Latent Variable Theory Research Articles

Design and multidimensional analysis of dental orthopedic prosthetics quality

The purpose of the research is a multidimensional analysis of the "quality of life" of patients before and after dental prosthetics. It is necessary to assess the quality of life of patients after prosthetics, depending on the type of prostheses, gender, and age of patients and give recommendations on the choice of prosthetics method. Methods. Dental prosthetics was performed at the clinic of the Moscow State Medical University named after A. I. Evdokimov, four types of prostheses were tested - the classic traditional prosthesis (TR) and three types of digital prostheses (D1, D2, D3). Based on the developed OHIP-20 DG questionnaire, the quality of life of patients was assessed before prosthetics, immediately after prosthetics and six months later. The quality of life of patients after prosthetics was determined within the framework of the theory of latent variables. Using a four-factor analysis of variance, the impact on the quality of life of the type of prostheses, the duration of adaptation after prosthetics, gender and age of patients was assessed. Results. Within the framework of the theory of latent variables, it is shown that the developed questionnaire can be used as a measuring tool to analyze the influence of the studied factors on the quality of life of patients after prosthetics. Due to the use of four-factor analysis of variance, the accuracy of statistical analysis has been improved and the statistical significance of four sources of variance has been revealed. Based on the results of statistical analysis, recommendations on the choice of prosthetics method have been developed. Conclusion. A multidimensional analysis of the studied factors affecting the quality of life of patients after dental prosthetics was carried out. The quality of life of patients increases statistically significantly after prosthetics. Due to the use of a four-factor model of variance analysis, the precision of assessments of the quality of life of patients has been improved. The prosthetics method (D1) is recommended for women, the prosthetics method (D3) is recommended for men. The obtained results are recommended to be used in practice.

The association between child maltreatment, cognitive reappraisal, negative coping styles, and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with major depressive disorder

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern among adolescents with major depressive disorders (MDD). Although previous research has linked child maltreatment (CM) to NSSI, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between CM, cognitive reappraisal (CR), negative coping styles (NC) and NSSI in adolescents with MDD, from the perspectives of both Latent Variable Theory and the Network Theory of Mental Disorder.MethodsA sample of 651 adolescents with MDD was recruited from January to December 2023. Data on CM, CR, NC, and NSSI were collected through paper-based self-reported questionnaires. Data analysis primarily involved structural equation modeling and network analysis.ResultsThe reporting rate of NSSI among adolescents with MDD was 48.2%. CM showed a significant positive correlation with NSSI. NSSI was affected by CM through three paths: the mediating role of CR, the mediating role of NC, and the chain mediating role of both CR and NC. Emotional abuse (EA) was the central node, while NSSI, EA, and “The urge to cry quietly when faced with troubles“(NC10) were the key bridge nodes.ConclusionsThis study is the first to use both structural equation modeling and network analysis to explore the explore the relationship between CM, CR, NC, and NSSI in adolescents with MDD, providing a theoretical basis for future early prevention and targeted interventions for adolescents with MDD.

Оценка альтернатив: новые подходы принятия решений в условиях определенности

The decision-making process plays an important role in the development of society in general and the effective management of organizations in particular. In today's world, where the complexity of tasks and the competitive environment are constantly growing, making the right and informed decisions becomes a key element of success. Any person, group of people or organization is constantly faced with the need to choose between several possible courses of action, called alternatives, whether in the personal sphere or in the work of organizations. To effectively make complex decisions within the activities of organizations, models for making optimal decisions have been developed. The most popular of them is the model of decision-making under conditions of certainty, when the outcome of the decision is not influenced by random factors. All this confirms the relevance of scientific research in the field of decision making. Aim. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for assessing the degree of attractiveness of alternatives based on objective quantitative or subjective qualitative criteria, which will improve the quality of decisions made. The methodology is based on mathematical models for processing information containing the characteristics of alternatives according to evaluation criteria. Materials and methods. The methodology for evaluating alternatives presented in the work is based on mathematical models of information processing, which are based on methods of mathematical modeling, optimization methods, linear programming, theory of fuzzy sets, theory of latent variables, as well as methods of decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and methods of expert assessment. Results. The relevance of the development of a model for evalua¬ting construction projects according to quantitative criteria is shown, ways of solving the tasks are given and justified. A mathematical model has been developed that makes it possible to evaluate construction projects by objective indicators based on the theory of fuzzy sets and the Rush model for estimating latent variables. On the basis of numerical methods, the adequacy of the received estimates of construction projects is substantiated, the methodology for implementing computational procedures necessary for the practical implementation of evaluation models is described. Conclusion. The application of the given methodology in the decision-making procedure under conditions of certainty will improve the quality of decisions made and reduce the risks of their implementation.

