Strategies of model construction for the analysis of judgment data

This paper is concerned with the types of models researchers use to analyze empirical data in the domain of social judgments and decisions. Models for the analysis of judgment data may be divided into two classes depending on the criteria they optimize: Optimizing an internal (mathematical) criterion function with the aim to minimize the discrepancy of values predicted by the model from obtained data or incorporating a substantive underlying theory into the model where model parameters are not only formally defined, but represent specified components of judgments. Results from applying models from both classes to empirical data exhibit considerable differences between the models in construct validity, but not in empirical validity. It may be concluded that any model for the analysis of judgment data implies the selection of a formal theory about judgments. Hence, optimizing a mathematical criterion function does not induce a non-theoretical rationale or neutral tool. As a consequence, models satisfying construct validity seem superior in the domain of judgments and decisions

Estudo randomizado do tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome do túnel do carpo Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized study

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar, por meio de um estudo clínico prospectivo randomizado, dois grupos de pacientes portadores de síndrome do túnel do carpo, divididos de acordo com a metodologia cirúrgica aplicada. O primeiro grupo (grupo A) foi tratado pela endoscopia e o segundo (grupo B) pelo acesso aberto. Foram avaliados 55 pacientes (57 punhos), sendo 32 (56,0%) do sexo feminino e 25 (44,0%) do masculino. A amostra foi composta por 36 (65,5%) pacientes brancos, 17 (30,90%) negros e 2 (3,63%) orientais. A média das idades foi de 34,75 anos (mínimo de 24 e máximo de 76 anos). O grupo A foi composto por 30 (52,63%) punhos e o grupo B foi composto por 27 (47,36%). Todos os pacientes foram avaliados no período pré-operatório e após 1, 2, 4, 6 e 12 semanas após a cirurgia e os seguintes parâmetros foram considerados: trofismo da musculatura tenar, dor (escala analógica), sensibilidade com monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein, força de preensão e força de pinça (com dinamômetro Jamar). Não encontramos diferença estatística significante quando consideramos o lado, a dominância, a hipotrofia, a dor e o grau de força. O teste não-paramétrico de Mann-Whitney (p = 0,0178) evidenciou que o grupo de pacientes operados pela via endoscópica retornou ao trabalho mais precocemente. Nossa pesquisa, não evidenciou ao final da análise das demais variáveis analisadas diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparamos as duas metodologias de tratamento cirúrgico.<br>This paper aims to evaluate, by means of a randomized prospective clinical study, two distinct groups divided according to the surgical methodology applied. The first group (group A) was treated by endoscopic operation and the second (group B) one by open access. We evaluated 55 patients (57 wrists), 32 (56.0%) females and 25 (44,0%) males. The sample was composed by 36 (65.5%) Caucasian, 17 (30.9%) black and 2 (3.63%) Asian patients. The mean age was 34.75 years (minimum of 24 y.o. and maximum of 76 y.o.). Group A was composed by 30 (52.63%) wrists and group B by 27 (47.36%). All the patients were pre- and postoperatively evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery and the following parameters were considered: thenar muscle trophism, pain (analogical scale), sensibility with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, grip strength and finger pinch (with Jamar dynamometer). We did not find significant statistical differences regarding side, dominancy, hypotrophy, pain and strength. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney's test (p = 0.0178) showed that the group of patients submitted to endoscopic operation were able to resume professional the activities. Our study did not evidence, at the end of statistical analysis, statistically significant differences comparing the both methods of surgical treatment