direct collocation method, while HITL trajectory selection is based on Thompson sampling. The direct collocation method optimizes various gait trajectories and constructs a gait library according to the energy optimality law, taking into consideration dynamics and walking constraints. Subsequently, an optimal gait trajectory is selected for the wearer using Thompson sampling. The selected gait trajectory is then implemented on the LLE under a hybrid zero dynamics control strategy. Through the HITL optimization and control experiments, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified.

Classifying Inflammation on Intestinal Ultrasound Images and Cineloops - A Learning Curve Study.

Intestinal ultrasound has become a crucial tool for assessing inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, prompting a surge in demand for trained sonographers. While educational programs exist, the length of training needed to reach proficiency in correctly classifying inflammation remains unclear. Our study addresses this gap partly by exploring the learning curves associated with the deliberate practice of sonographic disease assessment, focusing on the key disease activity parameters of bowel wall thickness, bowel wall stratification, color Doppler signal, and inflammatory fat. Twenty-one novices and six certified intestinal ultrasound practitioners engaged in an 80-case deliberate practice online training program. A panel of three experts independently graded ultrasound images representing various degrees of disease activity and agreed upon a consensus score. We used statistical analyses, including mixed-effects regression models, to evaluate learning trajectories. Pass/fail thresholds distinguishing novices from certified practitioners were determined through contrasting-groups analyses. Novices showed significant improvement in interpreting bowel wall thickness, surpassing the pass/fail threshold, and reached mastery level by case 80. For color Doppler signal and inflammatory fat, novices surpassed the pass/fail threshold but did not achieve mastery. Novices did not improve in assessing bowel wall stratification. We found considerable individual and group-level differences in learning curves supporting the concept of competency-based training for assessing bowel wall thickness, color Doppler signal and inflammatory fat. However, despite practice over 80 cases, novices did not improve in their interpretation of bowel wall stratification, suggesting that a different approach is needed for this parameter.

Associations between personality, creative thinking and learning, self-efficacy and academic achievement: a cross-sectional survey of coaches in Chinese art schools

PurposePrioritization of technological skills in China has led to scarce resources for art education. In this study, we tested whether personality traits were associated with creative learning and creative thinking skills, and whether these aspects of creativity were linked with academic achievement. We considered self-efficacy and 21st-century skills as mediating and moderating factors.Design/methodology/approach498 art school coaches were recruited from 12 Chinese universities. Coaches reported on their students’ Big Five personality traits, creative thinking skills, creative learning and self-efficacy, 21st-century skills and academic achievement. Data were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsHigh openness, low conscientiousness, high extraversion and high agreeableness were associated with creative thinking skills, while high openness, low conscientiousness, high agreeableness and low neuroticism were associated with creative learning. Creative thinking and learning skills were both positively associated with academic achievement. Self-efficacy partially mediated the association between creative thinking skills and academic achievement. No moderation effects were identified.Originality/valueFindings imply that art education would benefit from deeper consideration of individual differences and the promotion of learning environments conducive to creativity.

How emotions shape memory? The moderating effect of healthy emotionality on eyewitness testimony.

The influence of emotions on memory is a significant topic in the psychology of eyewitness testimony. However, conflicting results have arisen, possibly due to varying approaches and methodologies across studies. These discrepancies might also arise from inadequate consideration of individual differences in emotionality. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the moderating effect of healthy emotionality on the relationship between emotion and memory of criminal events. The results of our laboratory experiment (N = 150) conducted with VR technology indicate that eyewitnesses of crimes, unlike observers of neutral events, recall details concerning the perpetrators' actions immediately preceding the crime act better. Notably, individuals with lower scores on a scale measuring healthy emotionality (ESQ) demonstrate enhanced recollection for these details. At the same time, emotionality plays no significant role in recollection in repeated measurement, as well as in remembering the neutral event. The emotions experienced during crime observation appear to hinder the recollection of perpetrator appearance and behavior unrelated to the crime. These findings are discussed in light of the adaptive role of negative emotions in detecting danger and preparing for unpleasant stimuli.

Adversarial Learning Based Node-Edge Graph Attention Networks for Autism Spectrum Disorder Identification.