Method for Forming Linear Scales for Assessing Learning Outcomes with Control of the Adequacy of Indicator Variables

The purpose of the research is to construct a linear scale for assessing learning outcomes, and to assess the relevance of the indicator variables involved in the formation of the scale.Methods. An analysis of existing approaches to assessing competencies has shown that the most effective approach is the activity-based approach, which involves assessing competencies as a result of current, milestone and/or final control in a discipline or group of disciplines. For this, a scale is needed ‒ a measuring tool that allows you to assess the level of knowledge in a given competency. The quality of the measurement instrument was assessed within the framework of latent variable theory based on the Rasch model. We used the interactive environment “Measurement of Latent Variables, developed in the laboratory of objective measurements of Kuban State University, and the RUMM 2020 software, which is widely used in our country for processing student testing results.Results. For the universal competence Able to manage one’s time, build and implement a trajectory of self-development based on the principles of lifelong education, software and a pool of test tasks have been developed. Using latent variable theory, the validity of a linear scale for this competency was tested. Linear scale indicators have been identified that most adequately characterize the quality of knowledge level assessment, and indicators with the greatest and least sensitivity to the level of knowledge in this competency have been identified.Conclusion. The developed linear scale for assessing learning outcomes was used to measure the level of development of the universal competence UC-6 among students of Kuban State University. The results obtained are necessary for monitoring the formation of the UC-6 competence and for determining the factors influencing the formation of this competence.

The Symptom Network Structure of Teachers' Burnout and Its Connection to Psychological Capital.

Teacher burnout is characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from excessive work-related stress. Previous research based on traditional latent variable theory has revealed a significant negative relationship between TB and psychological capital (PsyCap). This study explored the complex symptoms of TB and the contact points of PsyCap in reducing TB using psychometric network analysis. A total of 3991 teachers completed the burnout subscale of the Professional Quality of Life and Psychological Capital Scale. The results showed that: (a) In the TB network, the core symptoms displayed by teachers due to burnout are difficulty feeling "I am a very caring person", "I am happy", and "I am the person I always wanted to be"; (b) The TB-PsyCap network was closely connected, and the symptoms affected each other. PsyCap affected the TB network through "I feel optimistic and happy almost every day" and "I often feel that there is a future as a teacher"; (c) PsyCap's bridge symptoms had a negative impact on TB, and PsyCap may reduce TB primarily through optimistic, hopeful dimensions. Psychometric network analysis helps us understand the complex symptoms of TB and the contact points of PsyCap in reducing TB. This study offers valuable insights into the prevention of, and intervention in, burnout within the teaching community.

