Psychological Instruments Research Articles

The psychological empowerment and quality of work life among Jordanian primary care nurses and midwives

IntroductionThe healthcare industry, particularly in the context of primary care, presents various challenges to nurses and midwives, influencing their psychological empowerment (PE) and quality of work life (QWL).ObjectiveThis study’s objective is to assess the levels of PE and QWL among Jordanian primary care nurses and midwives and explore the relationship between PE and QWL.MethodsUtilizing a descriptive correlational design, the study included 273 Jordanian primary care nurses and midwives through convenience sampling. The Psychological Empowerment Instrument and Brook’s Quality of Nursing Work Life Survey were used to measure PE and QWL. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the study participant’s characteristics and inferential analysis such as Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to examine relationships and identify predictors of study variables.ResultsThe study found that the QWL scale had high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.954), and similarly, the PE scale demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.948). Moving on to the core findings, significant positive correlations were identified between PE and QWL, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.568 (p < 0.01), indicating that higher levels of psychological empowerment were associated with better quality of work life. Furthermore, the regression analysis revealed that PE accounted for approximately 32.3% of the variability in QWL scores. Interestingly, participants holding diplomas reported the highest QWL scores (mean = 136.14), while those contemplating leaving the nursing profession displayed significantly lower QWL scores (mean = 114.14). No significant correlations were found between PE and sociodemographic variables such as age, income, and years of experience.ConclusionThis study reveals a crucial need to enhance PE and QWL. Key findings show moderate PE and QWL levels, with variations based on educational background and workplace. The positive correlation between PE and QWL identifies the benefits of fostering empowerment through professional development, job autonomy, and decision-making. These insights are vital for improving nursing practice and policy and enhancing nurse satisfaction and patient care.

Research methodologies for eliciting patients' preferences in invasive procedures: a scoping review.

Endpoints that patients and clinicians consider important may differ based on patients' preferences and values. Several methods are available to elicit patient preferences in a succinct and methodologically valid manner. We conducted a scoping review of methods used to elicit patient preferences in invasive procedures to provide a framework for researchers and clinicians to incorporate these measures into future efforts. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and health and psychological instruments database were searched from inception until September 2020. Articles that examined patient preferences for any invasive procedure were eligible for inclusion. Selection and extraction were completed in duplicate. Preference elicitation methods were identified and summarized. Three hundred ninety-four articles (n = 76,921 patients) were included representing several surgical specialties. Of included studies, 11.7% (n = 46) used both quantitative and qualitative methods, 81.2% (n = 320) used quantitative methods only, and 7.1% (n = 28) used qualitative methods only to elicit preferences. The most frequently employed quantitative method to elicit preferences was simple choice selection, while one-on-one interviews with participants was the most frequently used qualitative method. Preference elicitation was the primary outcome in 74.6% (n = 294) of included studies. There are several methods to elicit patient preferences in surgical research. Qualitative methods are valuable for exploring views and generating consensus statements. Quantitative methods are better suited for assessing relative preferences, establishing preference thresholds, or ascertaining the presence of preferences. The choice of method should align with the specific research objectives.

Ujian Pertimbangan Situasi (SJT): pengenalan kepada pengukuran psikologi [Situation Judgment Test (SJT): an introduction to psychological measurement

The Situational judgment Test (SJT) is a psychological measurement instrument that promotes ideas and knowledge to enable decisions to be made by stakeholders and measures decisions based on the responses of test candidates. SJT is gaining popularity all over the world and is often used in various fields especially for Personnel Selection, promotion and professional development. However, limited practice and discussion has been identified mainly in terms of concepts and theories related to SJT. Therefore, this article discusses the definition of SJT, the history of SJT, and the components of SJT items. The ideas and discussions in this article can not only increase the theoretical value, but also the practical value in measuring the quality of test candidates, especially involving psychological measurements.