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have received increasing interest in the medical imaging field given their powerful graph embedding ability to characterize the non-Euclidean structure of brain networks based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. However, previous studies are largely node-centralized and ignore edge features for graph classification tasks, resulting in moderate performance of graph classification accuracy. Moreover, the generalizability of GNN model is still far from satisfactory in brain disorder [e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD)] identification due to considerable individual differences in symptoms among patients as well as data heterogeneity among different sites. In order to address the above limitations, this study proposes a novel adversarial learning-based node-edge graph attention network (AL-NEGAT) for ASD identification based on multimodal MRI data. First, both node and edge features are modeled based on structural and functional MRI data to leverage complementary brain information and preserved in the constructed weighted adjacent matrix for individuals through the attention mechanism in the proposed NEGAT. Second, two AL methods are employed to improve the generalizability of NEGAT. Finally, a gradient-based saliency map strategy is utilized for model interpretation to identify important brain regions and connections contributing to the classification. Experimental results based on the public Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE I) data demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves a classification accuracy of 74.7% between ASD and typical developing (TD) groups based on 1007 subjects across 17 different sites and outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, indicating satisfying classification ability and generalizability of the proposed AL-NEGAT model. Our work provides a powerful tool for brain disorder identification.

MRNA expression levels of cytochrome P450 CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 in the epidermis: a focus on individual differences among Japanese individuals

Various cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) that contribute to drug metabolism are expressed in the skin. However, variation among individuals in CYP expression profiles is not well-understood. To investigate CYPs related to the metabolism of transdermal preparations in Japan, multiple skin tissue specimens of individuals of Japanese descent were prepared, and the mRNA expression levels of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were measured. Associations between the expression patterns of these CYPs and body mass index (BMI) were also investigated. There were considerable individual differences in epidermal CYP1A2 mRNA expression levels, and CYP1A2 showed a weak positive correlation with CYP3A4 mRNA expression levels. In contrast to previous results for other organs, epidermal CYP3A4 mRNA expression levels showed a weak positive correlation with BMI. CYP3A4 in the epidermis may have been locally enhanced as a defence mechanism against xenobiotics in response to impaired barrier function. These differences in mRNA expression in the skin may affect the transdermal absorption of drugs, such as lidocaine and fentanyl, which are metabolised by multiple overlapping CYPs. Our study provides new insights into drug metabolism in the skin. These results are valuable for predicting drug effects and transdermal drug transfer rates in Japanese patients.

Different facets of addiction from a systemic perspective: a case report

IntroductionMany individuals who suffer from one or multiple substance use disorders often also struggle with another co-morbid psychiatric condition, primarily anxiety disorders. As substance dependency develops, the loss of self-control becomes a pivotal issue, leading to challenges in self-esteem and self-respect. These challenges subsequently give rise to problems in interpersonal communication and close relationships. In addition to the biological model of substance use problems and highly manualized approaches, it is crucial to have a systemic understanding of the patient’s situation and appropriate treatment settings. This understanding allows for the proper consideration of individual differences and requirements, ultimately enabling better treatment and prevention strategies.ObjectivesOur aim is to present a comprehensive case that shows various facets of addiction and introduce a systemic therapy concept of an integrative/systemic day clinic from Germany.MethodsThrough a detailed case presentation, we will introduce a systemic-psychotherapeutic day-clinic concept from a psychiatric training hospital in Wunstorf, Germany.ResultsCase: In the case of a 48-year-old female patient initially diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder, it was later revealed that she also deals with alcohol addiction and its interconnectedness with sex addiction. Shame and a lack of self-esteem in relationships played a central role in her journey. She does not perceive herself to be loved but to be harmed, which led to many violent sexual acts that increased her feelings of shame. Systemic therapeutic approaches like family constellations were applied, helping her to experience her child-ego states. This profound insight propelled her willingness to change. She began prioritizing self-care, learning to like, accept, and eventually love herself. Aromatherapy aided in calming and maintaining focus. The patient learned to redefine her emotions, aligning them with reality, thereby enabling the adaptive fulfillment of her needs.Conclusions Our interdisciplinary team at the day clinic employs therapeutic approaches like dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic therapy to thoroughly understand the patients and their conditions. This case underscores the significance of an individually tailored treatment drawing from diverse therapeutic concepts, especially in patients with addiction. The combination of different therapeutic approaches facilitates a profound engagement with the patient, potentially resulting in more intensive therapeutic work and a higher rate of success which should be evaluated in future studies.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Individual hormonal profiles of blood progesterone and estradiol-17β during the course of a reproductive cycle in mares