Quality of life of patients with complete loss of teeth and the psychometric properties of the OHIP-20 DG questionnaire. Part 3. Investigation of latent variables

BACKGROUND: In the rehabilitation of patients with complete loss of teeth, an important aspect is the study of their quality of life (QL) as an indicator reflecting the effectiveness of treatment.
 AIM: Use latent variables and control their magnitude to control the development or suppression of symptoms in patients.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of the modern theory of latent variables, the study examined the QL of patients with complete loss of teeth at various stages of dental orthopedic treatment.
 RESULTS: The average relative error of the forward and reverse conversion of the polytomic score indicators, i.e., latent variables, was 3.69%, which indicated a very high accuracy of measurements of latent variables. The QL estimates obtained by different methods were in good agreement with each other, and the Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.991, 0.999, and 0.982 before and after prosthetics. The characteristic curves of the questionnaire items were close to the experimental score indicators (p 0.05). The parameters of the latent variables at various stages of treatment were calculated using the KolmogorovSmirnov criterion, which showed that their distributions were normal, and the medians moves in different directions, which corresponded to an increase in QoL during treatment and adaptation. The interpretation of latent variables is proposed: i is the resistance (reserve level) of the body of the i-th patient before prosthetics or the effectiveness of treatment and adaptation after prosthetics; j presents the severity and intensity of pathogenic factors in the development of the j-th symptom, and Pij is the probability of the removal of the j-th symptom in the i-th patient.
 CONCLUSION: It has been established that by identifying and measuring latent variables, as well as controlling their magnitude, we can control the level of development or suppression of symptoms in patients.

Метод анализа иерархий: подход, основанный на теории латентных переменных

The paper proposes a mathematical model for evaluating the attractiveness of alternatives by a qualitative criterion, which is based on the method of evaluating latent variables according to the Rasch model. This model is intended for assessing the attractiveness of alternatives in expert evaluation using the hierarchy analysis method based on a paired comparison of alternatives. The proposed method will make it possible to obtain objective estimates of alternatives on a linear scale, which do not depend on the composition of the alternatives being evaluated. Aim. The purpose of the study is to describe a new mathematical apparatus that allows one to obtain estimates of the attractiveness of alternatives and has a number of advantages over traditional methods of evaluation. The proposed model is based on the theory of latent variables, and more precisely, on the Rasch model for estimating latent variables. Materials and methods. The basis of the model for evaluating alternatives described in the paper is the method of paired comparisons. However, unlike the traditional mathematical apparatus of the hierarchy analysis method, the method for identifying the preference of one alternative over another for each of their pairs is based on a probabilistic approach, so preference estimates are less abstract and more objective. The paper gives a mathematical substantiation of the proposed model, compares the results of estimation by the proposed model with the results obtained by traditional methods. Computational experiments are also described that substantiate the adequacy of the obtained estimates. Results. A mathematical model has been developed, which is an alternative to the hierarchy analysis method (T. Saaty) for assessing the attractiveness of alternatives using the method of paired comparisons. Unlike the traditional evaluation method, the model allows you to obtain independent estimates of alternatives on a linear scale, and the criteria for comparing alternatives are probabilistic in nature, which allows for an objective assessment. Computational experiments have shown the adequacy and good stability of the obtained estimates to changes in the initial data. Conclusion. The proposed method for processing expert information obtained from paired comparisons of alternatives will make it possible to obtain the most objective assessments of them and can be used as a mathematical apparatus for decision support systems in many areas of scientific and practical activity.

Алгоритм и методы принятия управленческих решений на основе теории латентных переменных в условиях временных ограничений

