Test Of Theory Research Articles

Gerascophobia or Excessive Fear of Aging Scale (GEFAS): Development, validation, and exploration of psychometric properties of a brief instrument using classical testing theory and item response theory

BackgroundGerascophobia, or excessive fear of aging, is thought to be caused by a mixture of cognitive, experiential, and physiological factors acting on a person at particular time points. Measurement tools for evaluating geraschophobia remain insufficiently developed, despite this commonplace fear's distress. ObjectiveThe objective of the current study was to develop and validate the Gerascophobia or Excessive Fear of Aging Scale (GEFAS) and analyze its psychometric properties. MethodsThree successive investigations were carried out with a total of 1594 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to evaluate the construct validity of the GEFAS. Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed by examining relationships with measures of depression, anxiety, stress, death anxiety, psychosocial illness, and life satisfaction. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors that predict fear of aging. ResultsThe GEFAS demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach alpha >0.8). Factor analysis supported a single-factor solution for the scale (fitness indices CFI, TLI, NNFI, NFI, RFI, and MFI all > 0.95; RMSEA=0.06. Significant positive correlations were found between fear of aging and depression (r = 0.270; p < 0.01), anxiety (r = 0.311; p < 0.01), stress (r = 0.285; p < 0.01), death anxiety (r = 0.600; p < 0.01), and psychosocial illness (r = 0.243; p < 0.01). A significant inverse correlation was observed with life satisfaction. Gender differences were also noted, with women exhibiting greater fear of aging than men (p < 0.01; d = 0.488). ConclusionThe GEFAS fills a significant gap in the psychological/psychiatric literature as a useful tool for evaluating the fear of aging. The study concludes that the excessive fear of aging contributes to poor mental health.

Testing mechanistic theories must be based on correct interpretations.

Testing mechanistic theories must be based on correct interpretations.

The gill oxygen limitation hypothesis remains unsupported by experimental evidence. Response to 'Testing mechanistic theories must be based on correct interpretations'.

The gill oxygen limitation hypothesis remains unsupported by experimental evidence. Response to 'Testing mechanistic theories must be based on correct interpretations'.

The Effect of Financial Distress, Profitability, and Leverage on Profit Management with Institutional Ownership as a Moderation in Telecommunications Sector Companies Listed on the IDX

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of financial distress, profitability, and leverage on profit management, as well as to examine the role of institutional ownership as a moderating variable in the relationship between financial distress, profitability, and leverage on profit management. This study uses a quantitative research method. Quantitative research emphasizes more on testing theories through the measurement of research variables with numbers and conducting data analysis with statistical procedures. This study uses a causal design, which is a study that explains the causal relationship of independent variables to dependent variables. The results showed that financial distress, profitability, and leverage had no effect on profit management in telecommunications sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the 2018-2022 period. However, institutional ownership can weaken the influence of financial distress and profitability on profit management, while institutional ownership does not affect the influence of leverage on profit management.

Development and validation of the head and neck cancer psychosocial distress scale (HNCPDS) to identify patients at high risk for psychological problems : a multicenter study

To develop the Head and Neck Cancer Psychosocial Distress Scale (HNCPDS) with the aim of identifying high-risk individuals for psychosocial distress among patients, and to assess its reliability, validity and applicability. Using the classical test theory, a total of 435 head and neck cancer patients from six tertiary hospitals in China were recruited for developing the HNCPDS. Delphi expert consultation and item analysis were used to improve the content validity of the preliminary HNCPDS. Factor analysis (FA) and Structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to test the structural validity of HNCPDS. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Spearman-Brown coefficient and Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to test the internal consistency and retest reliability of HNCPDS. Multiple stepped-linear regression was used to analyze the risk factors of psychological disorder, and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between psychosocial distress and quality of life (QOL). The HNCPDS consisted of 14 items, which were divided into 3 subscales: 3 items for cancer discrimination, 5 items for anxiety and depression, and 6 items for social phobia. The HNCPDS had good validity [KMO coefficient was 0.947, Bartlett’s test was 5027.496 (P < 0.001), Cumulative variance contribution rate was 75.416%, and all factor loadings were greater than 0.55], reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.954, Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.955, test–retest reliability was 0.845) and acceptability [average completion time (14.31 ± 2.354 min) and effective completion rate of 90.63%]. Financial burden, sex, age and personality were found to be independent risk factors for HNCPDS (P < 0.05), and patients with higher HNCPDS scores reported a lower QOL (P < 0.01). The HNCPDS is effective and reliable in early identification and assessment of the level of psychosocial distress in patients with head and neck cancer, which can provide an effective basis for health education, psychological counseling, and social support in the future.

