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Inter-rater reliability for movement pattern analysis (MPA): measuring patterning of behaviors versus discrete behavior counts as indicators of decision-making style
The unique yield of collecting observational data on human movement has received increasing attention in a number of domains, including the study of decision-making style. As such, interest has grown in the nuances of core methodological issues, including the best ways of assessing inter-rater reliability. In this paper we focus on one key topic – the distinction between establishing reliability for the patterning of behaviors as opposed to the computation of raw counts – and suggest that reliability for each be compared empirically rather than determined a priori. We illustrate by assessing inter-rater reliability for key outcome measures derived from movement pattern analysis (MPA), an observational methodology that records body movements as indicators of decision-making style with demonstrated predictive validity. While reliability ranged from moderate to good for raw counts of behaviors reflecting each of two Overall Factors generated within MPA (Assertion and Perspective), inter-rater reliability for patterning (proportional indicators of each factor) was significantly higher and excellent (ICC = 0.89). Furthermore, patterning, as compared to raw counts, provided better prediction of observable decision-making process assessed in the laboratory. These analyses support the utility of using an empirical approach to inform the consideration of measuring patterning versus discrete behavioral counts of behaviors when determining inter-rater reliability of observable behavior. They also speak to the substantial reliability that may be achieved via application of theoretically grounded observational systems such as MPA that reveal thinking and action motivations via visible movement patterns
Predicting individual differences in decision-making process from signature movement styles: an illustrative study of leaders
There has been a surge of interest in examining the utility of methods for capturing individual differences in decision-making style. We illustrate the potential offered by Movement Pattern Analysis (MPA), an observational methodology that has been used in business and by the US Department of Defense to record body movements that provide predictive insight into individual differences in decision-making motivations and actions. Twelve military officers participated in an intensive 2-h interview that permitted detailed and fine-grained observation and coding of signature movements by trained practitioners using MPA. Three months later, these subjects completed four hypothetical decision-making tasks in which the amount of information sought out before coming to a decision, as well as the time spent on the tasks, were under the partial control of the subject. A composite MPA indicator of how a person allocates decision-making actions and motivations to balance both Assertion (exertion of tangible movement effort on the environment to make something occur) and Perspective (through movements that support shaping in the body to perceive and create a suitable viewpoint for action) was highly correlated with the total number of information draws and total response time—individuals high on Assertion reached for less information and had faster response times than those high on Perspective. Discussion focuses on the utility of using movement-based observational measures to capture individual differences in decision-making style and the implications for application in applied settings geared toward investigations of experienced leaders and world statesmen where individuality rules the day
Speciation in Golden-Plovers, Pluvialis dominica and P. fulva: Evidence from the Breeding Grounds
Two forms of golden-plover have long been considered subspecies, Pluvialisdominica dominica and P. d. fulva. Prior studies have shown differences between forms in breeding distributions, wintering distributions, plumage, morphology, molt, and maturation schedules. We report clear and consistent differences in breeding vocalizations and nesting habitat, and strict assortative mating in areas of sympatry in western Alaska. These results indicate a greater degree of differentiation between the forms than was previously appreciated. They are appropriately treated as separate species and should be referred to under the names Pluvialis dominica, for the American Golden-Plover, and Pluvialis fulva, for the Pacific Golden-Plover
COMPTEL measurements of MeV gamma-ray burst spectra
We present results from the on-going spectral analysis of gamma-ray bursts measured by the COMPTEL instrument in its main Compton “Telescope” observing mode (0.75–30 MeV). Thus far, 18 bursts have been analyzed from three years (April 1991–April 1994) of observations. The time-averaged spectra of these events above 1 MeV are all consistent with a simple power law model with spectral index in the range 1.5–3.5. Exponential, thermal bremsstrahlung and thermal synchrotron models are statistically inconsistent with the burst sample, although they can adequately describe some of the individual burst spectra. We find good agreement between burst spectra measured simultaneously by BATSE, COMPTEL and EGRET, which typically show a spectral transition or “break” in the BATSE energy range around a few hundred keV followed by simple power law emission extending to hundreds of MeV. However, the temporal relation between MeV and GeV (e.g., as measured by EGRET) burst emission is still unclear. Measurement of rapid variability at MeV energies in the stronger bursts provides evidence that either the sources are nearby (within the Galaxy) or the gamma-ray emission is relativistically beamed
Gauge Theory for the Rate Equations: Electrodynamics on a Network
Systems of coupled rate equations are ubiquitous in many areas of science,
for example in the description of electronic transport through quantum dots and
molecules. They can be understood as a continuity equation expressing the