The paper describes a decision-making algorithm under conditions of dynamically changing external and internal factors that affect the result of decision-making. The main role in this algorithm is played by the stage of assessing the attractiveness of alternatives and, as a result, choosing the most attractive of them. The main problem for solving this problem is the choice of the best alternative under conditions of uncertainty, when there is no information about possible scenarios for the development of the situation. To solve this problem, the paper proposes to apply the Rasch model of estimating latent variables, which allows not only to obtain estimates of alternatives on a linear scale, but also to obtain estimates of the sensitivity of alternatives to possible scenarios that make sense of the risk of loss for each alternative in case of an unexpected change in the scenario of the development of the situation. The results of modeling the process of data refinement for decision-making based on non-stationary Markov random processes are also presented. Aim. The purpose of the study is to develop an algorithm and a dynamic decision-making model that takes into account situational risk management, which is based on the theory of latent variables and non-stationary Markov random processes. Materials and methods. To substantiate the algorithm of the decision-making process, there is a mathematical model for assessing the attractiveness of alternatives, based on the Rasch model for assessing latent variables. To substantiate the evaluation results, computational experiments were carried out, which substantiated the adequacy of the obtained estimates. In addition, to confirm the possibility of using a decision-making algorithm, which involves the use of iterations to collect information, mathematical modeling of the decision-making process was carried out, which showed a high probability of successful completion of the process within the specified time frame. Results. On the basis of the decision-making algorithm presented in the paper under conditions of limited time, the issue of calculating the weights of alternatives under conditions of uncertainty, taking into account dynamically changing external and internal conditions, is raised. An original method for obtaining estimates of the attractiveness of alternatives under uncertainty is described, which takes into account the sensitivity of alternatives to possible scenarios for the development of the situation. For a qualitative analysis of the results when making decisions in accordance with the developed algorithm, a model of dynamic control over the probability of making decisions within a given time frame was presented. Using non-stationary Markov random processes, it is possible to evaluate the success of decision-making in the allotted time and calculate the number of cycles required to refine the initial data. Conclusion. On the basis of the decision-making algorithm presented in the paper under conditions of limited time, the issue of calculating the weights of alternatives under conditions of uncertainty, taking into account dynamically changing external and internal conditions, is raised. An original method for obtaining estimates of the attractiveness of alternatives under uncertainty is described, which takes into account the sensitivity of alternatives to possible scenarios for the development of the situation. For a qualitative analysis of the results when making decisions in accordance with the developed algorithm, a model of dynamic control over the probability of making decisions within a given time frame was presented. Using non-stationary Markov random processes, it is possible to evaluate the success of decision-making in the allotted time and calculate the number of cycles required to refine the initial data.

It’s all Greek to me: Explaining, computing, and summarizing traditional and (re)emerging metrics of reliability for seven measures in sexual science

Sexual scientists typically default to appraising the reliability of their self-report measures by calculating one or more α coefficients. Despite the prolific use of α, few researchers understand how to situate and make sense of α within the psychometric theories used to develop the measures used in their research (e.g., latent variable theory) and many unknowingly violate the assumptions of α. In this paper, we describe the disconnect between α and latent variable theory and the subsequent restrictive assumptions α makes. Simultaneously, we introduce an alternative metric of reliability—omega (ɷ)—that is compatible with latent variable theory. Subsequently, we provide a tutorial to walk readers through didactic examples on how to calculate ɷ metrics of reliability using the getOmega() function—a simple open-source function we created to automate the estimation of ɷ. We then introduce the Measurement of Sexuality and Intimacy Constructs (MoSaIC) project to provide insight into the state of reliability in sexuality science. We do this through contrasting α and ɷ estimates of reliability across seven sexuality measures, selected based on their emerging and pre-existing relevance and influence in the field of sexuality, in both a queer (LGBTQ+) sample ( n = 545) and a United States’ representative sample ( n = 548). We finish our paper with pragmatic suggestions for editors, reviewers, and authors. By more deeply understanding one’s options of reliability metrics, sexual scientists may carefully consider how they present and assess their measures’ reliability, and ultimately help improve our science’s replicability.

Features of the choice of indicators in marketing research of the consumer market for publishing products

In the scientific world, there has long been a debate about which of the methods of collecting primary information is the most flexible and reliable, but all attempts to reduce the assessment of the quality of the survey on average to a specific technique for collecting information, a research plan, the type of data analysis or the nature of the use of the information obtained did not justify themselves. The authors consider the survey method of J. Gallup, who was one of the first to use customer surveys specifically for market research. The Gallup method has certain advantages over other methods and has been continued within the framework of the theory of latent variables. The article describes two types of models with latent variables: models with effect indicators and models with cause indicators, which are used to effectively promote goods and services based on a survey of a certain sample of potential consumers. The rules for the search and selection of indicators are described when conducting marketing research in general, and, in particular, in the publishing market, taking into account the specifics of media products presented in this market. The authors highlighted a number of factors that must be taken into account when conducting marketing research on the publishing market and the media market.