How excellent can centres of excellence be? The impact of prevalence on service quality.

Centres of Excellence (CEs) are thought to provide better quality services for their speciality than Generic Services (GS). However, clinical test theory suggests this may arise from differences in the prevalence of these specialities' conditions in their referral populations, which affects the services' ability to detect diagnoses accurately, even with similar diagnostic sensitivities and specificities. Furthermore, GS' insensitivity to rarer diagnoses is necessary to avoid serious overdiagnosis despite using skills equivalent to CEs. Good GS can perform as well as CEs for disorders of 15% to 20% or greater prevalence in their referral populations, depending on the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) decided for their diagnoses' positive predictive values or degree of bias. CEs are necessary for rare disorders and have a role in determining MCIDs and the sensitivity and specificity of new measures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive & negative predictive values, and true diagnostic prevalence should be routine outcome measures.

Certification exams evaluated with serial case reports: theoretical and problematic approach.

The objective of this issue is a theoretical approach to the disadvantages involved in taking the certification exams of medical specializations through serial case reports and analyzing them with the Classical Test Theory (TCT). The certification exams of medical specializations correspond to criterial summative exams with high consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain the highest quality standards in all the processes involved in preparing the exam. At present, it has been detected that some councils of medical specialties conduct the certification exams with tests that contain serial case reports and the psychometric analysis that they conduct is supported by the TCT; however, the structure of this type of test violates the fundamental assumptions of the TCT. The violation of the fundamental assumptions of the TCT in the tests constructed through serial case reports can lead to biases or misinterpretations of the results. Due to the above, it is advisable to use other psychometric models for the analysis of this type of test, or to avoid the use of serial case reports in the certification exams of medical specialties.

Added Value of Subscores for Tests With Polytomous Items.

Test-takers, policymakers, teachers, and institutions are increasingly demanding that testing programs provide more detailed feedback regarding test performance. As a result, there has been a growing interest in the reporting of subscores that potentially provide such detailed feedback. Haberman developed a method based on classical test theory for determining whether a subscore has added value over the total score. Sinharay conducted a detailed study using both real and simulated data and concluded that it is not common for subscores to have added value according to Haberman's criterion. However, Sinharay almost exclusively dealt with data from tests with only dichotomous items. In this article, we show that it is more common for subscores to have added value in tests with polytomous items.

Multidimensionality of children’s foundational skills: an IRT-based validation of the NEPSY factorial structure

ABSTRACT Objective Measurement tools for children’s foundational skills provide important insights towards the developmental mechanisms of these domains. This study examines the structure of sensorimotor, visuospatial processing (VP), executive function (EF) skills and their interrelationship. The NEPSY is a widely-used neuropsychological instrument, but while validated at the domain-level through classical test theory approaches, no studies have conducted in-depth item-level analyses on its structural and psychometric properties. Method This study examined whether the designed structure of NEPSY is empirically supported by fitting unidimensional and multidimensional Item Response Theory models to item response data of early elementary students in the United States. A confirmatory factor analysis was also conducted to examine the factorial structure of the data. Results Results provide empirical support to the factorial structure of NEPSY, both at the domain level and within the VP sub-domain. The results show that VP and EF are separate constructs and subtests within the VP domain can further be modelled as interrelated but distinct factors – non-motor and motor-based processing. Conclusion Our specific results support the theoretical stance that VP consists of multiple component skills that are distinct because they require different neurological processes. This multidimensional NEPSY model shares some structural commonalities with the Cattell–Horn–Carroll model.

The Mayo Leadership Impact Index Adapted for Matrix Leadership Structures: Initial Validity Evidence.

