One-dimensional Instrument Research Articles

The Stigma subscale of the Consumer Experiences of Stigma Questionnaire (CESQ): A psychometric evaluation in Polish psychiatric patients

ObjectiveThere is a scarcity of well validated measures of the subjective experience of the stigma of mental illness. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Stigma subscale of the Consumer Experiences of Stigma Questionnaire (CESQ). MethodsA secondary analysis of the data from two cross-sectional studies using the CESQ was conducted in order to assess the factor structure, internal consistency and concurrent validity of the Stigma subscale. Sample 1 included 373 diagnostically heterogeneous patients (65% had psychotic disorders) and Sample 2 included 136 patients with schizophrenia. ResultsSince none of the factor models of the original 9-item scale was satisfactory, it was shortened by removing two psychometrically weakest items. The abbreviated 7-item scale proved to be a one-dimensional instrument, with good estimates of internal consistency. Its concurrent validity was partly confirmed by demonstrating negative correlation with quality of life and positive correlations with self-rated psychopathological symptoms. However, contrary to theoretical expectations, the stigma score was not associated with global functioning and clinician-rated symptoms. ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of the Stigma subscale of the CESQ may be improved by shortening the instrument. Although the reliability and validity of the abbreviated version were partly established, further research is needed to explore in particular its test–retest reliability and concurrent validity.

P-1060 - The study of factorial structure, validity and reliability of the penn state worry questionnaire (PSWQ)

Background Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) is an appropriate instrument for assessing of worry. Worry is the cognitive component of anxiety. It has a positive correlation with severity of the anxiety disorders. Preparing PWSQ and its psychometric index was necessary for Iranian students. Aim The aim of this study was to assess factorial structures, validity and reliability of Pennsylvania State Worry Questionnaire. Method The English version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian with the standard procedures done for translating Psychological tests. 272 second grade high school students were selected by cluster sampling from different educational regions of City of Tehran. They completed PSWQ and principal components procedure by the Varimax rotation used for data analysis. Results Exploratory factor analysis showed that PSWQ is a one-dimensional instrument for worry. Validity according to internal consistency coefficients was 0.83. Correlation with metacognition 30 question questionnaire was 0.63 indicating convergence reliability. Correlation with the Spiel Berger Anxiety scale was 0.67, with trait anxiety scale 0.70, with state anxiety scale 0.58. This finding shows that the predictive reliability of the Questionnaire is acceptable. Conclusion According to the findings of this study PSWQ have good Psychometrics properties in Iranian population and can be used as a valid measurement in Psychological research.

Estrutura dimensional da versão brasileira da Escala de Satisfação com o Processo Interpessoal de Cuidados Médicos Gerais

The objective of this study was to reassess the dimensional structure of a Brazilian version of the Scale of Satisfaction with Interpersonal Processes of General Medical Care, proposed originally as a one-dimensional instrument. Strict confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis modeled within a CFA framework (E/CFA) were used to identify the best model. An initial CFA rejected the one-dimensional structure, while an E/CFA suggested a two-dimensional structure. The latter structure was followed by a new CFA, which showed that the model without cross-loading was the most parsimonious, with adequate fit indices (CFI = 0.982 and TLI = 0.988), except for RMSEA (0.062). Although the model achieved convergent validity, discriminant validity was questionable, with the square-root of the mean variance extracted from dimension 1 estimates falling below the respective factor correlation. According to these results, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend the immediate use of the instrument, and further studies are needed for a more in-depth analysis of the postulated structures.

Revisiting the dimensional structure of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): empirical evidence for a general factor.

BackgroundThe Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been proposed as a one-dimensional instrument and used as a single 10-item scale. This might be considered questionable since repeated psychometric studies have shown multi-dimensionality, which would entail using separate component subscales. This study reappraised the dimensional structure of the EPDS, with a focus on the extent of factor correlations and related factor-based discriminant validity as a foundation for deciding how to effectively scale the component items.MethodsThe sample comprised 811 randomly selected mothers of children up to 5 months attending primary health services of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Strict Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis modeled within a CFA framework (E/CFA) were sequentially used to identify best fitting and parsimonious model(s), including a bifactor analysis to evaluate the existence of a general factor. Properties concerning the related 10-item raw-score scale were also investigated using non-parametric items response theory methods (scalability and monotonicity).ResultsAn initial CFA rejected the one-dimensional structure, while an E/CFA subscribed a three-dimensional solution. Yet, factors were highly correlated (0.66, 0.75 and 0.82). The ensuing CFA showed poor discriminant validity (some square-roots of average variance extracted below the factor correlations). A general bifactor CFA was then fit. Results suggested that, although still weakly encompassing three specific factors, the EPDS might be better described by a model encompassing a general factor (loadings ranging from 0.51 to 0.81). The related 10-item raw score showed adequate scalability (Loevinger's H coefficient = 0.4208), monotonicity e partial double monotonicity (nonintersections of Item Step Response Functions).ConclusionAlthough the EPDS indicated the presence of specific factors, they do not qualify as independent dimensions if used separately and should therefore not be used empirically as sub-scales (raw scores). An all-encompassing scale seems better suited and continuing its use in clinical practice and applied research should be encouraged.