MEASURING SELF-ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVITY AT RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

The purpose of the study is to measure the creativity of students at Riga Technical University on a linear scale of self-estimation. Self-estimation of students' creativity is assessed on the basis of indicators that are points of the corresponding questionnaire. The novelty of the study is that self-esteem of creativity is considered as a latent variable, which, in the framework of the theory of latent variables, is measured on a linear scale. In the framework of this theory, based on the Rasch model, an analysis of the quality of the questionnaire as a measuring tool is carried out. Three-way analysis of variance showed that the self-estimation of creativity of students of the Architectural faculty is statistically significantly higher than the self-esteem of creativity of students of the Construction faculty. The factors of students’ “gender” and “course” were noted as statistically insignificant. The results of the study should be used to analyse the quality of the educational process.

Технологии тестирования в оценке предметной готовности студентов к изучению геометро- графических дисциплин вуза

Engineering practice cannot and will never be successful without spatial imagination and thinking, deep knowledge of geometric methods and ways for solution of engineering problems, comprehensive understanding of specificity and geometric features of technical objects and their images, understanding of labor organization impact on these processes etc. In this paper has been described the social and pedagogical investigation of question related to students’ substantive readiness to study higher educational institution’s graphic disciplines, and this question’s basis is contradiction between requirements to the initial level of students’ knowledge and skills and the level of students’ substantive readiness on the course of school training. In this paper have been performed analysis and generalization of existing pedagogical experience on issues related to graphic training. A method and a scheme for monitoring the degree of students’ competence on the school geometry course using Google forms have been proposed. Selective testing of students by the proposed way has been performed. Statistical processing of data obtained during this testing has been carried out, the density function of correct responses has been built, field of testing results correlation with total score of Unified State Exam (USE) results has been carried out, cluster analysis of obtained results has been performed by Varda method. Using the theory of latent variables and the Rush model an analysis of test tasks, aimed at optimizing the test structure, has been carried out. Based on the performed investigation, recommendations have been given for further research in this field, and measures are proposed on changing the learning process aimed at personalizing and building an individual learning trajectory in order to increase the educational process’s efficiency.

Математические методы многокритериального оценивания привлекательности проектов

Introduction. Management of enterprises and organizations with the help of projects is a modern approach in management, which allows modern enterprises to develop effectively. As a result of the project activity of the enterprise, one of the main stages is the evaluation and selection of the best projects available. Aim. Description of mathematical models and methods of their implementation to obtain integral estimates of the attractiveness of projects. Materials and methods. The paper describes the methods of projects multi-criteria evaluation. The traditional additive method, which is widely used in assessing the attractiveness of projects, is considered. Two original methods are presented as an alternative to the additive method. One is based on the theories of latent variables, the other is based on the theory of fuzzy sets. The method of evaluating the attractiveness of projects, based on the theory of fuzzy sets, is used when it is impossible to evaluate projects by criteria using natural scales. The set of projects from the point of view of the attractiveness of projects for each criterion is considered as a fuzzy set with a given membership function. Results. The technique of obtaining estimates, the analysis of the properties of estimates. It is shown that the method based on the theory of latent variables has a number of advantages over the additive method: the linearity of the estimates obtained, their independence from the set of projects and a set of criteria. A technique for obtaining a numerical solution of the optimization problem required when using a method based on the theory of latent variables is presented. Computational experiments were carried out, which showed that the method based on the theory of latent variables gives adequate estimates of the attractiveness of projects. For the practical implementation of the methods, an example of the organization of calculations in MS Excel. Conclusion. The proposed methods will allow for a more objective assessment and selection of projects, allowing economic entities to develop effectively.

