The Effects of Score Group Width on the Mantel-Haenszel Procedure

Previous research examining the effects of reducing the number of score groups used in the matching criterion of the Mantel-Haenszel procedure, when screening for DIF, has produced ambiguous results. The goal of this study was to resolve the ambiguity by examining the problem with a simulated data set. The main results from this study call into question the preliminary recommendations of several other researchers that four or more score groups are sufficient and produce stable results. Although considerable stability and very little Type I error was noted with equal ability distribution comparisons, with unequal ability distributions, the Type I error rate was substantially inflated. These results argue against the appropriateness of implementing the procedure by collapsing score groups. The current data suggest that more than modest reductions in the number of score groups cannot be recommended when the ability distributions of the reference and focal groups differ     

Comparison of human performance by knowledge domain: Types, frequency, and sequencing of errors made while interacting with an information system

This study investigated whether measures of error type, frequency, and sequencing contribute to understanding how different types of domain knowledge influence human performance when using information systems. Micro-level analyses of errors were conducted to compare the performance of two groups using a geographical information system (GIS). Error types, error frequency, error sequencing, and task completion were measured and compared for the two groups. The two groups were similar in frequency of type of errors; both committed terminological and trial errors more frequently than the other 10 types. Error patterns or sequences were likewise similar, and domain of expertise did not affect task completion time. The group with domain knowledge in computer science showed a somewhat greater tendency to commit certain knowledge-based errors (KBEs), indicating an association between knowledge-based errors and procedural knowledge. The group with domain knowledge in geography committed certain rule-based errors (RBEs) more often, indicating an association between rule-based errors and declarative knowledge. Therefore, error type does hold promise as a measure of the relationship between domain knowledge type and human performance using information systems.     

When and how to push: providing the most current information about second-stage labor to women during childbirth education

Childbirth educators can have a significant impact on safe care for mothers and babies during the second stage of labor. In this guest editorial, educators are encouraged to make sure they are knowledgeable about the latest evidence for best second-stage-care practices so they can adequately prepare women to advocate for themselves during this time.     

Through the Looking Glass: Reflecting on Counsellor Dreams for Enhanced Self-Care and Effective Practice

A wealth of information can be extracted from clients’ dream narratives. Few counsellors, however, recognize the significance of monitoring their own dreams. In this clinically-informed position paper, counsellors are urged to consider their own dream content. Self-awareness is vital to the therapeutic relationship, but also instrumental to the safety and well-being of counsellors themselves. Dreaming about one’s client can reflect troubled therapeutic rapport and highlight emotional or countertransference issues. Dreams can be harbingers of vicarious traumatization. Thus, counsellors are encouraged to reflect on their own dreams as a deliberate self-care initiative in order to promote a safe and effective practice.