Physician burnout has reached crisis levels. Supportive leadership is one of the strongest drivers of physician well-being, and monitoring supervisor support is key to developing well-being focused leadership skills. Existing measures of leader support were designed within "direct report" supervision structures limiting their applicability to matrixed leadership reporting structures where direct reports are not the predominant norm. Antecedently, no measure of leadership support is validated specifically for implementation in matrixed leadership structures. Adapt and validate the Mayo Leadership Impact Index (MLII) for settings with matrixed leadership structures. A psychometric validation study utilizing classical test theory and item response theory. A tripartite hospital system in the southwestern US. Physician-respondents to a 2023 cross-sectional survey. After pilot testing, the adapted MLII was examined using a unidimensional graded response model and confirmatory factor analyses. Convergent validity was investigated via correlations with professional fulfillment, perceived autonomy support, self-valuation, and peer connectedness/respect. Divergent validity was tested via correlations with burnout. Of the three candidate revisions of the MLII, the 9-item adaptation was selected for its superior validity/reliability indices. Standardized Cronbach's and Ordinal alpha coefficients were 0.958 and 0.973, respectively. CFA loadings exceeded 0.70 (p < 0.001), and coefficients of variation (R2) exceeded 0.60 for all items. GRM slope parameters indicated "high" to "very high" item discrimination. Items 2, 5, and 8 were the most informative. Positive correlations of the adapted MLII with professional fulfillment, perceived autonomy support, and peer connectedness/respect were observed, supporting convergent validity. Negative correlation with overall burnout supports divergent validity. The findings provide evidence of the adapted MLII's validity, reliability, and appropriateness for implementation within matrixed leadership settings. Prior to this study, no leadership support measure had been validated for use among the growing number of healthcare systems with matrixed leadership reporting structures.

Testing theories of the vocabulary spurt with monolingual and bilingual infants.

Sometime before their second birthday, many children have a period of rapid expressive vocabulary growth called the vocabulary spurt. Theories of the underlying mechanisms differ: Accumulator models emphasize the accumulation of experience with words over time to yield a spurtlike pattern, while cognitive models attribute the spurt to cognitive changes. To test these theories, English-French monolingual and bilingual children with different exposure to each language were studied. Dense, longitudinal data were analyzed from 45 infants aged 16-30 months, whose expressive vocabulary was measured on a total of 617 occasions in English and/or French. Single-language (English and/or French), concept (number of concepts lexicalized across both languages), and word (sum of both languages) vocabulary scores were computed. Infants' exposure to each language and their exposure balance were measured using a language exposure questionnaire. Logistic curves were fitted to each infant's data to estimate the timing (midpoint) and steepness (slope) of the vocabulary spurt in single-language, concept, and word vocabularies. Seventy-six percent of infants showed a spurt in at least one vocabulary type, and bilinguals were less likely to show one in their nondominant than their dominant language. For single-language vocabulary, infants with more exposure to a language had earlier spurts. For combined vocabularies (concept and word), monolinguals and unbalanced bilinguals had earlier and steeper spurts than balanced bilinguals. Results better support the predictions of accumulator models than cognitive theories and show that infants follow different vocabulary acquisition trajectories based on their language background. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychometric Properties of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire 11–Chinese Version (OBQ11–C): Classical Test Theory &amp; Rasch Analysis

Abstract Date Presented 03/21/24 The study provides a reliable and valid Chinese version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11–C) for people with depression in the clinical and research field of OT. Primary Author and Speaker: Yun-Ling Chen Contributing Authors: Wei-Ting Ko, Pei-Chi Su, Ming-Hong Hsieh, Yin-To Liao, Po-Chung Ju, Yung-Teng Chan, Petra Wagman, Carita Håkansson

Computational analysis of GCaMP fluorescence data in neuronal activity

The background and motivation of our research is to explore how to use computational methods to analyze GCaMP fluorescence data. GCaMP is a genetically encoded calcium indicator that can be used to observe the activity of thousands of neurons simultaneously using modern fluorescence imaging techniques. Our research includes the application of principles such as basic signal processing, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, and graph theory to help understand raw GCaMP fluorescence data recorded from awake, behavioral mice. The data set includes GCaMP fluorescence trace and correlation coefficient matrix among neurons. Our methods include high-pass filtering, Gaussian mixture model fitting and online active set method peak inference (oasis). By analyzing the correlation between neurons, we can understand the connection and centrality between neurons.

