Shifting Gears: Characteristics and Consequences of Latent Class Transitions in Doctoral Socialization

Research in Higher Education - Using a national sample of 336 biology Ph.D. students, this study classified students based on their interactions with faculty and peers, and investigated...     

Examining Trait × Method Interactions Using Mixture Distribution Multitrait–Multimethod Models

Multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) analyses are used in psychology to assess convergent and discriminant validity and to study method effects. Most current MTMM approaches assume that measures have equal convergent and discriminant validity across the entire range of trait values and thus do not account for potential trait × method interactions. A novel approach is presented that allows analyzing trait × method interactions using factor mixture modeling. The new MTMM mixture model allows identifying latent classes of individuals who differ with respect to convergent and discriminant validity. The new approach was applied to mother’s and father’s ratings of children’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms (N = 618). Results revealed four latent classes: one with no symptom levels, two with low symptom levels, and one with moderate symptom levels. Three classes showed evidence for convergent and discriminant validity, whereas a low symptom class lacked convergent validity for ratings of inattention.

     

Applying and Interpreting Mixture Distribution Latent State-Trait Models

Latent state-trait (LST) models are commonly applied to determine the extent to which observed variables reflect trait-like versus state-like constructs. Mixture distribution LST (M-LST) models relax the assumption of population homogeneity made in traditional LST models, allowing researchers to identify subpopulations (latent classes) with differing trait- and state-like attributes. Applications of M-LST models are scarce, presumably because of the analysis complexity. We present a step-by-step tutorial for evaluating M-LST models based on an application to mother, father, and teacher reports of children’s inattention (n = 811). In the application, we found three latent classes for mother and father reports and four classes for teacher reports. All reporter solutions contained classes with very low, low, and moderate levels of inattention. The teacher solution also contained a class with high inattention. Comparable mother and father (but not teacher) classes exhibited similar levels of trait and state variance.     

Modeling Theories and Theorizing Models: an Attempted Replication of Miller-Cotto & Byrnes’ (2019) Comparison of Working Memory Models Using ECLS-K Data

Educational Psychology Review - Working memory is an essential mechanism in the cognitive learning process. However, its definitions and mechanisms remain a topic of debate. Miller-Cotto and Byrnes...     

Perceived Sex Education and Its Association with Consent Attitudes,Intentions, and Communication

Abstract

A greater understanding of how sexual consent is learned may be important in informing interventions to decrease sexual assault and ensure pleasurable sexual experiences. This study explored the role of quality and quantity of perceived sex education in relation to sexual consent attitudes, intentions, and behavior. Greater perceived sex education was associated with positive attitudes toward consent for all participants and with intentions to obtain consent only for those with fewer years of general education. Interestingly, perceived sex education was unrelated to a test of sexual knowledge. However, objective sexual knowledge was associated with consent attitudes and behaviors.