Factor Analysis Of Data Research Articles

КОЛИЧЕСТВЕННЫЕ МЕТОДЫ В ИСТОРИКО-ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОМ ИССЛЕДОВАНИИ КАТЕГОРИАЛЬНОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ ЦЕННОСТЕЙ И ОБРАЗОВ РАЗНЫХ КУЛЬТУР

Background. X e growing interest in the historical development of social systems requires an assessment of the possibilities for a quantitative comparison of psychological characteristics in a person and society of diY erent eras. Objective.X e study aims to reveal the structure of social values and features of contemporary images according to verbal and visual texts of the cultures in the past.Methods. Behavior characteristics describing G. Hofstede’s basic cultural dimensions (Hofstede, 1980) were used to encode texts. Psychosemantic assessment of the works of art perception was carried out with the use of a scale based on the multifaceted Five Factor Model of personality by P. Costa, R. McCrae (FFM; NEO-PI-R questionnaire adapted by V.E. Orel et al.) and the scale of individual image perception in media communication by L.V. Matveeva et al. Sample. A) Ancient Greek and Roman texts of 7th c. BC — 4th c. AD, Old Russian texts of 11th–17th centuries, Byzantine texts of 5th–15th centuries and texts of medieval European culture according to the 17th c.— a total of 205 separate texts. B) Visual stimulus material on cultures: Ancient Greece (7th–1th c. BC); Ancient Rome (7th c. BC — 4th c. AD); Byzantium (5th–15th cc.); Russia (11–19 cc.); Europe (9th, 11th–17th cc.) was assessed by respondents of diY erent ages from 14 to 70 (N = 68). Results. Reliability analysis and confirmatory factor analysis generally supported the structure of the W ve-factor model of personality and the basic dimensions of culture by G. Hofstede on the material of historical texts and works of art. X e least stable dimensions are Hofstede’s Masculinity and Openness to Experience factors of the personality model. An exploratory factorial analysis of data on historical texts yielded a factor structure reZ ecting speciW c aspects of Hofstede’s dimensions. In general, the correlations between personality traits and basic cultural dimensions described by G. Hofstede and R. McCraе (Хофстеде, МакКрэй, 2010) are reproduced. X e diY erences mainly relate to the FFM factor “Extraversion”. X e features of social situations described in historical narratives that are not W xed by the characteristics of behavior that describe the basic dimensions of culture according to Hofstede are discussed. Conclusion. X e subdimensions of modern models of personality and cultural values make it possible to obtain a fairly adequate quantitative assessment of the cultures of the past.

Correlation and regression models of tomato yield in response to plant growth by different bacterial inoculants and inoculation methods

AbstractThe focus of this research is to evaluate the performance of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, and Azospirillum for their plant growth abilities in vitro and in vivo. The best performing bacterial isolates from preliminary screening (in vitro) were able to produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) of 0.25–22.63 and 5.9–31.8 μg ml–1, respectively, eight best isolates were further tested for their efficacy in promoting crop growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by different application methods namely seed coating, soil application, and seedling root dip method. The factorial data analysis provided evidence that the interaction of bacterial isolates and different inoculation procedures together generated better yield in the greenhouse pot experiment. The findings suggest that the inoculation of Azospirillum strain ASP25 by seedling root dip method produced greater yields. Correlation and regression models hypothesize that all the variables are positively correlated with yield at P < .01 and growth variables like number of fruits per plant (r2 = .886), shoot length (r2 = .695), and root volume (r2 = .554) at P ≤ .0001 contribute to the yield parameter individually and by multiple regression model all the plant growth variables together increased fruit yield per plant by 89% (r2 = .899). These results demonstrate that a high yield is always linked to a healthy vegetative development. However, as technology in agriculture progresses, the proposed method points to the usage and development of computer applications to estimate crop output.

Is paraphilic coercion a different construct from sadism or the lower end of an agonistic continuum?