Gray matter volume differences in intimate partner violence perpetrators and its role in explaining dropout and recidivism

AimPsychological instruments that are employed to adequately explain treatment compliance and recidivism of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators present a limited ability and certain biases. Therefore, it becomes necessary to incorporate new techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to be able to surpass those limitations and measure central nervous system characteristics to explain dropout (premature abandonment of intervention) and recidivism. MethodThe main objectives of this study were: 1) to assess whether IPV perpetrators (n = 60) showed differences in terms of their brain's regional gray matter volume (GMV) when compared to a control group of non-violent men (n = 57); 2) to analyze whether the regional GMV of IPV perpetrators before starting a tailored intervention program explain treatment compliance (dropout) and recidivism rate. ResultsIPV perpetrators presented increased GMV in the cerebellum and the occipital, temporal, and subcortical brain regions compared to controls. There were also bilateral differences in the occipital pole and subcortical structures (thalamus, and putamen), with IPV perpetrators presenting reduced GMV in the above-mentioned brain regions compared to controls. Moreover, while a reduced GMV of the left pallidum explained dropout, a considerable number of frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, subcortical and limbic regions added to dropout to explain recidivism. ConclusionsOur study found that certain brain structures not only distinguished IPV perpetrators from controls but also played a role in explaining dropout and recidivism. Given the multifactorial nature of IPV perpetration, it is crucial to combine neuroimaging techniques with other psychological instruments to effectively create risk profiles of IPV perpetrators.

Developing a machine learning-based instrument for subjective well-being assessment on Weibo and its psychological significance: An evaluative and interpretive research.

Demystifying machine learning (ML) approaches through the synergy of psychology and artificial intelligence can achieve a balance between predictive and explanatory power in model development while enhancing rigor in validation and reporting standards. Accordingly, this study aimed to bridge this research gap by developing a subjective well-being (SWB) prediction model on Weibo, serving as a psychological assessment instrument and explaining the model construction based on psychological knowledge. The model establishment involved the collection of SWB scores and posts from 1,427 valid Weibo users. Multiple machine learning algorithms were employed to train the model and fine-tune its parameters. The optimal model was selected by comparing its criterion validity and split-half reliability performance. Furthermore, SHAP values were calculated to rank the importance of features, which were then used for model interpretation. The criterion validity for the three dimensions of SWB ranged from 0.50 to 0.52 (P< 0.001), and the split-half reliability ranged from 0.94 to 0.96 (P< 0.001). The identified relevant features were related to four main aspects: cultural values, emotions, morality, and time and space. This study expands the application scope of SWB-related psychological theories from a data-driven perspective and provides a theoretical reference for further well-being prediction.

Insights into the Psychological Strains of University Life: A Study of Albanian Students

During university years, mental health and behavioural challenges become more prevalent. The unique lifestyle of students often exposes them to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Additionally, mental well-being is closely linked to factors such as anxiety, stress, and adjustments to new lifestyle habits, particularly in the crucial transition period of the first year at university. A longitudinal study was conducted among students enrolled at universities in Albania. Descriptive statistics were used to show the difference between gender, levels of education and age. A sample of 594 students participated in the study completing the battery of questionnaires. Psychological instruments and exposure measurements were considered. Research has confirmed the challenges faced by students during their university years, revealing a correlation between insufficient financial support and a rise in symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings underscore the impact of lifestyle changes on the manifestation of clinically significant psychological symptoms. It suggests that enhancing financial support and providing additional resources could alleviate psychological distress among university students.

EXPLORANDO AS PERSPECTIVAS DA PSICOLOGIA ORGANIZACIONAL NAS ROTINAS ADMINISTRATIVAS DENTRO DAS ORGANIZAÇÕES

The study addressed here explores the evolution and importance of Organizational and Occupational Psychology over time, highlighting the lack of clarity in initial conceptions of human beings in organizations and the concept of work. Currently, Organizational Psychology aims to understand the worker and promote human dignity in work relationships, representing a significant transformation in perspective over the years. Noted, in the face of rapid changes in the work context, the role of Organizational and Occupational Psychology has expanded beyond simple personnel assessment and selection. The approach has evolved, incorporating aspects such as interests, motivations, employee satisfaction, and the development of systems and teams focused on safety, health, comfort, and productivity. Currently, organizational psychologists play crucial roles in practices related to mental health at work, training planning, and staff development, in addition to addressing labor issues such as stress reduction, absenteeism, retirement, and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in appropriate positions. The role of psychologists in organizations is summarized as being facilitators and consciousness raisers for various groups in the institution, considering the health and subjectivity of individuals, business dynamics, and integration into the broader context of the organization. The activities performed by organizational psychologists, grounded in psychological techniques and instruments, have the potential to promote not only the company’s development but also the individual growth of workers and a positive impact on society. In summary, the text provides a comprehensive view of the evolution and role of Organizational and Occupational Psychology, highlighting adaptation to changes in the work environment and the increasing complexity of labor relations. By exploring the perspectives of Organizational Psychology in Administration, we understand how this discipline plays a crucial role in the effective management of organizations, positively influencing not only the individual aspects of employees but also the overall functioning and sustainability of companies.