Systematic and quantitative testing simulations and theories on phase coarsening by experiments

Microgravity experiments on phase coarsening in solid-liquid mixtures provided an ideal tool to closely and accurately explore the kinetics of phase coarsening because the sedimentation and convective melt flow are eliminated in the International Space Station. In this study, we employed phase-field simulations to systematically investigate the microstructure evolution during phase coarsening at various volume fractions. Simulated microstructure evolution during phase coarsening are compared quantitatively with the microstructure evolution archived from microgravity experiments. Furthermore, kinetics of phase coarsening in Pb-Sn solid-liquid mixtures at various volume fractions is studied theoretically and numerically, which is compared with microgravity experiments. In particular, particle size distribution, relative coarsening rate constants, and scaled maximum particle radii, are predicted from theories, and deduced from microgravity experiments, then calculated from phase-field simulations. This systematic and quantitative study of phase coarsening confirms the consistency to the results from phase-field simulation, microgravity experiments and theories at lower volume fractions, and stimulates more careful microgravity experiments at higher volume fractions (≥0.7).

The Flare-OA-16 questionnaire measuring flare in knee and hip osteoarthritis in the patient perspective: scale reduction and validation using a Rasch model

ObjectivesThe recent Flare-OA questionnaire measuring flare in knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) (19 items in 5 domains, numerical rating scale) showed good psychometric properties along with classical test theory. This study aimed to determine its scaling properties by Rasch analysis and to present evidence for a refined scalable version. Study Design and SettingThe participants were 398 subjects (mean age 64 years [standard deviation = 8.1], 70.4% women) recruited from Australia, France, and the United States, with clinically and radiologically symptomatic knee or hip OA, who completed an online survey. The sample was split into derivation and validation subsamples, stratified by country and joint. Rasch analysis examined differential item functioning (DIF) for sex, age, country, and joint. A confirmatory factor analysis and an analysis of convergent validity were performed to document the psychometric properties of the short version. ResultsTo fit the Rasch model, we reordered thresholds of answering modalities when necessary. Two items were removed. A local dependency between 2 items was solved by combining items modalities into a super-item. A uniform DIF (expected and nonremoved) was identified for one item that was split by joint, and a nonuniform DIF for one item for age and country (removed). The person-item threshold distribution showed a well-focused scale; the confirmatory factor analysis and the analysis of convergent validity showed good fit indicators for the short version. ConclusionThe Rasch analysis was helpful in guiding the decision to refine the measurement instrument. After analysis, the 16-item Flare-OA self-report questionnaire is available for use in clinical research.

Latent Reciprocal Engagement and Accuracy Variables in Social Relations Structural Equation Modeling

The social relations model (SRM) is the standard approach for analyzing dyadic data stemming from round-robin designs. The model can be used to estimate correlation-coefficients that reflect the overall reciprocity or accuracy of judgements for individual and dyads on the sample- or population level. Within the social relations structural equation modeling framework and on the statistical grounding of stochastic measurement and classical test theory, we show how the multiple indicator SRM can be modified to capture inter-individual and inter-dyadic differences in reciprocal engagement or inter-individual differences in reciprocal accuracy. All models are illustrated on an open-access round-robin data set containing measures of mimicry, liking, and meta-liking (the belief to be liked). Results suggest that people who engage more strongly in reciprocal mimicry are liked more after an interaction with someone and that overestimating one’s own popularity is strongly associated with being liked less. Further applications, advantages and limitations of the models are discussed.

The unfolded features on the synchronized fashion of gut microbiota and Drynaria rhizome against obesity via integrated pharmacology

Drynaria rhizome (DR) is used as a natural remedy to ameliorate obesity (OB) in East Asia; in parallel, the gut microbiota (GM) might exert a positive impact on OB through their metabolites. This study elucidates the orchestrated effects of DR and GM on OB. DR–GM, − a key signaling pathway–target–metabolite (DGSTM) networks were used to unveil the relationship between DR and GM, and Molecular Docking Test (MDT) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) were adopted to underpin the uppermost molecules. The NR1H3 (target) − 3-Epicycloeucalenol (ligand), and PPARG (target) − Clionasterol (ligand) conjugates from DR, FABP3 (target) − Ursodeoxycholic acid, FABP4 (target) − Lithocholic acid (ligand) or Deoxycholic acid (ligand), PPARA (target) − Equol (ligand), and PPARD (target) − 2,3-Bis(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)butyrolactone (ligand) conjugates from GM formed the most stable conformers via MDT and DFT. Overall, these findings suggest that DR-GM might be a promising ameliorator on PPAR signaling pathway against OB.