PurposeIt has been hypothesized that paraphilic coercive disorder (PCD) constitutes a distinct preference for coercion that can be discriminated from a preference for sadism. Despite the repeated rejections of PCD as an acceptable diagnosis, it continues to be used. In 2013 Knight and colleagues reviewed the evidence that had been proffered to support the admission of PCD to the DSM-5 as a distinct diagnosis and proposed an alternative model that considers PCD and sadism as levels on a single dimension, called the Agonistic Continuum. They provided factor analytic data to support their argument for the unidimensionality of the proposed continuum, taxometrics to explore whether the construct was distributed categorically, and Item Response Theory to explore the ordinal structure of the dimension. MethodThe aim of the present study was to replicate the prior findings and to expand their analyses with latent profile analysis on 680 sexual offenders. ResultsThe results supported the viability of an Agonistic Continuum, challenging the hypothesis that PCD and sadism constitute distinct disorders and corroborating the reconceptualization of both paraphilic coercion and sadism. ConclusionThis dimension suggests important changes in the conceptualization and measurement of the construct of sadism. Implications are discussed.

Sampling strategy and statistical analysis for radioactive waste characterization

This paper describes a methodology developed to define a sampling strategy adapted to operational constraints in order to characterize the dihydrogen flow rate produced by radiolysis reaction of organic materials contaminated with α-emitters in 2714 radioactive waste drums. The objective is to perform few but relevant measurements. Thus, a sample of only 38 drums has been measured and the statistical analysis of dihydrogen rate data has provided an estimation of the mean and upper bound consistent with global measurements of the ventilation system of the facility. In addition, a factorial data analysis has demonstrated the representativeness of the measurement data set and the validity of sampling strategy assumptions. Moreover, it has provided information used in a regression analysis to develop a linear prediction model of the dihydrogen flow rate production for radioactive waste drum characterization.

Microwave-assisted extraction of chitosan from Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 1526 biomass

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of chitosan from dried fungal biomass of Rhizopus oryzae NRRL1526, obtained by culturing on potato dextrose broth (PDB), was performed and the optimal conditions required were identified using statistical analysis for the first time in this study. This microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was compared against the conventional autoclave assisted method of chitosan extraction. The full factorial experimental design was used to investigate the impact of operating parameters of MAE, microwave power (100 W–500 W), and duration (10 min–30 min), on alkaline insoluble material (AIM) yield, chitosan yield, and degree of deacetylation (DDA). The effect of operating conditions was then evaluated using full factorial data analysis and optimum condition for MAE of chitosan was identified using response surface methodology to be 300 W and 22 min. This optimum condition identified was then further evaluated and the chitosan obtained characterized. Higher chitosan yield of 13.43 ± 0.3% (w/w) of fungal biomass was obtained when compared to that obtained, 6.67% ± 0.3% (w/w) of dry biomass, for the conventional extraction process. MAE yielded chitosan of higher degree of deacetylation, 94.6 ± 0.9% against 90.6 ± 0.5% (conventional heating), but the molecular weight was observed to be similar to that obtained by using conventional autoclave heating. MAE of chitosan was observed to yield a higher quantity of chitosan when compared to conventional extraction process and obtained chitosan exhibited a higher degree of deacetylation as well as molecular weight. The lower energy consumption of 0.11 kW h for MAE (5 kW h for conventional process) and the concomitant reduction in the energy bill to 1.1 cents from 50 cents, in addition to the above results, show that microwave irradiation is a more efficient and environment-friendly means to obtain chitosan from fungal biomass.