Examining the Psychological Measures and Feasibility of Recreational Trail Rides in Reducing Cravings for Addictive Substances among Veterans: A Replication Pilot Study.

Equine-assisted services have been gaining popularity as complementary therapies for a variety of populations with a diversity of diagnoses. Interventions using equines might benefit the military Veteran population through building therapeutic alliance as well as reducing symptoms. This pilot observational study is primarily aimed to investigate safety, feasibility, and acceptability of equine-assisted services for Veterans with substance abuse disorders. It is the second pilot observational study, the first being completed in 2022. Secondary outcomes included recording the impact of trail riding on psychological measures among Veterans at a large Veterans Administration medical center. The study included a total of 32 Veterans who participated in trail riding sessions from May 4, 2022 to August 31, 2022. The study utilized the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Adult Hope Scale, and Craving Experience Questionnaire to assess changes in positive affect, negative affect, hope components, and substance craving. The results indicated significant reductions in negative affect and substance craving after the first session, with positive effects observed in subsequent sessions. However, demographic and diagnostic variables did not predict significant changes in psychological instruments. Overall, the study demonstrated that trail riding was a safe and feasible intervention and may have potential benefits for improving emotional well-being and reducing substance cravings among Veterans. It is recommended that future studies research mechanisms of action, as well as conduct more rigorous investigations, including controlled trials using larger sample sizes and longitudinal research, to best determine lasting effects of these types of complementary therapies.

Reliability Analysis of Psychological Measures Related to STEM Persistence in Undergraduate Students at a Hispanic Serving Institution

ABSTRACT Research suggests that psychological factors are related to persistence in science, especially for underrepresented students; however, most psychological instruments have been validated through studies conducted at predominately White institutions. In the current study, we report reliability estimates for measures of science identity, science motivation, and science self-efficacy with a sample of undergraduate college students from a Hispanic Serving Institution (N = 309). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were estimated with Cronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation coefficients, respectively. We report Cronbach's alpha values separately for male (N = 152), female (N = 152), Hispanic (N = 111), and White (N = 115) students. We also examined whether there were statistically significant differences in the Cronbach’s alpha values between these groups. The results demonstrated good to excellent reliability estimates for internal consistency (α ranged from .89 to .96) and test-retest reliability (ICC ranged from .76 to .80) for all groups. There were no significant differences in Cronbach’s alpha values between students identifying as male versus female or between Hispanic and White identifying students. We conclude by urging science education researchers to examine, report, and interpret reliability estimates for their measures for each dataset.

Savižudiškų minčių intensyvumo skalė (SIDAS) ir Savižudiško elgesio klausimynas – patikslintas (SBQ-R): lietuviškų versijų psichometriniai rodikliai

The Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS) and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) are widely used psychological instruments for assessing people‘s suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric characteristics of the Lithuanian versions of the SIDAS and SBQ-R. We analysed data collected from four samples: a Lithuanian general population quota sample based on age, gender and place of residence (N = 697, 52.9% women, aged 18–79 years); a sample of students (N = 2013, 72 % women, aged 18–29 years); a clinical sample of suicidal patients (N = 35, 77.1% women, aged 18–59 years); and a test-retest sample of students who completed the instruments twice within a two-week period (N = 54, 70.4% women, aged 18–47 years). The participants answered questions on gender, and age and completed the SIDAS and SBQ-R. The data analysis revealed that the Lithuanian versions of the SIDAS and SBQ-R have good internal consistency, temporal stability, construct, convergent, and criterion validity. The Lithuanian versions of the SIDAS and SBQ-R can be used to measure suicidality in research settings, as well as in clinical work as auxiliary tools.