Methods to assess the validity of the interRAI Acute Care: a framework to guide clinimetric testing

The objective was to present an overview of methods to examine the validity of the minimum data set of the interRAI Acute Care (interRAI AC). Because of the multidimensional character of this comprehensive geriatric assessment tool, clinimetric testing of the interRAI AC can be more complex than that of one-dimensional instruments. Thus to facilitate testing of the interRAI AC, we translated this complexity into a structured methodological framework that outlines procedures to assess various lines of evidence. Our framework combined traditional clinimetric techniques and the standards of psychological testing. For each line of evidence, examples of hypotheses and research questions were summarized. Future clinimetric testing can use these guidelines as a basis to obtain and provide a wide and diverse body of evidence.

Measuring Meaning in Life in South Africa: Validation of an Instrument Developed in the USA

Investigations into the construct of meaning in life is an important focus area of psychological research. Research has consistently shown a sense of meaning in life to be a significant correlate of mental health and well-being. Most of this research on meaning in life is conducted worldwide with instruments developed in North America. However, inter-cultural measurement of psychological constructs is a concern, as psychometric instruments in one culture are not necessarily transferable to different cultures. In this case study, we examine whether the Life Regard Index (LRI), developed in the USA and a popular scale for measuring meaning in life, is transferable to a sample from South Africa. The results confirm the construct validity of the LRI, but indicate that the LRI's factor structure has changed and two of the original 28 items were not part of the covariance structure. From these results, we conclude that the LRI is transferable to the South African sample, but not irrespectively and without adjustments. It should be used as a one-dimensional instrument with only 26 items before applying it to the South African sample. The study provides evidence that LRI, which was developed in the USA and became a popular instrument for measuring meaning in life, cannot be transferred indiscriminately to a South African sample. This insight contributes to the quality of future research studies in South Africa, not only on the important aspect of life meaning, but also when applying other psychometric instruments developed elsewhere.

Assessment of the behavior of children in painful situations: literature review

To analyze the scientific production published between 2001 and 2006 describing studies assessing children in painful situations, with a focus on preschool children. Searches were run for empirical articles indexed in electronic databases using the keywords pain assessment and behavior and their equivalents in Portuguese. A total of 33 articles were identified, 18 of which were studies of the psychometric properties of instruments for the measurement of pain, while 11 dealt with the application of such instruments and four were studies of intervention procedures for the relief of pain. The results indicate that more recent literature on the assessment of preschool children's behavior in painful situations is focused on testing the psychometric properties of measurement instruments. Acute pain, especially during surgical procedures, was most often assessed using one-dimensional instruments. Pain in children was most often assessed using facial activity as indicator and intensity as dimension. With relation to assessment of pain in special populations, advances were observed related to assessment of pain in preverbal children or preschool children with special needs.

Avaliação do comportamento de crianças em situações de dor: revisão da literatura

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific production published between 2001 and 2006 describing studies assessing children in painful situations, with a focus on preschool children. SOURCES: Searches were run for empirical articles indexed in electronic databases using the keywords pain assessment and behavior and their equivalents in Portuguese. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: A total of 33 articles were identified, 18 of which were studies of the psychometric properties of instruments for the measurement of pain, while 11 dealt with the application of such instruments and four were studies of intervention procedures for the relief of pain. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that more recent literature on the assessment of preschool children's behavior in painful situations is focused on testing the psychometric properties of measurement instruments. Acute pain, especially during surgical procedures, was most often assessed using one-dimensional instruments. Pain in children was most often assessed using facial activity as indicator and intensity as dimension. With relation to assessment of pain in special populations, advances were observed related to assessment of pain in preverbal children or preschool children with special needs.

Spectators' Identification with French Sports Teams: A French Adaptation of the Sport Spectator Identification Scale

Due to the works of Wann and colleagues, spectators' identification with teams has taken on a central role in the study of sports spectators' thought and behavior. However, no research in this area has measured identification with sports teams in the French context. Two studies attempted to develop a valid and reliable French version of the Sport Spectator Identification Scale (SSIS) developed by Wann and Branscombe in 1993 to measure team identification. In Study 1, 200 physical education students completed a French translation of the SSIS and several questions concerning their involvement, investment, and evaluation of the team's future performance. Results showed that the French translation of the SSIS is a reliable and one-dimensional instrument: strong relationships were found between identification with professional French teams and these variables. In Study 2, 143 physical education students completed the SSIS with a National sport team as the target team. Results confirmed the psychometric properties of the scale and indicated that persons who strongly identify with the National soccer team reported more involvement with the team and were more optimistic about future performances than persons low in identification.