Design of a performance evaluation instrument for the activities of daily living

To design and validate an instrument for a performance evaluation of the instrumental activities of daily living according to the current needs and features of adults, considering the terminological update in Occupational Therapy. This is a multivariate, quantitative, evaluation research study. A three-dimensional instrument was designed, one to assess the level of performance, another to assess the reasons for dependency and a third one to assess the importance of the activity. A field test was carried out in 38 users of community rehabilitation centers. Subsequently, the designed instrument was submitted to construct and content validation through expert judgment and factorial analysis of data from a sample of 89 people from the aforementioned rehabilitation centers according to the inclusion criteria. An analysis was performed by means of construct validation through a factorial statistical analysis. A Cronbach's alpha value above 0.7 was obtained for the three dimensions of the instrument, which results in a reliable instrument. Due to the content and construct validation, together with a statistical analysis of its dimensions, the instrument can be considered as a suitable tool for the proposed population and can therefore be disseminated and used within this discipline.

A measure of tourist experience quality: the case of inland tourism in Malaga

Although Malaga is a major tourist destination, research focused on the coastal area. However, the interior of the province has a growing tourism industry, so this tourism industry needs to be studied. The goal of this study was to analyse the attractiveness of this destination through the perceived quality of tourists’ experiences, measuring the effect of each agent involved in tourists’ overall assessment of the destination. Using a two-step factorial analysis of data gathered with 660 valid questionnaires collected through an on-the-ground survey, the composition structure and relationships of satisfaction factors in the destination were identified. Subsequently, the relationships between each agent with tourists’ overall assessment of the destination were extracted. The results suggest that tourism businesses are primarily responsible for the final quality of this destination, followed by organisations responsible of the management of tourism resources. Further, the results also show that there is room for improvement in quality. The worst ratings were given for the quality of leisure facilities and restaurants, while the aspects most valued by users have a low capacity for differentiation (i.e. climate, courtesy and value for money). Therefore, this tourist destination would benefit from implementing a system of integrated quality management.

Psychopathic Personality Traits in the Military: An Examination of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scales in a Novel Sample.

The Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale is a short, self-report measure initially developed to assess psychopathic traits in noninstitutionalized samples. The present study aimed to explore factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity of the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale in a large U.S. military sample (90.7% Army National Guard). Factor analytic data, regression, and correlational analyses point to the superiority of Brinkley, Diamond, Magaletta, and Heigel's three-factor model in this sample. Implications for theory and the study of psychopathic personality traits in a military sample are discussed.

Destructive leader behaviour: A study of Iranian leaders using the Destructive Leadership Questionnaire

This study examines destructive leader behaviours among a sample of Iranian leaders. Destructive leader behaviour was measured using the Destructive Leadership Questionnaire (DLQ) developed by Shaw et al. (2011). Data from 700 Iranian subordinates who completed the DLQ were used to identify the dimensions of destructive leadership using principle components factor analysis. The factor analytic data were used to develop an Iranian version of the DLQ. Behavioural scale scores were then used to identify a typology of destructive leaders in the Iranian sample.

Validation of a Spanish adaptation of the Gambling Self-Efficacy Questionnaire

The US Spanish-speaking population has rapidly increased in recent years and there is a need for valid Spanish measures to assess gambling behaviour. This study reports on the development of a Spanish measure of self-efficacy to control gambling behaviour (Gambling Self-Efficacy Questionnaire [GSEQ]; May, Whelan, Steenbergh, & Meyers, 2003). One hundred and eighty-seven Spanish-speaking individuals residing in the south-east United States completed the 16-item measure. The GSEQ-Spanish version (GSEQ-S) showed high internal consistency (α = 0.99) and evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Factor analytic data supported a single factor structure similar to that found with the English version. As expected, pathological gamblers scored significantly lower on the GSEQ-S than non-pathological gamblers. The results provide initial psychometric support for the GSEQ-S and suggest that the measure can be used as a valid assessment of gambling self-efficacy among Spanish-speaking gamblers. Further evaluation of the psychometric properties of this instrument is suggested.