Factor structure of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised in Latin American young adults.

More than 550 million people speak Spanish and, yet, psychometric data on psychological instruments in Spanish lags. Given evidence of significant traumatic exposure and distress among Spanish speakers, the aim of the current study was to examine the factor structure of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), in a large sample of Spanish-speaking adults. Participants (n = 725) were university students living in Latin America (M = 21.02; SD = 3.12). Most were born in Mexico (77.6%) and the next largest subgroup was from Ecuador (18.9%). Respondents completed the 22-item IES-R. The IES-R mean score was 20.08 (SD = 21.34) and 26.6% of the sample met the cutoff score for clinically significant symptoms. Regarding factor structure, eight different factor structures that have demonstrated a good fit in the extant literature were examined. The one-factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit, χ²(209) = 839.13, p < .0001; root-mean-square error (RMSEA) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.06, 0.07]; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.91, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.90. The two-factor model demonstrated good fit, χ²(208) = 746.70, p < .0001; RMSEA = 0.06, 95% CI [0.05, 0.06]; CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, and nested model comparisons of the two-factor and one-factor models using the chi-square difference test supported the two-factor model. The most parsimonious of the multifactor models, a two-factor model with Avoidance symptoms as one factor and Intrusions and Hyperarousal combined into a second may be of greatest use for this particular version of the IES-R. The current research demonstrates strong psychometric support for Intrusion/Hyperarousal and Avoidance subscales when measuring traumatic stress in Spanish speakers and underscores the need for culturally and contextually sensitive assessment in this population, in which posttraumatic stress is prevalent. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Adaptation of Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) for Mothers of Children Aged 3-6 Years in Indonesian Context

Adaptation of psychological instruments is very important because of differences in culture and context. This study aims to adapt the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12) in an Indonesian context. Initial steps include back-to-back translation, focus group discussions, expert assessments, and pilot studies. From this procedure, the number of items obtained is 12 which is the original ISEL-12 version, there are five revised items according to the context of cultural groups and parenting activities of mothers with children of early child age (3-6 years). The twelve final questions were tested on 533 mothers with an average age of 34.5 years from several regions in Indonesia. Construct validity tests are performed using EFA and CFA. The analysis showed good validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.920) and item loading factors ranging from 0.398-0.816 by showing that the three-factor model was suitable, with values based on RMSEA=0.079, CFI=0.923, TLI=0.911 and GFI=0.918. The conclusion is that ISEL-Ind also has 3 aspects in forming social support for mothers who have children in early childhood, namely, tangible support, belonging support and appraisal support. Keyword: Mother’s; Social Support; ISEL

Clinic-Based Characterization of Adolescents and Young Adults With Migraine: Psychological Functioning, Headache Days, and Disability.

This cross-sectional observational study retrospectively examined clinical data collected from adolescents and young adults (AYAs) seeking care in a specialty headache clinic. We characterized participants' headache characteristics and psychological functioning and examined the association between self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms and headache frequency, severity, and disability. During their clinic visit, AYAs (M age = 18.36; range = 14-32, 79.5% female) completed an intake questionnaire and reported about their headache characteristics (i.e., frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms in months), mental health history (i.e., previous diagnosis of an anxiety or depressive disorder), and utilization of emergency department (ED) services for migraine. AYAs also completed psychometrically validated screening tools for anxiety and depressive symptoms (i.e., the GAD-7 and PHQ-9). We computed descriptive statistics and examined associations among scores on psychological measures and headache characteristics, including migraine-related disability. We also tested whether individuals with clinically elevated GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores had higher levels of disability relative to those with fewer/subclinical levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Participants (N = 283) reported more than 19 headache days per month on average, with more than 90% describing their average headache intensity as moderate or severe. Nearly half of AYAs reported severe headache-related disability. Approximately one-quarter of AYAs reported a previous diagnosis anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis, and more than one-third scored above clinical cutoffs on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Higher scores on both psychological screening instruments were associated with greater headache frequency. More than 10% of patients endorsed current suicidal ideation; this was not related to headache-related disability. Participants reported a high degree of ED utilization for headache; these rates were unrelated to endorsement of psychological comorbidities. In this sample of AYAs, headache characteristics were generally unrelated to scores on measures on psychological functioning. However, the observed rates of clinically elevated anxiety/depressive symptoms and suicidality in this sample of AYAs underscore the importance of screening for psychological comorbidities in neurology clinics that serve this age group, irrespective of self-reported disability. Results also emphasize the need to expand access to behavioral health services for AYAs with headache disorders and the importance of incorporating a biopsychosocial perspective to the transition of health care from pediatrics to adult neurology practice.

