Cognitive predictors of shallow-orthography spelling speed and accuracy in 6th grade children

Spelling accuracy and time course was investigated in a sample of 100 Norwegian 6th grade students completing a standardized spelling-to-dictation task. Students responded by keyboard with accurate recordings of response-onset latency (RT) and inter-keypress interval (IKI). We determined effects of a number of child-level cognitive ability factors, and of word-level factors—particularly the location within the word of a spelling challenge (e.g., letter doubling), if present. Spelling accuracy was predicted by word reading (word split) performance, non-word spelling accuracy, keyboard key-finding speed and short-term memory span. Word reading performance predicted accuracy just for words with spelling challenges. For correctly spelled words, RT was predicted by non-word spelling response time and by speed on a key-finding task, and mean IKI by non-verbal cognitive ability, word reading, non-word spelling response time, and key-finding speed. Compared to words with no challenge, mean IKI was shorter for words with an initial challenge and longer for words with a mid-word challenge. These findings suggest that spelling is not fully planned when typing commences, a hypothesis that is confirmed by the fact that IKI immediately before within word challenges were reliably longer than elsewhere within the same word. Taken together our findings imply that routine classroom spelling tests better capture student competence if they focus not only on accuracy but also on production time course

Genetic contributions to variation in general cognitive function:a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies in the CHARGE consortium (<i>N</i>=53 949)

General cognitive function is substantially heritable across the human life course from adolescence to old age. We investigated the genetic contribution to variation in this important, health- and well-being-related trait in middle-aged and older adults. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies of 31 cohorts (N=53 949) in which the participants had undertaken multiple, diverse cognitive tests. A general cognitive function phenotype was tested for, and created in each cohort by principal component analysis. We report 13 genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations in three genomic regions, 6q16.1, 14q12 and 19q13.32 (best SNP and closest gene, respectively: rs10457441, P=3.93 × 10−9, MIR2113; rs17522122, P=2.55 × 10−8, AKAP6; rs10119, P=5.67 × 10−9, APOE/TOMM40). We report one gene-based significant association with the HMGN1 gene located on chromosome 21 (P=1 × 10−6). These genes have previously been associated with neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Meta-analysis results are consistent with a polygenic model of inheritance. To estimate SNP-based heritability, the genome-wide complex trait analysis procedure was applied to two large cohorts, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (N=6617) and the Health and Retirement Study (N=5976). The proportion of phenotypic variation accounted for by all genotyped common SNPs was 29% (s.e.=5%) and 28% (s.e.=7%), respectively. Using polygenic prediction analysis, ~1.2% of the variance in general cognitive function was predicted in the Generation Scotland cohort (N=5487; P=1.5 × 10−17). In hypothesis-driven tests, there was significant association between general cognitive function and four genes previously associated with Alzheimer’s disease: TOMM40, APOE, ABCG1 and MEF2C

Social psychology, 2 nd.ed/ Raven

xvi, 718 hal.: bibl.; 24 cm

Social psychology, 2 nd.ed/ Raven

xvi, 718 hal.: bibl.; 24 cm

Bases of social power, leadership styles, and organizational commitment

Affective organizational commitment reflects the extent to which organizational members are loyal and willing to work toward organizational objectives (Meyer & Allen, 1997). In particular, affective organizational commitment holds very important implications at all organizational levels (e.g., turnover rates, performance, and citizenship behavior). Whereas previous research has evinced the positive influence of transformational and charismatic leadership styles on affective commitment toward the organization (Bass & Avolio, 1994), little is known with regard to the nature of this relationship. In line with the interpersonal power/interaction model, the present investigation aimed to investigate the mechanism at play between transformational leadership style and affective organizational commitment. Specifically, we hypothesized that transformational leadership style would increase affective organizational commitment through its effect on willingness to comply with soft bases of power. In two studies, we subjected the foregoing hypotheses to empirical scrutiny. In Study 1, the proposed mediation model was empirically supported with Italian employees in the public sector. Attesting to the robustness of our findings, Study 2 replicated the findings of Study 1 with Italian employees from the public and private sectors. In addition, Study 2 replicated Study 1 using a different measure of transformational leadership. Both Study 1 and Study 2 provided results consistent with our hypotheses. Specifically, the present paper reports empirical evidence that (1) the more participants report having a transformational leader, the more willing they become to comply with soft (but not harsh) power bases, (2) in turn, greater willingness to comply with soft (but not harsh) power bases increases one's affective organizational commitment. These findings provide additional support for the interpersonal power/interaction model and pave the way for new research directions

