Digital Module 11: Bayesian Psychometric Modeling https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Roy Levy describes Bayesian approaches to psychometric modeling. He discusses how Bayesian inference is a mechanism for reasoning in a probability-modeling framework and is well-suited to core problems in educational measurement: reasoning from student performances on an assessment to make inferences about their capabilities more broadly conceived, as well as fitting models to characterize the psychometric properties of tasks. The approach is first developed in the context of estimating a mean and variance of a normal distribution before turning to the context of unidimensional item response theory (IRT) models for dichotomously scored data. Dr. Levy illustrates the process of fitting Bayesian models using the JAGS software facilitated through the R statistical environment. The module is designed to be relevant for students, researchers, and data scientists in various disciplines such as education, psychology, sociology, political science, business, health, and other social sciences. It contains audio-narrated slides, diagnostic quiz questions, and data-based activities with video solutions as well as curated resources and a glossary.     

Optimal duration of static stretching exercises for improvement of coxo-femoral flexibility

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different durations of static stretching exercises on coxo-femoral (hip) flexibility. The experimental group, consisting of 20 sedentary women (20-30 years of age), participated in an exercise programme of static stretching exercises with emphasis on the hamstring muscles. The programme lasted for 10 weeks and consisted of two 50-min sessions per week. A control group of 15 sedentary women did not participate in the programme. Hip flexibility was determined before, during and at the end of the programme by means of a goniometric measuring technique developed by us and described elsewhere. Three sub-groups were formed, each following the same programme except that the duration of the static stretch differed (group 1, 10 s; group 2, 20 s; group 3, 30 s). The ANOVA tests showed that for all groups - the control group excepted - the hip flexibility had improved significantly after 10 weeks (P less than 0.05). No significant differences in hip flexibility were noted between the three subgroups at the end of the programme. This finding suggests that a duration of 10 s static stretching is sufficient for improving coxo-femoral flexibility.     

ATTITUDINAL ROOTS OF POPULAR PROTEST: THE FRENCH UPHEAVAL OF MAY 1968

On the basis of logistic regression and employing individual-leveldata from a national panel sample survey, participation in demonstrationsand strikes during the French upheaval of May 1968 is analysed,in terms of attitudes measured during the spring of 1967, morethan a year before the May events occurred. Among the potentialexplanatory factors considered, conventional political orientationswere found to be of pervasive importance, forms of satisfactionand opinions on major issues were operative in a highly selectivefashion, particular to the protesting group, and more genericpsychopolitical values such as trust in government or politicalefficacy, were virtually without independent effects.     

An example of regional co-operation: APEID

Increasingly, as has been seen in other contributions to this ‘dossier’, developing countries are realizing that one way to increase the value of international aid and to improve their own selfsufficiency, is to co-operate among themselves. The United Nations system, in turn, has increasingly supported efforts on a regional level to exchange experience, information and know-how. At a recent meeting, ‘Technical Co-operation among Developing Countries’ (UNDP/ESCAP regional meeting, Bangkok, Thailand, March 1976), the Director of the Asia Programme for Educational Innovation for Development (the main thrust of the programme has previously been described inProspects, Vol. IV, No. 4, p. 535) made the following statement about the specifically Asian aspects of the question, as reflected through the activities of APEID.     

由Γ-截面函数确定凸体

In this paper, we prove that any polygon P in R2 containing a fixed smooth. strictly convex and origin-symmetric body Γ whose boundary is real analytic in its interior, can be determined by its Γ-section functions among the polygons.     

Associations of Warmth and Control of Filipina Domestic Helpers and Mothers to Hong Kong Kindergarten Children's Social Competence

Research Findings: Across 63 Hong Kong families, both Filipina domestic helpers and mothers separately rated their own caregiving style (warmth and control) and kindergarten children's social competence. Results indicated that Filipina helpers rated themselves as higher in warmth than mothers did. In addition, self-rated warmth of both caregivers, and Filipina domestic helpers' self-perceived control were correlated with children's social competence. With ratings of warmth and control from both Filipina helpers and mothers included in separate regression equations, mothers' warmth was a strong unique correlate of all measures of children's social competence. However, Filipinas' warmth was uniquely associated with children's responsibility only, whereas their control was uniquely associated with children's assertion and responsibility. Practice or Policy: Results extend previous research on the importance of nonparental caregivers for children's social development in a new cultural context.