Economic security evaluation model of enterprises based on the latent variables theory

The paper presents the model of obtaining a comprehensive assessment of economic security for a group of enterprises. A comprehensive assessment of enterprise ES is based on the assessment of measures for some components of ES. The work highlights the components: financial, information, personnel, technical and technological, legal and power. Much attention is given to the traditional estimation method and an alternative approach based on the Rasch model for estimating latent variables. A comparison of the estimates of ES obtained by different methods is carried out, and using computational experiments, the adequacy and objectivity of the estimates obtained by the method proposed in the work are established. In addition, it was shown that a model based on the theory of latent variables has the following main advantages over the additive model, which follow from the properties of the Rasch model: comprehensive assessments of enterprise ES are their individual characteristics and are independent of the set of components for which the assessment is carried out; EB scores are measured on a linear dimensionless scale that can be easily converted to any other scale; in addition to comprehensive assessments of the ES of enterprises it is possible to obtain estimates of the ES components obtained for the entire group of enterprises, which are also individual for the components and linear.

INVESTIGATION OF MEASUREMENT PRECISION OF LATENT VARIABLES DEPENDING ON THE NOISE TEST RESULTS

Measurement precision is an important aspect of experimental studies because it affects the effectiveness of decisions. The precision of measurements is influenced by many factors, including the quality of the original data or how the data was obtained. When measuring a latent variable, one of these factors is the precision of the indicators. For example, there may be situations in which, for various reasons, the subject gave the wrong answer instead of the correct answer and vice versa. This fully applies to conducting surveys. In general, we are talking about the noise of the original data. The aim of the work is to analyze the precision of measurement of the latent variable depending on the degree of noise of the original data. The results of the simulation experiment are used as initial data, which allows to simulate the necessary experimental situations. The analysis is conducted within the framework of the theory of latent variables, which allows to obtain estimates of the latent variable on a linear scale. The measurement precision of the latent variable is determined on the basis of absolute error. The noise level of the original data varies from 0 to 0.10%. It is shown that even minor noise of the original data significantly reduces the precision of the measurement of the latent variable.

APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF LATENT VARIABLES TO PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT METHODS

One of the main tasks of the human-resources (HR) department is the qualitative management of personnel, which is the basis for effective work of the organization. The paper presents models of personnel management based on the theory of latent variables. Research objective is to use the Rasch model for assessing latent variables to evaluate the competence of employees and their suitability for certain positions and also quality control of their work.Three problems of personnel management are considered.Organization of qualitative selection of candidates for vacancies by objective assessment of the degree of professional suitability of candidates with a view to selecting the best employees. Multilateral monitoring as the quality of performance of duties of each employee on the one hand, and the efficiency of the work of the whole team on the other. A dynamic comparison is made between the quality of performance of their duties in different periods of time. Effective appointments of specific employees to certain positions. Based on the criteria of the employee's suitability for certain positions, the integral degree of the employee's suitability for each vacancy is calculated. In addition, the model makes it possible to assess the degree of influence of the criteria on the evaluation of employees.The models proposed in the paper allow obtaining estimates on a linear interval scale, which can be translated into any other scale, for example, probabilistic. Estimates do not depend on a set of criteria and the set of evaluated employees.

MEASUREMENT AND MULTIFACTORIAL ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ PATRIOTISM

The relevance of the work is based on internal and external causes. Internal reasons consist of the fundamental transformation and revaluation of values occurring in Russia. Patriotism is the foundation of responsibility for the preservation of spiritual values and the power of the country. External causes are the need to counter terrorism and conflicts in the world. The goal of the study is to measure the level of patriotism of students according to their gender, course, and department of the branch of Kuban State University in Slavyansk-on-Kuban. To accomplish this goal, it is necessary to assess the quality of the questionnaire as a measuring tool and measure the level of patriotism of students on a linear scale. The theory of latent variables is used as the method of research, allowing to measure the level of patriotism on a linear scale.

