USING EXPERT KNOWLEDGE TO INFORM MULTIVARIATE ANALYSES

This paper outlines methods and reasoning that advocate for the use of expert Coach and Athlete knowledge in support of mutivaraite analyses in Sport Biomechanincs and related disciplines. It argues that human movement research involving the collection of multiple dependent variables suffers similar problems to other areas of behavioural science, in that models proposed for analyses are inadequately constrained by other data and are vulnerable to a-posteori modification that lacks sound theoretical or evidential justification. An approach is presented where expert accounts of how successful movements are performed are captured and analysed qualitatively, in order to present data themes that may be used to identify important events and variables for analyses when quantitatively examining movement. This paper argues for the utility of a specific mixed-methods approach to movement research involving multiple dependent variables

Introducing alternative-based thresholding for defining functional regions of interest in fMRI

In fMRI research, one often aims to examine activation in specific functional regions of interest (fROIs). Current statistical methods tend to localize fROIs inconsistently, focusing on avoiding detection of false activation. Not missing true activation is however equally important in this context. In this study, we explored the potential of an alternative-based thresholding (ABT) procedure, where evidence against the null hypothesis of no effect and evidence against a prespecified alternative hypothesis is measured to control both false positives and false negatives directly. The procedure was validated in the context of localizer tasks on simulated brain images and using a real data set of 100 runs per subject. Voxels categorized as active with ABT can be confidently included in the definition of the fROI, while inactive voxels can be confidently excluded. Additionally, the ABT method complements classic null hypothesis significance testing with valuable information by making a distinction between voxels that show evidence against both the null and alternative and voxels for which the alternative hypothesis cannot be rejected despite lack of evidence against the null

Information systems outsourcing satisfaction: some explanatory factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse Information Systems outsourcing success, measuring the latter according to the satisfaction level achieved by users and taking into account three success factors: the role played by the client firm’s top management; the relationships between client and provider; and the degree of outsourcing. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was carried out by means of a questionnaire answered by 398 large Spanish firms. Its results were examined using the partial least squares software and through the proposal of a structural equation model. Findings – The conclusions reveal that the perceived benefits play a mediating role in outsourcing satisfaction and also that these benefits can be grouped together into three categories: strategic; economic; and technological ones. Originality/value – The study identifies how some success factors will be more influent than others depending which type of benefits are ultimately sought with outsourcing

Holistically informed: A scientist-practitioner offers the perspective of inclusion over exclusion in two undergraduate psychology courses

An overview of some scientist-practitioner dilemmas that still exist in psychology sets the stage for an examination of how both models might be incorporated in the undergraduate psychology curriculum. The difficulty of guiding the applied psychology student towards respect for inclusion is explored and suggestions are offered for the curriculum in two courses, Theories of Personality and Cognitive Psychology. Specifically, multicultural emphases and work on case material seem to be the most helpful adjunctive curriculum and these are demonstrated through some aspects of a holistically informed practitioner focus. Using case material from diverse cultures, represented in a snowflake image, helps students understand the importance of an inclusive model across fields of inquiry as future practitioners. Several examples of students’ responses to this approach are presented

Supernatural Evil as Evidence for the Existence of God

This study challenges widely held beliefs about the supernatural realm. Those who believe the supernatural realm exists tend to accept there is a personable higher power at work in our world. The naturalistic worldview denies the existence of anything or anyone beyond our physical universe. This paper will first inform the reader of a history of beliefs in the supernatural. Next, an innovative approach will be taken to provide evidence for the supernatural world. Finally, the evidence will be examined to determine its reliability and identify common themes found throughout the research. The information provided is not intended to be a proponent of a specific religion. However, the evidence presented does demand a verdict. The verdict will draw one of the following three conclusions. First, the reader may walk away unconvinced of the existence of the supernatural realm. Secondly, the reader, having already possessed a belief in the supernatural, may take his/her belief more seriously and be challenged to act on its implications. Lastly, a reader who did not previously possess a belief in the supernatural world will have their beliefs altered or at least find themselves motivated to learn more about the subject. The demonstration of supernatural events has traditionally been argued for using cases of attractive miraculous occurrences. C.S. Lewis, Craig Keener, and Gary Habermas are just a few of the highly credentialed authors who have written on the substantial evidence for the miraculous. The cliché, benevolent miracle is certainly evidence of an unseen realm. Similarly, an event thought to have been carried out by evil spirits (demons, Satan, or other spirits) would support the case for the supernatural realm just as well. There is a vast body of evidence to support the existence of a supernatural realm. This evidence points to the work of demons, Satan, and other unseen spiritual forces at work in a very real, tangible way

Personality influences the neural responses to viewing facial expressions of emotion

Cognitive research has long been aware of the relationship between individual differences in personality and performance on behavioural tasks. However, within the field of cognitive neuroscience, the way in which such differences manifest at a neural level has received relatively little attention. We review recent research addressing the relationship between personality traits and the neural response to viewing facial signals of emotion. In one section, we discuss work demonstrating the relationship between anxiety and the amygdala response to facial signals of threat. A second section considers research showing that individual differences in reward drive (behavioural activation system), a trait linked to aggression, influence the neural responsivity and connectivity between brain regions implicated in aggression when viewing facial signals of anger. Finally, we address recent criticisms of the correlational approach to fMRI analyses and conclude that when used appropriately, analyses examining the relationship between personality and brain activity provide a useful tool for understanding the neural basis of facial expression processing and emotion processing in general