Exploratory Learning Using Consistency Problems: Activity Type Matters

Studies have shown that exploration before instruction can improve learning. Students (N= 197) from the psychology participant pool were taught the concept and procedure of standard deviation in one of four conditions. Students were given both direct instruction and a problem to solve in one of two orders: instruction-first, or exploration-first. During the problem-solving activity, students were asked to determine the consistency of a set of numbers. This dataset was set up as a rich dataset, or to highlight contrasting cases. Students then completed a posttest. We compared mean posttest scores to find that exploration before instruction led to better understanding when using contrasting cases, but not a rich dataset. Exploring before instruction is benefited when students are helped to discern the key features of the problems, using contrasting cases.https://ir.library.louisville.edu/uars/1018/thumbnail.jp

Delivering Health Information via Podcast or Web: Media Effects on Psychosocial and Physiological Responses

This study explored differences in psychosocial and physiological variables in response to being presented with information on weight loss through either reading text on a website or listening to the same information via podcast. Participants were randomized to receive a weight loss website (n = 20) or podcast (n = 20). Participants had skin conductance levels measured and completed questionnaire items assessing demographic characteristics, user control, novelty, and knowledge. Participants in the podcast group exhibited greater levels of physiological arousal and reported the intervention to be more novel than those in the Web group; however, the Web group reported greater user control. There was no difference in knowledge between the groups. This study presents the first step in examining the role that novelty and user control may play in two different weight-loss electronic media, as well as differences in knowledge acquisition. Future research should explore adding additional media features, such as video content, to the podcasts and websites in order to optimize fully the different mediums and to examine whether user control and novelty are potential mediators of weight loss outcomes

Information Processing Versus Social Cognitive Mediators of Weight Loss in a Podcast-Delivered Health Intervention

Podcasting is an emerging technology, and previous interventions have shown promising results using theory-based podcast for weight loss among overweight and obese individuals. This study investigated whether constructs of social cognitive theory and information processing theories (IPTs) mediate the effect of a podcast intervention on weight loss among overweight individuals. Data are from Pounds off Digitally, a study testing the efficacy of two weight loss podcast interventions (control podcast and theory-based podcast). Path models were constructed (n = 66). The IPTs—elaboration likelihood model, information control theory, and cognitive load theory—mediated the effect of a theory-based podcast on weight loss. The intervention was significantly associated with all IPTs. Information control theory and cognitive load theory were related to elaboration, and elaboration was associated with weight loss. Social cognitive theory constructs did not mediate weight loss. Future podcast interventions grounded in theory may be effective in promoting weight loss

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Physical Activity Promotion Among Obese Women: An Online Evaluation of Targeted Messages

Obese women are at higher risk for several cancers, but are less likely than normal weight women to engage in cancer prevention behaviors such as screening and physical activity. Targeted health messages may help increase healthy behaviors among vulnerable groups such as obese women. Using findings from focus groups with obese women, the authors created targeted messages to promote colorectal cancer screening and physical activity among obese women. The messages addressed psychosocial constructs, such as benefits and barriers to colorectal cancer screening and exercise, which were relevant to the target population. Messages were tested online with women age 50 years and older (N = 181). Participants were stratified by weight (obese vs. nonobese) and randomized to review either 10 targeted (intervention) or 10 generic (control) messages. Study outcomes included elaboration about the messages, message relevance and trustworthiness, and behavioral intentions. The authors used moderation and subgroup analyses to determine whether the intervention messages were better received by certain women. They found no differences in elaboration, behavioral intentions, relevance, or trustworthiness between intervention and control for either weight group. However, exercise intentions increased more (p=.06) among inactive obese women who received intervention messages (+2.9) compared with those who were in the control group (+1.2). Intervention messages also produced more elaboration among women who viewed their weight as a barrier to screening or exercise. Tailoring intervention messages for obese women on the basis of behavior and barriers may improve outcomes more than giving the same messages to all obese women