A Context-Aligned Two Thousand Test: Toward estimating high-frequency French vocabulary knowledge for beginner-to-low intermediate proficiency adolescent learners in England

Vocabulary knowledge strongly predicts second language reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Yet, few tests have been developed to assess vocabulary knowledge in French. The primary aim of this pilot study was to design and initially validate the Context-Aligned Two Thousand Test (CA-TTT), following open research practices. The CA-TTT is a test of written form–meaning recognition of high-frequency vocabulary aimed at beginner-to-low intermediate learners of French at the end of their fifth year of secondary education. Using an argument-based validation framework, we drew on classical test theory and Rasch modeling, together with correlations with another vocabulary size test and proficiency measures, to assess the CA-TTT’s internal and external validity. Overall, the CA-TTT showed high internal and external validity. Our study highlighted the decisive role of the curriculum in determining vocabulary knowledge in instructed, low-exposure contexts. We discuss how this might contribute to under- or over-estimations of vocabulary size, depending on the relations between the test and curriculum content. Further research using the tool is openly invited, particularly with lower proficiency learners in this context. Following further validation, the test could serve as a tool for assessing high-frequency vocabulary knowledge at beginner-to-low intermediate levels, with due attention paid to alignment with curriculum content.

Reliability of a probabilistic knowledge structure

Indexes for estimating the overall reliability of a test in the framework of knowledge space theory (KST) are proposed and analyzed. First, the possibility of applying in KST the existing classical test theory (CTT) methods, based on the ratio between the true score variance and the total variance of the measure, has been explored. However, these methods are not suitable because in KST error and true score are not independent. Therefore, two new indexes based on the concepts of entropy and conditional entropy are developed. One index is used to estimate the reliability of the response pattern given the knowledge state, while the second one refers to the reliability of the estimated knowledge state of a person. Some theoretical considerations as well as simulations and an empirical example on real data are provided within a study of the behavior of these indexes under a certain number of different conditions.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the caregiver self-efficacy in contributing to patient self-care scale in China

BackgroundCaregiver self-efficacy is crucial in improving patient outcomes and caregiver well-being, but there is a lack of suitable scales to assess this concept within the context of Chinese culture. This study aimed to cross-culturally translate the Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Patient Self-Care (CSE-CSC) Scale and evaluate its psychometric properties using classical test theory and item response theory.MethodsThe CSE-CSC scale was adapted using Brislin’s translation model after obtaining authorization from the original author. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of this scale. Classical test theory was used to evaluate reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability), validity (content validity, structural validity, convergent validity), and floor and ceiling effects. Item response theory was employed to assess the fit of the rating scale model, reliability, item difficulties, and measurement invariance.ResultsThe translation and cultural adaptation process was completed. Classical test theory demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.935) and test-retest reliability (ICC from 0.784 to 0.829, p<0.001). The I-CVI and K* of each item ranged from 0.875 to 1.00 and 0.871 to 1.00. The first-order 2-factor model fit well (χ2/df = 3.71, RMSEA = 0.082, SRMR = 0.032, CFI = 0.973, TLI = 0.60). Convergent validity showed that the CSE-CSC scores had a strong positive correlation with three separate scales of the CC-SC-CII. There was no floor and ceiling effect in this scale. Rasch analysis showed that the CSE-CSC scale demonstrated a good fit to the rating scale model and exhibited excellent reliability (person/item separation index>2, person/item reliability coefficients>0.8). The Wright map showed that item difficulty matched the respondents’ measured abilities. The analysis of differential item functioning (DIF) showed that all items were comparable in gender.ConclusionsThis study indicated that the CSE-CSC scale had good reliability, validity, difficulty degree, and measurement invariance. The CSE-CSC scale can be used to measure caregiver self-efficacy of Chinese patients with multiple chronic conditions.