The CSGU: a measure of controllability, stability, globality, and universality attributions

This article reports initial evidence of construct validity for a four-factor measure of attributions assessing the dimensions of controllability, stability, globality, and universality (the CSGU). In Study 1, using confirmatory factor analysis, factors were confirmed across least successful and most successful conditions. In Study 2, following less successful performances, correlations supported hypothesized relationships between subscales of the CSGU and subscales of the CDSII (McAuley, Duncan, & Russell, 1992). In Study 3, following less successful performances, moderated hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that individuals have higher subsequent self-efficacy when they perceive causes of performance as controllable, and/or specific, and/or universal. An interaction for controllability and stability demonstrated that if causes are perceived as likely to recur, it is important to perceive that causes are controllable. Researchers are encouraged to use the CSGU to examine main and interactive effects of controllability and generalizability attributions upon outcomes such as self-efficacy, emotions, and performance.     

A comparison of physiological and anthropometric characteristics among playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players

This study compared the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of specific playing positions and positional playing groups in sub-elite rugby league players. Altogether, 415 sub-elite rugby league players underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (body mass, height, sum of four skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10-m, 20-m, and 40-m sprint), agility ("L" run), and estimated maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test). Props were significantly heavier and had a greater skinfold thickness than all other playing positions. Centres, fullbacks, and hookers were faster than props over 40 m. When the data were analysed according to positional commonality, props were taller, heavier, had a greater skinfold thickness, were less agile, and were slower over 10 m than all other positional groups. The hookers/halves and outside backs positional groups were significantly faster over 40 m than the backrowers and props positional groups. In addition, the hookers/halves and outside backs positional groups had significantly greater estimated maximal aerobic power than the props positional group. The results of this study demonstrate that few physiological and anthropometric differences exist among individual playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players, although props are taller, heavier, have greater skinfold thickness, slower 10-m and 40-m speed, less agility, and lower estimated maximal aerobic power than other positional groups. These findings provide normative data for sub-elite rugby league players competing in specific individual positions and positional playing groups.     

Teacher-student verbal communication patterns in regular and special classrooms

Patterns of verbal communications between a teacher and student can influence the classroom environment, quality of the instructional program, and student management in the classroom. This study examined teacher-student communication patterns in both regular and special education classes for behaviorally and emotionally handicapped students. It was expected that special class communication patterns would differ substantially from those used in regular classes. Those communications would result in more effective student management and more time on-task for learning. Webster's (1984, 1986) Process Interaction Model was used to analyze the communication patterns. Expected differences between how regular and special class teachers interact with students were not found. Implications of findings are discussed in relationship to teacher training, teacher effectiveness, and classroom management.     

The effect of acute aerobic exercise on central arterial stiffness,wave reflections,and hemodynamics in adults with diabetes: A randomized cross-over design

BackgroundIndividuals with diabetes have greater central arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and hemodynamics, all of which promote the accelerated cardiovascular pathology seen in this population. Acute aerobic exercise has been shown to be an effective strategy for reducing central arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and hemodynamics in healthy individuals; however, the effects of acute aerobic exercise in reducing these outcomes is not well established in people with diabetes. Recently, implementation of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) has shown superior improvements in cardiovascular health outcomes when compared to traditional aerobic exercise. Yet, the effect of HIIE on the aforementioned outcomes in people with diabetes is not known. The purpose of this study was to (i) describe the central arterial stiffness, wave reflections, and hemodynamic responses to a bout of HIIE and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in adults with diabetes; and (ii) compare the effects of HIIE and MICE on the aforementioned outcomes.MethodsA total of 24 adult men and women (aged 29–59 years old) with type 1 (n = 12) and type 2 (n = 12) diabetes participated in a randomized cross-over study. All participants completed the following protocols: (i) HIIE: cycling for 4 × 4 min at 85%–95% of heart rate peak (HR_peak), interspersed with 3 min of active recovery at 60%–70%HR_peak; (ii) MICE: 33 min of continuous cycling at 60%–70%HR_peak; and (iii) control (CON): lying quietly in a supine position for 30 min.ResultsA significant group × time effect was found for changes in central systolic blood pressure (F = 3.20, p = 0.01) with a transient reduction for the HIIE group but not for the MICE or CON groups. There was a significant group × time effect for changes in augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min (F = 2.32, p = 0.04) with a decrease following for HIIE and MICE but not for CON. For all other measures of central arterial stiffness and hemodynamics, no significant changes were observed (p > 0.05).ConclusionA bout of HIIE appears to lead to a greater transient reduction in central systolic blood pressure than the reduction observed following MICE; however, both HIIE and MICE improved augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min in people with diabetes. There was no significant difference in response to HIIE and MICE in all outcomes. This provides preliminary evidence on the role of HIIE on such outcomes in people with diabetes.     

Beginning Bayes

Understanding a Bayesian perspective demands comfort with conditional probability and with probabilities that appear to change as we acquire additional information. This paper suggests a simple context in conditional probability that helps develop the understanding students would need for a successful introduction to Bayesian reasoning.