conservation of probability. It is shown that this conservation law can be
implemented by constructing a gauge theory akin to classical electrodynamics on
the network of possible states described by the rate equations. The properties
of this gauge theory are analyzed. It turns out that the network is maximally
connected with respect to the electromagnetic fields even if the allowed
transitions form a sparse network. It is found that the numbers of degrees of
freedom of the electric and magnetic fields are equal. The results shed light
on the structure of classical abelian gauge theory beyond the particular
motivation in terms of rate equations.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures included, v2: minor revision, as publishe
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The angular distribution of COMPTEL Gamma-Ray bursts
The superior burst location capability of the COMPTEL instrument aboard the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory allows us to study the small-scale angular distribution of burst sources with good sensitivity even though the number of burst detections is small. We accumulate four years (April 1991–April 1995) of observations to form a catalog of 27 burst locations whose mean 1σ uncertainty is ∼1°. We find that the COMPTEL bursts are consistent with an isotropic distribution of sources, yet the spatial coincidence of two of the bursts within COMPTEL’s angular resolution indicates the possibility of repetition. This possibility is studied using the two-point angular correlation function and the nearest neighbor statistic. Model dependent upper limits on the fraction of repeating sources are derived
Decent Work: A Psychological Perspective
This contribution, which serves as the lead article for the Research Section entitled From Meaning of Working to Meaningful Lives: The Challenges of Expanding Decent Work, explores current challenges in the development and operationalization of decent work. Based on an initiative from the International Labor Organization (ILO; 1999), decent work represents an aspirational statement about the quality of work that should be available to all people who seek to work around the globe. Within recent years, several critiques have been raised about decent work from various disciplines, highlighting concerns about a retreat from the social justice ethos that had initially defined the concept. In addition, other scholars have observed that decent work has not included a focus on the role of meaning and purpose at work. To address these concerns, we propose that a psychological perspective can help to revitalize the decent work agenda by infusing a more specific focus on individual experiences and by reconnecting decent work to its social justice origins. As an illustration of the advantages of a psychological perspective, we explore the rise of precarious work and also connect the decent work agenda to the Psychology-of-Working Framework and Theory (Blustein, 2006; Duffy, Blustein, Diemer, and Autin, in press)
Algal bioassessment metrics for wadeable streams and rivers of Maine, USA
Many state water-quality agencies use biological assessment methods based on lotic fish and macroinvertebrate communities, but relatively few states have incorporated algal multimetric indices into monitoring programs. Algae are good indicators for monitoring water quality because they are sensitive to many environmental stressors. We evaluated benthic algal community attributes along a landuse gradient affecting wadeable streams and rivers in Maine, USA, to identify potential bioassessment metrics. We collected epilithic algal samples from 193 locations across the state. We computed weighted-average optima for common taxa for total P, total N, specific conductance, % impervious cover, and % developed watershed, which included all land use that is no longer forest or wetland. We assigned Maine stream tolerance values and categories (sensitive, intermediate, tolerant) to taxa based on their optima and responses to watershed disturbance. We evaluated performance of algal community metrics used in multimetric indices from other regions and novel metrics based on Maine data. Metrics specific to Maine data, such as the relative richness of species characterized as being sensitive in Maine, were more correlated with % developed watershed than most metrics used in other regions. Few community-structure attributes (e.g., species richness) were useful metrics in Maine. Performance of algal bioassessment models would be improved if metrics were evaluated with attributes of local data before inclusion in multimetric indices or statistical models
The Locations of Gamma-Ray Bursts Measured by COMPTEL
The COMPTEL instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory is used to
measure the locations of gamma-ray bursts through direct imaging of MeV
photons. In a comprehensive search, we have detected and localized 29 bursts
observed between 1991 April 19 and 1995 May 31. The average location accuracy
of these events is 1.25\arcdeg (1), including a systematic error of
\sim0.5\arcdeg, which is verified through comparison with Interplanetary
Network (IPN) timing annuli. The combination of COMPTEL and IPN measurements
results in locations for 26 of the bursts with an average ``error box'' area of
only 0.3 deg (1). We find that the angular distribution of
COMPTEL burst locations is consistent with large-scale isotropy and that there
is no statistically significant evidence of small-angle auto-correlations. We
conclude that there is no compelling evidence for burst repetition since no
more than two of the events (or 7% of the 29 bursts) could possibly have
come from the same source. We also find that there is no significant
correlation between the burst locations and either Abell clusters of galaxies
or radio-quiet quasars. Agreement between individual COMPTEL locations and IPN
annuli places a lower limit of 100~AU (95% confidence) on the distance to
the stronger bursts.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal, 1998 Jan. 1,
Vol. 492. 33 pages, 9 figures, 5 table
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