Health specific traits beyond the Five Factor Model, cognitive processes and trait expression: replies to Watson (2012), Matthews (2012) and Haslam, Jetten, Reynolds, and Reicher (2012)

In this article we reply to the issues raised by the three commentaries on Ferguson's (2012) article. Watson argues that the four traits identified by Ferguson (2012) – health anxiety, alexithymia, empathy and Type D – do not lie outside the Five Factor Model (FFM). We present factor analytic data showing that health anxiety forms a separate factor from positive and negative affectivity, alexithymia forms a factor outside the FFM and while emotional empathy loads with agreeableness, cognitive empathy forms a separate factor outside the FFM. Across these analyses there was no evidence for a general factor of personality. We also show that health anxiety, empathic facets and alexithymia show incremental validity over FFM traits. However, the evidence that Type D lies outside the FFM is less clear. Matthews (2012) argues that traits have a more distributed influence on cognitions and that attention is not part of Ferguson's framework. We agree; but Ferguson's original statement concerned where traits have their maximal effect. Finally, Haslam et al. suggest that traits should be viewed from a dynamic interactionist perspective. This is in fact what Ferguson (2012) suggested and we go on to highlight that traits can also influence group processes.

Validation of a Spanish translation of the Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire.

The U.S. Spanish-speaking population has rapidly increased in recent decades and there is a need for psychometrically supported assessment measures for researchers and clinicians who work with this population. A Spanish version of a self-report measure of gamblers' cognitive distortions [Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire (GBQ); Steenbergh, Meyers, Whelan, & May, 2002] was translated and psychometrically evaluated in a sample of 219 Spanish-speaking Hispanics residing in the southeast United States. The GBQ-S showed high internal consistency (α = .95). Factor analytic data supported a factor structure similar to the initial psychometric evaluation of the English version. Probable pathological gamblers reported significantly more cognitive distortions on the GBQ-S than nongamblers and nonpathological gamblers.

Development and validation of an assessment of adult educators' reading instructional knowledge

The purpose of this paper is to describe briefly the development and utility of the Assessment of Reading Instructional Knowledge-Adults (ARIK-A), the only nationally normed (n = 468) measure of adult reading instructional knowledge, created to facilitate professional development of adult educators. Developmental data reveal reliabilities ranging from 0.73 to 0.85 for five ARIK-A scales (alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and assessment) and 0.91 for the composite score; factor analytic data and expert review provide support for construct validity as well. Information on how to use the ARIK-A to determine mastery and relative standing is presented. With two alternate forms, the ARIK-A is a promising and needed tool for adult education practitioners within continuing education and professional development contexts.

A Bayesian Plotting Method for Fractional Factorial Data Analysis

This paper proposes a plot-based method for fractional factorial data analysis. The proposed plot is called a “response-probability model analysis plot” (RPMAP) because it displays the predicted responses associated with alternative models and decisions versus the model posterior probabilities. Benefits of the proposed method include unique information about whether the current state of model uncertainty and achievement of objectives warrants additional experimentation. Also, in some cases, the RPMAP leads to settings with arguably superior robustness to model uncertainty compared with normal probability plots or Posterior probability plots. The methods are illustrated using the well-studied injection molding data and another real-world case study. In both cases, new insights are gained with potential value to practitioners.

Play structure of top female volleyball players: explorative factorial approach

BackgroundVolleyball, as a sports game, requires from the players high level preparedness with respect to all the motor abilities, as well as an efficient execution of necessary technical and tactical...

Cross-Cultural Applicability of FACES IV

We studied cross-cultural Hungarian adaptation and validation of FACES IV for screening adaptive versus nonadaptive family functioning. A protocol was followed including translation, tests of reliability, construct and convergent validity, standardization, testing of family types, and ratios. Two hundred forty-nine couples (498 adults) from various regions of the country participated in the study. Results indicated high item–remainder correlations and Cronbach alphas. Factor analytic data fitted well with the model indicated by the Olson studies. Most salient results were found for Cohesion, which partially overlapped Flexibility, and had high negative correlations with the Disengaged dimension. Rigid and Chaotic as well as Enmeshed were found to be independent factors. Family types of the Hungarian sample explored by cluster analysis were comparable to the U.S. sample.