Poder y cumplimiento en la relación médico-paciente

Research has described the importance of compliance in health care, particularly the compliance of a patient with the recommendations of a medical practitioner (Sackett and Haynes, 1979; Sands and Holman, 1985; Sideris, Tsouna-Hadjis, Toumandis, and Vardas, 1986; Winefield, 1992; Winefield and Murrell, 1991). Many, if not most current methods of attempting to reduce medical non-compliance have been arrived at using the medical model. In an exploratory way, this paper examines an alternative social psychological model; one in which we attempt to see how differing methods of social influence strategies can potentially reduce medical non-compliance. The French and Raven (1959; Raven, 1965; 1992, 1994) bases of power taxonomy is applied to the doctor/patient relationship. 105 student subjects read six hypothetical scenarios in which a physician used the differing bases of power to successfully influence a patient to take medication. Subjects then answered a series of questions about subsequent adherence, internal/external attribution, and affect. Informational, Referent and Expert powers, in that order, were rated by subjects as being most conducive to private acceptance of change, internal (rather than external) attribution of causality for change, greatest likelihood of compliance in the absence of surveillance, and most positive affect toward the physician. Legitimate, reward, and coercive powers resulted in least favorable effects on each of these variables. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.La investigación ha descrito la importancia del cumplimiento en el cuidado de la salud, particularmente el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones del médico (Sackett y Haynes, 1979; Sands and Holman, 1985; Sideris, Tsouna-Hadjis, Toumandis, and Vardas, 1986; Winefield, 1992; Winefield and Murrell, 1991). Muchos de los métodos actuales para intentar reducir el incumplimiento medico han sido extraídos del uso del modelo médico. De forma exploratoria, este articulo examina un modelo alternativo desde la psicología social, en el que intentamos ver como diferentes métodos de estrategias de influencia social pueden reducir potencialmente el incumplimiento médico. La taxonomía de bases del poder de French y Raven (1959; Raven, 1965; 1992; 1994) se aplica a la relación médico/paciente. 105 estudiantes leyeron seis escenas hipotéticas en las que un médico usaba diferentes bases de poder para influir con éxito en el paciente para que tomara la medicación. Los sujetos contestaron después una serie de cuestiones acerca del cumplimiento consiguiente, de la atribución interna/externa, y del estado afectivo. Los poderes informativo, referente y experto, por ese orden, fueron puntuados por los sujetos como los que más conducen a la aceptación privada del cambio, a la atribución interna (más que externa) de la causalidad para el cambio, a una mayor probabilidad de cumplimiento sin vigilancia, y a un afecto más positivo hacia el médico. Los poderes "legítimo", de "recompensa" y "castigo" tuvieron efectos menos favorables en cada una de estas variables. Se discuten las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas

Poder y cumplimiento en la relación médico-paciente

Research has described the importance of compliance in health care, particularly the compliance of a patient with the recommendations of a medical practitioner (Sackett and Haynes, 1979; Sands and Holman, 1985; Sideris, Tsouna-Hadjis, Toumandis, and Vardas, 1986; Winefield, 1992; Winefield and Murrell, 1991). Many, if not most current methods of attempting to reduce medical non-compliance have been arrived at using the medical model. In an exploratory way, this paper examines an alternative social psychological model; one in which we attempt to see how differing methods of social influence strategies can potentially reduce medical non-compliance. The French and Raven (1959; Raven, 1965; 1992, 1994) bases of power taxonomy is applied to the doctor/patient relationship. 105 student subjects read six hypothetical scenarios in which a physician used the differing bases of power to successfully influence a patient to take medication. Subjects then answered a series of questions about subsequent adherence, internal/external attribution, and affect. Informational, Referent and Expert powers, in that order, were rated by subjects as being most conducive to private acceptance of change, internal (rather than external) attribution of causality for change, greatest likelihood of compliance in the absence of surveillance, and most positive affect toward the physician. Legitimate, reward, and coercive powers resulted in least favorable effects on each of these variables. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.La investigación ha descrito la importancia del cumplimiento en el cuidado de la salud, particularmente el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones del médico (Sackett y Haynes, 1979; Sands and Holman, 1985; Sideris, Tsouna-Hadjis, Toumandis, and Vardas, 1986; Winefield, 1992; Winefield and Murrell, 1991). Muchos de los métodos actuales para intentar reducir el incumplimiento medico han sido extraídos del uso del modelo médico. De forma exploratoria, este articulo examina un modelo alternativo desde la psicología social, en el que intentamos ver como diferentes métodos de estrategias de influencia social pueden reducir potencialmente el incumplimiento médico. La taxonomía de bases del poder de French y Raven (1959; Raven, 1965; 1992; 1994) se aplica a la relación médico/paciente. 105 estudiantes leyeron seis escenas hipotéticas en las que un médico usaba diferentes bases de poder para influir con éxito en el paciente para que tomara la medicación. Los sujetos contestaron después una serie de cuestiones acerca del cumplimiento consiguiente, de la atribución interna/externa, y del estado afectivo. Los poderes informativo, referente y experto, por ese orden, fueron puntuados por los sujetos como los que más conducen a la aceptación privada del cambio, a la atribución interna (más que externa) de la causalidad para el cambio, a una mayor probabilidad de cumplimiento sin vigilancia, y a un afecto más positivo hacia el médico. Los poderes "legítimo", de "recompensa" y "castigo" tuvieron efectos menos favorables en cada una de estas variables. Se discuten las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas

Social psychology

xiii, 115 p.; 24 cm