Incorporating Uncertainty Into Parallel Analysis for Choosing the Number of Factors via Bayesian Methods

A number of psychometricians have suggested that parallel analysis (PA) tends to yield more accurate results in determining the number of factors in comparison with other statistical methods. Nevertheless, all too often PA can suggest an incorrect number of factors, particularly in statistically unfavorable conditions (e.g., small sample sizes and low factor loadings). Because of this, researchers have recommended using multiple methods to make judgments about the number of factors to extract. Implicit in this recommendation is that, when the number of factors is chosen based on PA, uncertainty nevertheless exists. We propose a Bayesian parallel analysis (B-PA) method to incorporate the uncertainty with decisions about the number of factors. B-PA yields a probability distribution for the various possible numbers of factors. We implement and compare B-PA with a frequentist approach, revised parallel analysis (R-PA), in the contexts of real and simulated data. Results show that B-PA provides relevant information regarding the uncertainty in determining the number of factors, particularly under conditions with small sample sizes, low factor loadings, and less distinguishable factors. Even if the indicated number of factors with the highest probability is incorrect, B-PA can show a sizable probability of retaining the correct number of factors. Interestingly, when the mode of the distribution of the probabilities associated with different numbers of factors was treated as the number of factors to retain, B-PA was somewhat more accurate than R-PA in a majority of the conditions.     

Risk Society and Science Education

Science & Education - The current COVID-19 pandemic raises reflection on the new roles of science education in citizen education in a world characterized by civilization risks, derived from the...     

Student centered teaching in engineering design

This paper reviews experience with teaching procedures introduced into an engineering design course to promote professionalism in undergraduates. One procedure used is a prize award for performance in project work and the other procedure is a Socratic style of teaching in the classroom. Both procedures intend to shift responsibility for learning away from the teacher towards the student. Student performance is measured by project results, examination results and by design studies. It is found that the use of design studies, a type of student centered examination procedure, has the most profound effect on performance in this complex subject.     

An analysis of the environment of medical schools

An analysis of medical schools was conducted by means of a factor analysis of multiple demographic measures. Three factors emerged which described the principal dimensions that characterize four-year medical school environments. Upon comparing these factors with a previous study, it was apparent that the environmental characterization for medical schools have remained generally constant over the last several years. An additional factor, Graduate Emphasis, was, however, identified. A visual representation is presented to demonstrate the similarity of the medical schools on these three factors.     

Educational disenchantment and the university student

In contrast to much of the research on contemporary university students of the post-activist generation, the study reported here rests on a model of the student as a quasi-citizen within the university political system. As a major political socialization environment for students, the university engenders feelings of academic disaffection among students. This study, based on a survey of 2,122 students enrolled at three mid-western universities in 1974, attempts to investigate the antecedents and consequences of felt academic disaffection for students. Five major findings emerge from this research. First, feelings of academic disaffection are relatively high among the students interviewed. Second, when the dimensionality of academic disaffection is investigated, these students typically express disaffection concerning the university and university administrators, with the latter group fostering most of the disaffection. Third, the students at the three universities surveyed generally differ regarding their evaluations of university functioning, their feelings of academic disaffection, and their desires for university reform, in each case with Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) students being significantly distinct from students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and University of Kentucky (UK). Fourth, students' perceptions of authoritarian governance and an unsatisfactory academic environment at their universities tend to generate both university and administrative disaffection. Last, university and administrative disaffection result in a predilection among students for reform in the university, preferably devoid of administrative intervention.     

The Impact of Changing Roles on Relationships between Professionals in Inclusive Programs for Young Children

As inclusion of young children with disabilities into preschool programs has become more prevalent, there have been concomitant changes in the roles assumed by the professionals and paraprofessionals in these programs. In this paper we examine the ways in which inclusive models influence the roles assumed by the program staff and the factors that affect the ability of staff members to assume these roles. Data, which included interviews, participant observation and document analysis, were collected as part of a multi-site national study of inclusive education programs and practices. From these data, themes emerged regarding the changing roles and relationships of staff members in inclusive early childhood programs. These themes are discussed as both facilitators of and barriers to successful inclusive programs.     

Continuing professional development: pedagogical practices of interprofessional simulation in health care

The increasing complexity of health care practice makes continuing professional development (CPD) essential for health care professionals. Simulation-based training is a CPD activity that is often applied to improve interprofessional collaboration and the quality of care. The aim of this study is to explore simulation as a pedagogical practice for the CPD of health care professionals. Specifically, the study focuses on how a professional development activity, the simulation, is enacted to support interprofessional collaboration and learning. A practice theory perspective is used as the theoretical framework. In this, the professional practice is conceptualised as being embodied, relational and situated in sociomaterial arrangements. Ten introduction and reflection sessions following interprofessional full-scale manikin-based simulations with professionals were video-recorded. The recordings were analysed following a stepwise qualitative collaborative approach developed for the purpose. The key findings suggest that the professional competence activity is enacted and interconnected with and governed by historical traditions of institutional teaching practices as well as simulation practices. Despite the intentions of team and interprofessional training, the institutional teaching and simulation practices constrain and hinder the intended outcomes of professional development in interprofessional collaboration.