A Multitrait–Multimethod Validity Assessment of the Verbal Aggressiveness and Argumentativeness Scales

The construct validity of Infante and Wigley's verbal aggressiveness scale and Infante and Rancer's argumentativeness scale are assessed with confirmatory factor analysis and multitrait–multimethod analysis. The factor analytic data replicate previous findings that the verbal aggressiveness scale measures two constructs, verbal aggressiveness and verbal benevolence communication style, and that the argumentativeness scale is unidimensional with some poor items. The multimethod data, however, show near zero correlations between self-reports and observed behavior and evidence of method variance. These data indicate a discrepancy between conceptual definitions and behaviors. Rather than measuring behavioral dispositions to communicate argumentatively or aggressively, the scales may function as attitude or self-concept scales.

Cardiotoxicity of Oral Methadone as an Analgesic–-Recommendations for Safe Use

Once used only as third-line therapy in the management of chronic pain states, methadone is now being used as first- and second-line therapy. Most risks and the stigma associated with methadone use have been known for years. Only over the past decade or so have the unique pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic properties and methods for conversion from other opioids to methadone been established. Pertinent English-language literature was obtained from MEDLINE/PUBMED and EMBASE searches (1966-June 2009). This paper provides an overview of the cardiotoxicity of oral methadone, with an emphasis on its use as an analgesic. Cardiotoxicity during its use in the maintenance of opioid addiction has also been reviewed due to the wealth of epidemiologic, risk factor, and correlative analytic data contained therein. A series of recommendations are provided to improve the cardiac safety profile of oral methadone used for analgesia. In addition, there is a discussion of settings and patient types which may impact upon these recommendations.

Psychometric Properties of the Foreign Language Attitudes and Perceptions Survey for College Students

The psychometric integrity of the Foreign Language Attitudes and Perceptions Survey for college students was investigated. Two hundred and seventy-eight college students were administered a modified version of the survey (FLAPS-C). Internal consistency reliabilities, as determined by Cronbach’s alpha, were .74, attitudes; .80, perceptions; and .86, combined. Testretest reliability was equally robust ( r = .83). Factor analytic data suggest a one-factor solution rather than two separate factors (i.e., attitudes and perceptions). Results provide preliminary support for the use of FLAPS-C as a measure of college students’ attitudes and perceptions toward learning a foreign language. The FLAPS-C’s potential utility for secondary and postsecondary special educators of at-risk students including those with learning disabilities is discussed.

A factor analytic investigation of the Tripartite model of affect in a clinical sample of young Australians

BackgroundThe Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ) was designed to specifically measure the Tripartite model of affect and is proposed to offer a delineation between the core components of anxiety and depression. Factor analytic data from adult clinical samples has shown mixed results; however no studies employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have supported the predicted structure of distinct Depression, Anxiety and General Distress factors. The Tripartite model has not been validated in a clinical sample of older adolescents and young adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the validity of the Tripartite model using scale-level data from the MASQ and correlational and confirmatory factor analysis techniques.Methods137 young people (M = 17.78, SD = 2.63) referred to a specialist mental health service for adolescents and young adults completed the MASQ and diagnostic interview.ResultsAll MASQ scales were highly inter-correlated, with the lowest correlation between the depression- and anxiety-specific scales (r = .59). This pattern of correlations was observed for all participants rating for an Axis-I disorder but not for participants without a current disorder (r = .18). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the model fit of a number of solutions. The predicted Tripartite structure was not supported. A 2-factor model demonstrated superior model fit and parsimony compared to 1- or 3-factor models. These broad factors represented Depression and Anxiety and were highly correlated (r = .88).ConclusionThe present data lend support to the notion that the Tripartite model does not adequately explain the relationship between anxiety and depression in all clinical populations. Indeed, in the present study this model was found to be inappropriate for a help-seeking community sample of older adolescents and young adults.