The Effects of Type I Error Rate and Power of the ANCOVA F Test and Selected Alternatives Under Nonnormality and Variance Heterogeneity

The authors sought to identify through Monte Carlo simulations those conditions for which analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) does not maintain adequate Type I error rates and power. The conditions that were manipulated included assumptions of normality and variance homogeneity, sample size, number of treatment groups, and strength of the covariate-dependent variable relationship. Alternative tests studied were Quade's procedure, Puri and Sen's solution, Burnett and Barr's rank difference scores, Conover and Iman's rank transformation test, Hettmansperger's procedure, and the Puri-Sen-Harwell-Serlin test. For balanced designs, the ANCOVA F test was robust and was often the most powerful test through all sample-size designs and distributional configurations. With unbalanced designs, with variance heterogeneity, and when the largest treatment-group variance was matched with the largest group sample size, the nonparametric alternatives generally outperformed the ANCOVA test. When sample size and variance ratio were inversely coupled, all tests became very liberal; no test maintained adequate control over Type I error.     

A cross-national survey of cultural expectations and sex-role standards in reading

Cultural expectations and sex-role standards about reading in Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, Israel, Japan, and U.S.A. were investigated. A picture test showing various activities and objects including reading and books was administered in each country to six sub-samples that approximated to the levels: students in grades I, IV, VIII, and XII, college students, and adults. Subjects had to ascribe the activity or object as being appropriate for either a boy or a girl. The results were consistent with the hypothesis that cultural expectations and sex-role standards about reading are congruent within one country but that they differ between countries. In particular, boys in Canada and the U.S.A. rapidly learn to perceive reading as a feminine activity, whereas Danish and Japanese males at all ages consistently view reading as acceptable masculine behaviour.     

Maternal social support as a predictor of mother-child stress and stimulation

There is increasing interest in the role of social support in determining risk for child abuse and neglect. The present study assessed the relationship between maternal social support and two areas: stress in the mother-child relationship: and level of stimulation provided in the home. Maternal social support was assessed prenatally and at a two-year follow-up, while the latter variables were compiled at the two-year follow-up. The data were obtained from 38 urban, low SES (80% on public assistance) mothers and their 2-year-old children. Maternal social support correlated positively with level of stimulation and negatively with level of mother-child stress, and was the best predictor of both, relative to any SES, mother or child variables. In addition, high stress, low support mothers provided significantly less stimulation to their children. The theoretical implications for social support as a mediator variable as well as its implications for early identification and prevention efforts in abuse and neglect are discussed.     

排名前10的与预防运动和体育活动猝死相关的关键问题

参加有组织的体育运动和休闲活动存在发生严重伤病甚至死亡的内在风险。虽然造成体育运动或体育活动中猝死的原因有很多,但运动医学和循证标准治疗方面的进展已使临床医生得以更有效地预防、发现和治疗可能致死的伤患。随着研究与技术不断发展进步,当前的治疗标准正在不断发展以更好地改善患者的治疗效果。本文提出了10个与运动和体育活动中猝死的主要原因及其治疗手段有关的关键问题,未来开展的研究将提高运动员和休闲运动爱好者参与运动的安全度。当前证据表明,如采取正确的预防策略或最佳治疗方案,绝大多数的死亡案例是可以避免的。     

Assessing the impact of the Graduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences Instruction: A post‐degree survey

There are few graduate programs available for pursuing a doctorate in anatomy where students gain specific training in gross anatomy dissection and the responsibilities of a medical educator. In light of this fact, the University of Kentucky created a Graduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences Instruction in 2006. This 12‐credit hour curriculum includes detailed training in gross anatomy and/or neuroscience courses, practicum experiences, a seminar class in pedagogical literature, and a course in educational strategies for the anatomical sciences. The award of certificate completion affirms that the candidate has demonstrated faculty‐supervised proficiency in anatomy dissection, instruction in anatomy topics, and teaching strategies for anatomy. Seventeen graduate students have earned the certificate since its inception; nine students accepted teaching positions in anatomy following their graduate training and currently nine certificate graduates have assistant (six) or associate (three) professor positions in academia. In 2016, an anonymous survey including Likert‐style and open‐ended questions was emailed to all certificate graduates. Graduates favorably responded (each question averaged 4.4 or greater out of 5) that the certificate increased their awareness of teaching‐faculty responsibilities, adequately prepared them for teaching‐related duties, and positively contributed toward their first employment. Graduates indicated that the lecturing and dissection experience, awareness of faculty responsibilities, and job preparation (e.g., teaching philosophy development) were the most helpful aspects of the certificate. These results indicate that the Graduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences Instruction is viewed by its graduates and their employers as a valuable teaching credential that can be attained alongside a basic science degree. Anat Sci Educ 11: 516–524. © 2018 American Association of Anatomists.