SENEM: A software engineering-enabled educational metaverse

Context:The term metaverse refers to a persistent, virtual, three-dimensional environment where individuals may communicate, engage, and collaborate. One of the most multifaceted and challenging use cases of the metaverse is education, where educators and learners may require multiple technical, social, psychological, and interaction instruments to accomplish their learning objectives. While the characteristics of the metaverse might nicely fit the problem’s needs, our research points out a noticeable lack of knowledge into (1) the specific requirements that an educational metaverse should actually fulfill to let educators and learners successfully interact towards their objectives and (2) how to design an appropriate educational metaverse for both educators and learners. Objective:In this paper, we aim to bridge this knowledge gap by proposing SENEM, a novel software engineering-enabled educational metaverse. We first elicit a set of functional requirements that an educational metaverse should fulfill. Method:In this respect, we conduct a literature survey to extract the currently available knowledge on the matter discussed by the research community, and afterward, we assess and complement such knowledge through semi-structured interviews with educators and learners. Upon completing the requirements elicitation stage, we then build our prototype implementation of SENEM, a metaverse that makes available to educators and learners the features identified in the previous stage. Finally, we evaluate the tool in terms of learnability, efficiency, and satisfaction through a Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation research approach, leading us to the iterative refinement of our prototype. Results:Through our survey strategy, we extracted nine requirements that guided the tool development that the study participants positively evaluated. Conclusion:Our study reveals that the target audience appreciates the elicited design strategy. Our work has the potential to form a solid contribution that other researchers can use as a basis for further improvements.

Insights into the Psychological Strains of University Life: A Study of Albanian Students

During university years, mental health and behavioural challenges become more prevalent. The unique lifestyle of students often exposes them to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Additionally, mental well-being is closely linked to factors such as anxiety, stress, and adjustments to new lifestyle habits, particularly in the crucial transition period of the first year at university. A longitudinal study was conducted among students enrolled at universities in Albania. Descriptive statistics were used to show the difference between gender, levels of education and age. A sample of 594 students participated in the study completing the battery of questionnaires. Psychological instruments and exposure measurements were considered. Research has confirmed the challenges faced by students during their university years, revealing a correlation between insufficient financial support and a rise in symptoms of depression and anxiety. The findings underscore the impact of lifestyle changes on the manifestation of clinically significant psychological symptoms. It suggests that enhancing financial support and providing additional resources could alleviate psychological distress among university students.

The role of environmental sensitivity in the mental health of Syrian refugee children: a multi-level analysis

Individuals with high environmental sensitivity have nervous systems that are disproportionately receptive to both the protective and imperilling aspects of the environment, suggesting their mental health is strongly context-dependent. However, there have been few consolidated attempts to examine putative markers of sensitivity, across different levels of analysis, within a single cohort of individuals with high-priority mental health needs. Here, we examine psychological (self-report), physiological (hair hormones) and genetic (polygenic scores) markers of sensitivity in a large cohort of 1591 Syrian refugee children across two waves of data. Child-caregiver dyads were recruited from informal tented settlements in Lebanon, and completed a battery of psychological instruments at baseline and follow-up (12 months apart). Univariate and multivariate Bayesian linear mixed models were used to examine a) the interrelationships between markers of sensitivity and b) the ability of sensitivity markers to predict anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and externalising behaviour. Self-reported sensitivity (using the Highly Sensitive Child Scale) significantly predicted a higher burden of all forms of mental illness across both waves, however, there were no significant cross-lagged pathways. Physiological and genetic markers were not stably predictive of self-reported sensitivity, and failed to similarly predict mental health outcomes. The measurement of environmental sensitivity may have significant implications for identifying and treating mental illness, especially amongst vulnerable populations, but clinical utility is currently limited to self-report assessment.