This study presents the individual course of estradiol-17ß and progesterone concentrations in blood during the reproductive cycle in mares in order to point out physiological differences between individual animals and to aid in the interpretation of hormone values. Concentrations of estradiol-17ß and progesterone were determined in seven mares over the course of their cycle. One mare was excluded from the study due to a physiologically deviating cycle. In addition, the mares' ovaries were examined via ultrasound on a daily basis in order to match the hormone values to morphological changes of the ovaries. In some cases, the mares showed considerable individual differences in their hormone concentrations, which also differed from the published comparative values in the literature. For example, two mares showed progesterone levels above basal levels at the time of ovulation. The postovulatory progesterone concentrations of the mares are characterized by marked fluctuations, which makes it difficult to provide reference values in the different sections of the corpus luteum phase. The length of the plateau phases averaged 12.3±1.5 days. The mare with double ovulation showed the highest progesterone concentrations. The measurement of plasma progesterone levels in mares should be interpreted only in the context of other test results. The very wide variation in estradiol-17ß concentrations makes it questionable whether the determination of this hormone value is of diagnostic value. When interpreting steroid hormone values in the ingravid cycle of a mare, the individual concentration courses must be taken into consideration, as they may deviate significantly from the published reference values.

Dobni stereotipi i položaj vlastite dobne skupine u društvu iz perspektive osoba starije životne dobi

Age stereotypes and meta-stereotypes about older persons represent personal and socially conditioned generalised assumptions about what older persons should be like, how they should act and what will they probably experience as members of that age group, not taking into consideration individual differences among them. Current understanding points to numerous adverse effects of self-stereotyping, stereotyping and ageism on self-understanding, self-efficacy, health and welfare of older persons. Due to a lack of knowledge of the experience of the position of older persons in our society and their view on typical members of their age group, this research aimed to gain deeper insight through using qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews included 40 respondents from a younger group of older persons. Qualitative analysis of the content of statements determined the stereotypes that the respondents have about physical appearance, psycho-physical characteristics and behaviours connected to social relationships of older persons. The position of older persons in society is mostly experienced as unfavourable and socially excluded by the state and society. Key words: age stereotypes, ageism, older persons, qualitative approach.

Implications of dispositions for foreign language writing: The case of the Arabic–English learner

Individual differences matter in foreign language writing. Yet, little information exists on female students in Saudi Arabia, a patriarchal society that is being re-engineered to foster gender equity. This study asked whether particular psychological dispositions can account for the performance in English composition of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and non-STEM Saudi female students (i.e. an understudied population whose first language is Arabic). Examined were dispositions such as anxiety, which was expected to be detrimental to attainment, and self-efficacy and emotional intelligence, which were expected to be beneficial. A sample of 430 Saudi female students for whom English was their second language was surveyed. Students had completed a required English composition course the previous semester. Cluster analysis illustrated three distinct groups of students. Students who did not report anxiety were either STEM or a subsection of non-STEM students. The remaining non-STEM students reported anxiety as well as lower self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and writing attainment than the other two groups. Findings suggest that, within this particular understudied population, consideration of individual differences can inform the selection of remedies for at-risk students in English composition courses.

APLIKASI TEORI PATRICIA BENNER DALAM PERKEMBANGAN KINERJA PERAWAT

This study provides an analysis of Patricia Benner's "From Novice to Expert" theory, outlining the development of nursing competence in five stages. Its strengths include clear descriptions and emphasis on direct experience. Despite laying the foundation for understanding nursing development, the theory faces criticism for its generalizations and insufficient consideration of individual differences and other factors influencing nursing skill development.