Mediators of fruit and vegetable consumption among colorectal cancer survivors

Due to early detection and treatment, survival from colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis has been steadily increasing. A CRC diagnosis could be considered a “teachable moment,” a time when interventionists might successfully promote dietary changes. CRC interventions with tailored print communication (TPC) and telephone motivational interviewing (TMI) have been shown to be effective in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) among CRC survivors. However, little is known about how these interventions work to exert their effect. This study investigated whether information processes mediate the relationship between a CRC intervention and FVC among CRC survivors

A computerized intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening for underserved populations: Theoretical background and algorithm development

Objective The aim of this exploratory study was to assess factors deemed by patients as “important” as they planned and considered undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, and to use this data to design a computer-delivered intervention to promote screening. Methods Fifty participants 50 years or older, not up-to-date with current recommended CRC screening guidelines, were recruited from a primary care clinic. A semi-structured interview focused on aspects of preparing for colorectal cancer screening was administered; after transcription, researchers used triangulation and consensus to identify relevant themes and concepts. Results Four main themes were identified that dealt with issues important for both FOBT and colonoscopy planning: personal concerns, reminders, communication with healthcare providers and obtaining test results. FOBT specific themes included: sample collection and return. For colonoscopy screening, themes included: scheduling, intervention questions, colonoscopy preparation, and transportation. These can be classified as barrier, process and accessory themes. The developed computer-administered implementation intentions algorithm addressed all the identified concerns in a planned and sequential manner, in order to facilitate planning for CRC screening. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that appropriate reminders, explanations of procedures, and patient understanding of temporary life disruptions, help patients develop and accept a detailed screening plan

Information Processes Mediate the Effect of a Health Communication Intervention on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Health communication interventions have been effective in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). To explore mechanisms underlying health communication effectiveness, we investigated whether information processes mediated the relationship between health communication and FVC, using data from NC STRIDES. NC STRIDES tested the efficacy of two health communication strategies to promote FVC among a diverse population-based sample of older adults. Participants were randomized to one of four groups: control, tailored print communication (TPC), telephone motivational interviewing (TMI), or combined (TPC+TMI). Multi-sample structural equation models were constructed to analyze data from 469 participants. Information processes mediated the effect of TMI and TPC+TMI on FVC. TMI had an indirect effect on FVC through relevance of the communications. TPC+TMI influenced FVC through perceived relevance of the communications, trust in the communications, and dose recall via two paths. In the first path, relevance was associated with trust. Trust was associated with recall, and greater recall predicted FVC. In the second path, relevance was associated with dose recall, and more recall predicted FVC. Thus, we found that key information processes mediated the relationship between a health communication intervention and FVC. Further research should investigate ways to enhance relevance, trust, and recall during the delivery of interventions

Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Signal Detection Analysis of Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2007 Data

Many young adults are insufficiently active to achieve the health benefits of regular physical activity (PA). We examined distinct subgroups of young adults (18–39y) that vary in their likelihood of not meeting PA recommendations using signal detection analysis of data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2007. The sample was randomly split and signal detection analysis was conducted on the exploratory half to identify subgroups and interactions among sociodemographic and health communication variables that predicted engaging in <150 weekly minutes of moderate-intensity PA (low PA). Rates of low PA among subgroups were compared with similarly defined subgroups in the validation sample. Overall, 62% were not meeting PA recommendations. Among eight subgroups identified, low PA rates ranged from 31%-90%. Predictors of low PA were general health, BMI, perceived cancer risk, health-related Internet use, and trust in information sources. The least active subgroup (90% low PA) included young adults in poor to good health with a BMI≥30.8 (obese). The most active subgroup (31% low PA) comprised those in very good to excellent health, who used a website to help with diet, weight or PA, and had no to little trust in health information on television. Findings suggest potential intervention communication channels and can inform targeted PA interventions for young adults

Evaluating the Dissemination of Body & Soul, an Evidence-based Fruit and Vegetable Intake Intervention: Challenges for Dissemination and Implementation Research

To evaluate whether the evidence-based Body & Soul program, when disseminated and implemented without researcher or agency involvement and support, would achieve similar results to earlier efficacy and effectiveness trials