A comprehensive reanalysis of the metacognitive self-regulation scale from the MSLQ

The metacognitive self-regulation (MSR) scale is among the most widely used measures of metacognition in educational research. However, the psychometric properties and validity of the scale have not been well established. A series of analyses on a college sample were performed to address this issue. In Study 1, a split-sample exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the one-factor specification of the MSR scale. Time and study environment (TSE), total study time, and cumulative grade performance average (cGPA) were introduced as outcome variables in a structural equation model (SEM) to examine the factors suggested by the EFA. The results of Study 1 indicated poor one-factor model fit and suggested two and three-factor models provided improved fits of the sample data. Results from the SEM indicated the novel factors from the two and three-factor models had different relationships with the outcome variables than the originally specified one-factor model. In Study 2, a modified one-factor model was introduced that consisted of nine items and was named metacognitive self-regulation revised (MSR-R). Five additional samples were included to replicate the model fit for the revised model specification. Finally, a path analysis was performed to examine the relationship of the MSR-R to variables from Study 1. The results of Study 2 revealed improved psychometric properties and reliability for the MSR-R. An indirect relationship emerged between MSR-R and cGPA through TSE. In conclusion, convincing evidence for replacing the MSR was found and implications of the revised scale for future studies was discussed.     

Distal Communication by Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Evidence for Common Ground?

van der Goot et al. (2014) proposed that distal, deictic communication indexed the appreciation of the psychological state of a common ground between a signaler and a receiver. In their study, great apes did not signal distally, which they construed as evidence for the human uniqueness of a sense of common ground. This study exposed 166 chimpanzees to food and an experimenter, at an angular displacement, to ask, “Do chimpanzees display distal communication?” Apes were categorized as (a) proximal or (b) distal signalers on each of four trials. The number of chimpanzees who communicated proximally did not statistically differ from the number who signaled distally. Therefore, contrary to the claim by van der Goot et al., apes do communicate distally.     

Developmental Relations Between Vocabulary Knowledge and Reading Comprehension: A Latent Change Score Modeling Study

The present study followed a sample of first‐grade (N = 316, M_age = 7.05 at first test) through fourth‐grade students to evaluate dynamic developmental relations between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension. Using latent change score modeling, competing models were fit to the repeated measurements of vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension to test for the presence of leading and lagging influences. Univariate models indicated growth in vocabulary knowledge, and reading comprehension was determined by two parts: constant yearly change and change proportional to the previous level of the variable. Bivariate models indicated previous levels of vocabulary knowledge acted as leading indicators of reading comprehension growth, but the reverse relation was not found. Implications for theories of developmental relations between vocabulary and reading comprehension are discussed.     

A High-Enrollment Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Improves Student Conceptions of Scientific Thinking and Ability to Interpret Data

We present an innovative course-based undergraduate research experience curriculum focused on the characterization of single point mutations in p53, a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in more than 50% of human cancers. This course is required of all introductory biology students, so all biology majors engage in a research project as part of their training. Using a set of open-ended written prompts, we found that the course shifts student conceptions of what it means to think like a scientist from novice to more expert-like. Students at the end of the course identified experimental repetition, data analysis, and collaboration as important elements of thinking like a scientist. Course exams revealed that students showed gains in their ability to analyze and interpret data. These data indicate that this course-embedded research experience has a positive impact on the development of students’ conceptions and practice of scientific thinking.     

Formative Self-Assessment College Classes Improves Self-Regulation and Retention in First/Second Year Community College Students

This research examined the influence formative self-assessment had on first/second year community college student self-regulatory practices. Previous research has shown that the ability to regulate one’s learning activities can improve performance in college classes, and it has long been known that the use of formative assessment improves learning. However, little has been done exploring the influence of formative self-assessment on variables associated with both student and institutional success. First/second year community college students enrolled in 10 self-assessment and six traditional assessment classes completed the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) at the conclusion of one semester as a measure of self-regulation specific to the individual class under examination. A modest effect of assessment type was found for self-reported self-regulation where students in self-assessment classes reported higher self-regulation than students in traditional assessment classes. Self-regulation was significantly and positively correlated with both behavioral (i.e., effort) and motivational (i.e., mastery goal orientation) variables. Additional results indicated a robust effect of instructor on self-regulation and a significant increase in retention for students enrolled in self-assessment classes. The findings of this research have implications for both classroom practice and institutional retention initiatives.     

Making It Their Own: Creating Meaningful Opportunities for Student Employees in Academic Library Services

Library patrons have many requests for library services and resources. With limited budgets and library staff who are already stretched thin, how can academic libraries ever hope to understand and meet the growing variety of patron needs and desires? This article will outline a successful strategy of utilizing students to pitch, pilot, and implement academic library services as well as gather feedback from fellow students about their expectations for the academic library.     

Mea Maxima Culpa: John Reith and the Advent of Television

There is no doubting the influence and impact of (Lord) John Reith on the shape of British broadcasting, both radio and television. As one cultural historian argues: ‘he occupies an important place in the social and cultural history of twentieth-century Britain.’ The most commonly-accepted view in television histories is that John Reith disliked television, would have nothing to do with the medium, viewed those involved with establishing and running the BBC's television service with contempt, and refused to watch television programmes. However, drawing on both archival and secondary resources, together with Trine Syvertsen's notion of ‘media resistance’, I argue that Reith's relationship with television was far more complex than has been understood thus far and that his attitude towards the new technology was shaped by a combination of personal and professional factors.     

A Theoretical Framework for Teaching Statistics

This article explores a theoretical framework to consider when teaching statistics. It is discussed and illustrated using one innovative approach to teaching using computer simulation methods. This framework can be considered across many different disciplines and age levels.