APPLICATION OF THE RASCH METHOD OF EVALUATING LATENT VARIABLES IN MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

In the paper approaches of application of the theory of latent variables for the decision of some problems of management and management are offered. The peculiarity of this work is that mathematical solutions for solving problems are based on Rasch’s model for estimating latent variables.The aim of this paper is to describe a general approach to estimating latent variables using Rasch’s method, based on the method of least squares, and apply this approach to some management tasks. The tasks of applying the Rasch model to the method of organizing team, to evaluating alternatives in decision-making and to the formation of a portfolio of securities were solved.In the field of labour management, three models for organizing group tasks are considered: the formation of work teams, the case of individual performance of a group task, and the case of joint performance of group task jobs. In the field of decision theory, the model for choosing the best alternative is considered, including taking into account the weights of the criteria. We also considered the approach of obtaining estimates of alternatives using the hierarchy analysis method, in which the attractiveness vector of alternatives is computed on the basis of Rasch’s model of estimation of latent variables. In the field of financial management, a method of forming a portfolio of securities in the approach of the theory of latent variables is proposed. It is shown that, in comparison with traditional methods, the approach based on Rasch’s model has advantages: linearity of the obtained estimates, their independence and high accuracy.

MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

The relevance of the measurement and analysis of teachers’ professional performance is based on the fact that teachers largely determine the quality of education at schools. The measurement of the latent variable "teacher’s professional performance" is done within the framework of the theory of latent variables based on the Rasch model. It was shown that the set of indicators has a high differentiating ability. The results of the measurement of this latent variable are used to compare the quality of professional activities of teachers of mathematics, history, Russian language, and literature as well as primary school teachers. No statistically significant differences were found between the professional performance of teachers of mathematics, history, and primary school teachers. The quality of professional activity of teachers of Russian language and literature is lower. The results of the measurement of teachers’ professional performance were used for comparison of schools. As one would expect, the highest quality of professional performance of teachers is in high schools and lowest in the primary schools; secondary schools occupy an intermediate position. Teachers’ professional performance is defined operationally, using a set of indicators. This set of indicators can be adjusted to clarify the content of the latent variable "teacher’s professional performance".

Citation-based criteria of the significance of the research activity of scientific teams

The objective of this research is elaborating new criteria for evaluating the significance of the research results achieved by scientific teams. It is known, that the h-index (Hirsch index) is used to evaluate scientific organizations, as well as individual scientific workers. On the one hand, such a scientometric indicator as the "h-index of a scientific organization" reflects the organization's scientific potential objectively. On the other hand, it does not always adequately reflect the significance that the results of a scientific team's research activity have for the scientific megaenvironment (scientific community). The i-index has an even greater disadvantage, being principally limited by the size of a scientific team, although h-index is also dependent on the number of publications. Not trying to diminish the significance of the traditional parameters for monitoring the research activity of scientific organizations, including the institutions of higher education, the authors stress the necessity of using not only the traditional indicators, but also other parameters reflecting the significance of a scientific team's research results for the scientific community. It should also not be forgotten that a scientific team is a social system whose functioning is not limited to the "sum" of individual scientific workers' activities. The authors suggest new criteria of significance of research activity of scientific teams, which are suitable for the specific usage, hence they (the indicators) should be used with great caution; it is most appropriate to use the authors' criteria for analyzing the dynamics of the research activity of scientific teams (following the principle "Compare yourself with yesterday's yourself"). The authors' proposed citation-based indicators make it possible to evaluate the true significance of research activity of a scientific team for the scientific community; while defining and justifying the new criteria, the authors also took into consideration the actuality of such a problem as the struggle with the self-citation effect (in a wider context--the problem of struggling with the artificial "improvement" of the scientometric indicators). The methodological basis of the research is formed by the system, metasystem, probability statistic, synergetic, sociological and qualimetric approaches. The research methods are the analysis of the problem situation, the analysis of the scientific literature and the best practices of research activity management at the institutions of higher education (benchmarking), the cognitive, structural---functional and mathematical modelling, the methods of graph, set and relation theory, the methods of qualimetry (the theory of latent variables), the methods of probability theory and mathematical statistics.