Resilience and self-regulated learning as predictors of student competence gain in times of the COVID 19 pandemic – evidence from a binational sample

Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) was introduced around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that students could continue with their studies during social distancing. Subsequent studies found considerable individual differences in the adjustment to ERT and identified resilience as a critical factor for coping with the challenges of independent studying. The growing evidence led to calls for resilience training in preparation for emergency situations. Against the backdrop of a three-phase model of self-regulated learning, this study examines self-regulated learning activities as an additional protective resource and a predictor for academic performance in ERT. Results from a survey of resilience, self-regulated learning strategies, and competence gain completed by students from universities in the US and Germany (N = 333) found self-regulated learning strategies to be more predictive of student competence gain than resilience. As a consequence, in addition to fostering resilience, institutions should also include self-regulation strategies in student training and support programs to better prepare students for academic success.

Language Analytic Ability, Print Exposure, Memory and Comprehension of Complex Syntax by Adult Native Speakers.

Nativist theories of language development assume that all native speakers of a particular language ultimately converge on (more or less) the same grammar, and argue that this is only possible because they are born with a genetic blueprint for language. However, a number of recent studies have found that there are, in fact, considerable individual differences in adult native speakers' grammatical attainment. In this study, we examine some possible reasons for these differences. We examine both learner internal cognitive factors (implicit and explicit memory for sequences, non-verbal working memory, and language analytic ability) as well as an experiential factor (print exposure). In contrast to many earlier studies which focused on the temporal aspects of language processing, we are interested in the extent to which individuals are able to use grammatical cues to extract meaning from complex sentences. To minimize the effect of performance factors, sentences remained on screen while participants responded to comprehension questions (thus easing working memory load) and participants were given as much time as they needed to respond. Our findings revealed large effects of language analytic ability and print exposure, and a much smaller effect of implicit learning. While the effect of implicit learning fits in well with current theories of language acquisition and processing, the first two findings do not. The strong relationship between print exposure and comprehension suggests that the ability to process complex syntax may depend on a particular type of language experience which is not available to all speakers. Finally, the effect of language analytic ability challenges the wide-held conviction that the ability to identify and explicitly reason about linguistic patterns is only relevant in adult second language learning.

Provide Instructors with A Learning Experience That is Fun, Convenient, and Enjoyable For Students

An engaging, enjoyable, and comfortable learning method is presented in this study. A research method emphasizing literature reviews of scholarly books and journals was used in this study. For teachers seeking to improve instructional methods in elementary schools, the results of this study can be a valuable resource. This research identifies methods, characteristics, and factors that can optimize students' ability to learn and motivate, resulting in a fun, comfortable, and enjoyable learning experience. Through the consideration of individual differences in the classroom and the school, it is hoped that this research will increase the learning motivation of students. The study demonstrates the importance of the role of the teacher in using effective learning techniques so that students can develop their potential in a comfortable and pleasant learning environment. The purpose of this research is to identify the teacher's role in enhancing students' learning activities through the use of engaging teaching methods and learning principles. Schools should provide a comfortable learning environment where students can explore new, life-relevant ideas.

Use of Adult Dry Human Mandibles to Study of Mandibular Foramen from Various Bony Landmarks.

Precise knowledge of the mandibular foramen's location is essential for clinical and surgical procedures, especially the inferior alveolar nerve block. Variability in its position concerning different bony landmarks can significantly impact clinical outcomes. This study examined 30 Adult dry human mandibles to determine the mandibular foramen's positions in relation to specific bony landmarks: the occlusal plane, posterior border of the ramus, and lingula. Measurements were obtained using a calibrated digital caliper, and statistical analysis was performed. The study revealed significant variations in the position of the mandibular foramen. In relation to the occlusal plane, the mandibular foramen was found at an average height of approximately 15.2 mm (±2.1 mm). Regarding the posterior border of the ramus, it was situated at an average distance of about 18.5 mm (±3.4 mm). In relation to the lingula, the average distance was approximately 21.8 mm (±4.0 mm). These results underscore the considerable individual differences and anatomical variations in the mandibular foramen's location among the studied specimens. The observed variations in the position of the mandibular foramen emphasize the need for clinicians and surgeons to be cognizant of these differences when performing procedures involving the inferior alveolar nerve block. Understanding these anatomical variations is crucial for enhancing clinical precision, reducing complications, and ensuring optimal outcomes.