Information-theoretic significance of the Wigner distribution

A coarse grained Wigner distribution p_{W}(x,u) obeying positivity derives out of information-theoretic considerations. Let p(x,u) be the unknown joint PDF (probability density function) on position- and momentum fluctuations x,u for a pure state particle. Suppose that the phase part Psi(x,z) of its Fourier transform F.T.[p(x,u)]=|Z(x,z)|exp[iPsi(x,z)] is constructed as a hologram. (Such a hologram is often used in heterodyne interferometry.) Consider a particle randomly illuminating this phase hologram. Let its two position coordinates be measured. Require that the measurements contain an extreme amount of Fisher information about true position, through variation of the phase function Psi(x,z). The extremum solution gives an output PDF p(x,u) that is the convolution of the Wigner p_{W}(x,u) with an instrument function defining uncertainty in either position x or momentum u. The convolution arises naturally out of the approach, and is one-dimensional, in comparison with the two-dimensional convolutions usually proposed for coarse graining purposes. The output obeys positivity, as required of a PDF, if the one-dimensional instrument function is sufficiently wide. The result holds for a large class of systems: those whose amplitudes a(x) are the same at their boundaries (Examples: states a(x) with positive parity; with periodic boundary conditions; free particle trapped in a box).

The Dimensionality of Right‐Wing Authoritarianism: Lessons from the Dilemma between Theory and Measurement

The RWA Scale (Altemeyer, 1981, 1988, 1996) is commonly regarded as the best measure of right‐wing authoritarianism. The one‐dimensional instrument assesses the covariation of three attitudinal clusters: authoritarian submission, authoritarian aggression, and conventionalism. The incongruence between the implicit conceptual dimensionality on the one hand and methodological operationalization on the other makes room for discussion about whether it would be advantageous to measure the 3 facets of RWA separately. I rely on three arguments: (1) confirmatory factor analyses showing that three‐dimensional scales fit the data better than the conventional one‐dimensional practice; (2) the dimensions showing a considerable interdimension discrepancy in their capability to explain validation criteria; and (3) the dimensions showing an intradimensional discrepancy which is dependent upon the research question. The argumentation is illustrated by empirical evidence from several Web‐based studies among German Internet users.

Evaluation of psychometric properties of Japanese version of international prostate symptom score and BPH impact index

To evaluate psychometric properties of the Japanese version of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and BPH Impact Index (BII). The translated IPSS and BII questionnaires were administered to 103 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 23 asymptomatic men. In 82 patients the questionnaires were repeated 2 weeks later to examine reproducibility. Further 2 weeks later 21 out of 82 patients responded to the questionnaires asking symptoms during the last week rather than during the last month. To evaluated responsiveness the questionnaires were repeated after treatment in 22 patients. Internal consistency, construct validity and criterion validity were examined by proper statistic methods. Reproducibility was good to excellent with weighted kappa more than 0.62 for all items. It was not significantly affected by age, symptom severity, institution type, or whether the patients were asked symptoms during the last week or during the last month. Internal consistency was also good with Cronbach's alpha more than 0.83. Principle component analysis identified 2 components in IPSS and a single component in BII, with all the items contributing to the first component. Most items had significant correlation with external criteria including maximum flow rate, residual urine volume or prostate volume. The scores of patients were clearly larger than asymptomatic men and obviously reduced after receiving therapies. Japanese translations of IPSS and BII were shown to be reliable, valid and one-dimensional instruments in the Japanese patients. They would be equivalent to the original English questionnaires.

An Analog Heat-Flow and Cure Controller Simulator for Rubber

Abstract This paper has presented in rather general terms the results of experimentation with direct analog methods for simulating heat flow in rubber materials and calculating continuously the attained cure equivalence for interior points. Brief descriptions of both two-dimensional and of one-dimensional prototype instruments are given, along with various applications. Several upward compatible models of the cure simulator-controller are being considered for commercialization.

Analog Logarithmic and Antilogarithmic Circuits Using Switching Transistors

As the function of modern control and computer systems becomes more complex, there is an increasing need of electronic analog circuits which automatically perform the mathematical operations of taking the logarithm and antilogarithm. The logarithmic function may be desired in itself as in conversion of linear inputs into logarithmic values for scale compression in one-dimensional instrument indicators and recorders. On the other hand, it may be used in conjunction with the antilogarithmic function to obtain the operations of multiplication, division, and taking powers and roots.