Australian occupational therapists' use of an online evidence-based practice database (OTseeker)

INTRODUCTION: Online databases can support the implementation of evidence-based practice by providing easy access to research. OTseeker (http://www.otseeker.com), an electronic evidence database, was introduced in 2003 to assist occupational therapists to locate and interpret research. OBJECTIVES: This study explored Australian occupational therapists' use and perceptions of OTseeker and its impact on their knowledge and practice. METHODS: A postal survey questionnaire was distributed to two samples: (i) a proportionate random sample of 400 occupational therapists from all states and territories of Australia, and (ii) a random sample of occupational therapists working in 95 facilities in two Australian states (Queensland and New South Wales). RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 213 participants. While most participants (85.9%) had heard of OTseeker, only 103 (56.6%) had accessed it, with lack of time being the main reason for non-use. Of the 103 participants who had accessed OTseeker, 68.9% had done so infrequently, 63.1% agreed that it had increased their knowledge and 13.6% had changed their practice after accessing information on OTseeker. CONCLUSION: Despite OTseeker being developed to provide occupational therapists with easy access to research, lack of time was the main reason why over half of the participants in this study had not accessed it. This exploratory research suggests, however, that there is potential for the database to influence occupational therapists' knowledge and practice about treatment efficacy through access to the research literature.     

Sit-to-stand performance of older adults following strength training

A group of healthy older adults completed an 8-week resistance-training program. For 38 participants (14 men, 24 women; ages 60-90 years; M mass = 73.2 kg, SD = 12.3; M height = 1.65 m, SD = 0.08), pre- and postprogram sit-to-stand performance was analyzed (60 Hz video) focusing on center of mass kinematics surrounding transition. Significant changes were attributed to improved strength. Peak forward, downward, and upward velocities increased (16, 59, and 26%, respectively), and relative transition time was delayed 27%. These behaviors were more similar to those of healthy younger adults. Results also indicated strategy changes. Participants exploited their improved strength, forming a distinctive movement pattern emphasizing stability followed by a brisk rise. These adaptations represent meaningfully improved function in an important daily living activity.     

Instructionally Sensitive Psychometrics: Application of a New IRT-Based Detection Technique to Mathematics Achievement Test Items

Achievement modeling is carried out in groups of students characterized by heterogeneous instructional background. Extensions of item response theory models incorporate variables reflecting different amounts of opportunity-to-leam (OTL). The effects of these OTL variables are studied with respect to their influence on both the latent trait and the item performance directly. Such direct effects may reflect instructionally sensitive items. U.S. eighth-grade mathematics data from the Second International Mathematics Study are analyzed. Here, the same test is taken by students enrolled in typical instruction and students enrolled in elementary algebra classes. It is shown that the new analysis provides a more detailed way to examine the influence of instruction on responses to test items than does conventional item response theory.     

Examining the conflict and interconnectedness of young people’s ideas about environmental issues,responsibility and action

Objective: Young people’s environmental views are typically conflicted, with little recognition of the links between environmental issues or between environmental responsibility and action. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether young people’s understanding of the environment is in conflict or whether they are forming interconnections between issues, responsibility and action that have not yet been identified. Methods: Data relating to environmental attitudes, responsibility, issues and action was collected from 305 high school students in south east Queensland. Regression analyses were used to identify variables that influenced the importance young people placed on environmental issues and actions. Results: Young people’s ideas about environmental responsibility influenced the level of importance they placed on global warming and resource consumption. Young people’s sense of hope and hopelessness were the main drivers of their endorsement of individualistic and political actions for the environment. Conclusions: The unifying factor that influenced young people’s ideas about the environment was a sense of hope. Thus, while young people may already be intuiting their own sense of environmental interconnectedness, it is essential that this is expanded so that young people recognise the links between environmental issues, and the logical pathways that lead from environmental responsibility to action.     

Many Languages,Many Workflows: Mapping and Analyzing Technical Services Processes for East Asian and International Studies Materials

This case study addresses a workflow analysis project undertaken in the International Studies and Asia Library technical services areas of the University of Michigan Library. The analysis was an opportunity to document existing technical services practices in three primary workflow areas: acquisitions/receiving, cataloging, and cataloging maintenance. International Studies began the project independently, and subsequently consultants were hired to work with both International Studies and Asia Library to find efficiencies and barriers, identify solutions, and propose future changes in non-Roman-language cataloging workflows. This article provides an account outlining the project background, implementation, outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.     

Does Watching Television Actually Make One Nicer? The Use of Conflict Management Message Styles

A telephone survey of 122 respondents was conducted to examine whether exposure to television predicted the use of certain conflict management message styles. Television exposure was not a significant predictor of using a “self-oriented” or “issue-oriented” approach. However, it was a significant predictor of using an “other-oriented” approach to conflict management. Viewers with greater exposure to television were more likely to report using positive message responses when dealing with conflict than their lighter-viewing counterparts.     

The Potential Uses of Curriculum‐Based Assessment for Decision Making in Special Education

Curriculum‐based assessment (CBA) strategies have been suggested as an alternative model to traditional norm‐referenced assessment for decision making in special education. The application of CBA procedures across all decision making areas (i.e., screening and referring; determining eligibility and classifying; planning programs; monitoring progress and modifying programs; and evaluating programs) is presented. Implementation of a CBA model in applied settings indicates that this model may be feasible, efficient, accurate, and effective for all levels of decision making in special education. Suggestions for further research are offered.