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and the Functions of Consciousness.

"Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response" (ASMR) refers to a sensory-emotional experience that was first explicitly identified and named within the past two decades in online discussion boards. Since then, there has been mounting psychological and neural evidence of a clustering of properties common to the phenomenon of ASMR, including convergence on the set of stimuli that trigger the experience, the properties of the experience itself, and its downstream effects. Moreover, psychological instruments have begun to be developed and employed in an attempt to measure it. Based on this empirical work, we make the case that despite its nonscientific origins, ASMR is a good candidate for being a real kind in the cognitive sciences. The phenomenon appears to have a robust causal profile and may also have an adaptive evolutionary history. We also argue that a more thorough understanding of the distinctive type of phenomenal experience involved in an ASMR episode can shed light on the functions of consciousness, and ultimately undermine certain "cognitive" theories of consciousness. We conclude that ASMR should be the subject of more extensive scientific investigation, particularly since it may also have the potential for therapeutic applications.

INDONESIAN VERSION OF SATISFACTION WITH LIFE SCALE, A PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION WITH RASCH MODEL

Previous studies on The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) showed inconsistency, primarily related to the justice principle based on gender when using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric property of the Indonesian version of SWLS using the Rasch model. This model can be used as an evaluation technique for psychological instruments. The Rasch model showed a more detailed analysis than CFA, explaining person-item fit statistics, rating scale diagnosis, item calibration, and differential item functioning. The total participants after person fit checking were 1,154 university students who completed an online survey consisting of demographic data and a five-item Indonesian version of SWLS. The Rasch Rating Scale Analysis (RSM) showed that the Indonesian version of SWLS fulfilled unidimensional and local independence assumptions. The items delivered a good item fit index with a five-point rating scale, and there were no gender biases in moderate level and high differential item functioning (DIF). Therefore, the Indonesian version of SWLS is recommended for further research measuring life satisfaction. This research implies that using the Indonesian version of SWLS, especially in Indonesia, can use a five-point rating scale for future research.

Perspectives on International Conflict: Analyzing the Causes and Containment of Wars

This paper provides a comprehensive survey and analysis of perspectives on international conflict, focusing on the causes and containment of wars. The study delves into the concept of the "security dilemma" and the paradoxical nature of the contemporary international system, as identified by Herbert Butterfield. It explores various theoretical responses to the question of war causation, categorizing them into psychological, sociological, and political theories. Each perspective attributes the causes of war to different factors, such as human nature, the internal organization of states, and the anarchical nature of the international system. The paper critically evaluates the relevance and limitations of each perspective, highlighting the interconnectedness of these causal factors in understanding the complexities of international conflicts. Moreover, it emphasizes the evolving role of military power and diplomacy in conflict management, considering the impact of modern military technology and the growing emphasis on conflict avoidance and prevention strategies. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to conflict management, integrating diplomatic, economic, and psychological instruments of power, to effectively contain and resolve international conflicts in the global society.

Psychometric Modeling to Identify Examinees' Strategy Differences during Testing.

Aptitude test scores are typically interpreted similarly for examinees with the same overall score. However, research has found evidence of examinee differences in strategies, as well as in the continued application of appropriate procedures during testing. Such differences can impact the correlates of test scores, making similar interpretations for equivalent scores questionable. This study presents some item response theory (IRT) models that are relevant to identifying examinee differences in strategies and understanding of test-taking procedures. First, mixture IRT models that identify latent classes of examinees with different patterns of item responses are considered; these models have long been available but unfortunately are not routinely applied. Strategy differences between the classes can then be studied separately by modeling the response patterns with cognitive complexity variables within each class. Secondly, novel psychometric approaches that leverage response time information (in particular, response time residuals) in order to identify both inter and intraindividual variability in response processes are considered. In doing so, a general method for evaluating threats to validity is proposed. The utility of the approach, in terms of providing more interpretable performance estimates and improving the administration of psychological measurement instruments, is then demonstrated with an empirical example.