The Impact of Client Motivational Language on the Therapeutic Alliance in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Building on past research demonstrating a link between client motivation and the alliance, this study examined whether motivational interviewing (MI) can alter the impact of motivation on the alliance. Using data from a recent trial of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for 85 individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, this study tested whether observed motivational language against change (counter-change talk; CCT) and in support of change (change talk; CT) in session 1 affects alliance quality over time and whether this relationship varies between two treatments: MI integrated with CBT (MI-CBT) or CBT alone. CCT, but not CT, predicted lower client alliance ratings at the early, middle, and late stages of therapy. At the late stage only, treatment group moderated this relationship such that CCT was associated with poorer alliances for CBT alone, relative to MI-CBT. Thus, without strategies for managing ambivalence (such as in MI), ambivalence can predict subsequent alliance problems

Methodological Reform in Quantitative Second Language Research: Effect Sizes, Bayesian Hypothesis Testing, and Bayesian Estimation of Effect Sizes

This dissertation consists of three manuscripts. The manuscripts contribute to a budding “methodological reform” currently taking place in quantitative second-language (L2) research. In the first manuscript, the researcher describes an empirical investigation on the application of two well-known effect size estimators, eta-squared (η2) and partial eta-squared (ηp2), from the previously published literature (2005 - 2015) in four premier L2 journals. These two effect size estimators express the amount of variance accounted for by one or more independent variables. However, despite their widespread reporting, often in conjunction with ANOVAs, these estimators are rarely accompanied by much in the way of interpretation. The study shows that ηp2 values are frequently being misreported as representing η2. The researcher interprets and discusses potential consequences related to the long-standing confusion surrounding these related but distinct estimators. In the second manuscript, the researcher discusses a Bayesian alternative to p-values in t-test designs known a “Bayes Factor”. This approach responds to pointed calls questioning why null hypothesis testing is still the go-to analytic approach in L2 research. Adopting an open-science framework, the researcher (a) re-analyzes the empirical findings of 418 L2 t-tests using the Bayesian hypothesis testing, and (b) compares the Bayesian results with their conventional, null hypothesis testing counterparts. The results show considerable differences arising in the rejections of the null hypothesis in certain cases of previously published literature. The study provides field-wide recommendations for improved use of null hypothesis testing, and introduces a free, online software package developed to promote Bayesian hypothesis testing in the field. In the third manuscript, the researcher provides an applied, non-technical rationale for using Bayesian estimation in L2 research. Specifically, the researcher takes three steps to achieve my goal. First, the researcher compares the conceptual underpinning of the Bayesian and the Frequentist methods. Second, using real as well as carefully simulated data, the researcher introduces and applies a Bayesian method to the estimation of standardized mean difference effect size (i.e., Cohen’s d) from t-test designs. Third, to promote the use of Bayesian estimation of Cohen’s d effect size in L2 research, the researcher introduces a free, web-accessed, point-and-click software package as well as a suite of highly flexible R functions

Evaluation of Softening of Clayey Soil Stabilized with Sewage Sludge Ash and Lime

Production of sewage sludge have raised increasing concerns due to negative environmental effect. Sewage Sludge Ash (SSA) is used as a new type of additive for clay. Laboratory tests were performed on clay samples to study the mechanism of sewage sludge ash (SSA) and Hydrated Lime (HL) soil stabilization. Different SSA contents (0, 5, 10, 15%) and hydrated lime (0, 1, 3 and 5%) were added to the soil samples. 288 samples were prepared, and unconfined compressive strength tests were carried out. The samples were tested under optimum water content and also saturated conditions with three replications. The results of the coefficient of softening indicated that by adding SSA and hydrated lime to clay soil simultaneously, the stabilized clay soils can be applied in the moist and saturated condition. According to the results, the samples of SSA contents 0% with hydrated lime 5% and SSA contents 10% with hydrated lime 5% can be placed in the vicinity of moisture

Effect of silver nanoparticles for Coli forms disinfection in drinking water

Background and aims: Silver is the metal as a safe and effective antibacterial agent which can be raised more than 650 types of microorganisms such as bacteria and virus. Common indicator used to assess water quality and compliance with standards to determine the presence of total coli forms and fecal coli forms are bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanosilver on inactivation the coli forms and fecal coli forms from drinking water. Methods: This bench-scale experimental study was carried out in a batch system on artificially contaminated water samples prepared by adding 10 ml effluent to 90 liters of distilled water. In each run, the nanosilver (30-180 μgL) was added to 6 containers of contaminated water and then a sample was taken every 20 minutes for a 100-minute period. The samples were tested by 15-tube series method based on the instruction no. 9221-B of 21th edition of standard method book on water and wastewater experiments (21st edition). Results: Results revealed that the coli forms and fecal coli forms inactivation significantly increased with increasing the contact time of nonosilver (P=0.001), but there was no significant correlation between the nanosilver concentrations and coli forms and fecal coli forms inactivation (P=0.13). The maximum coli forms and fecal coli forms inactivation (76.2, 65%) was achieved within 100 minutes contact time for 180 μgL of silver. Conclusion: Based on the current results, it can be concluded nanosilver treatment is effective in coli forms and fecal coli forms inactivation from contaminated water and advice as a new method for water disinfection

Does Teaching Experience Affect Type, Amount, And Precision of The Written Corrective Feedback?

Research on corrective feedback (Brown, 2012, 2014; Evans et al. 2010; Ferris, 2014; Ferris et al., 2011; Lee, 2011) has highlighted the mediating effect of prime teacher variables. These studies indicate that “teaching experience” of L2 teachers can affect their approach towards several aspects of error correction. Primary among these aspects are manners of feedback provision (e.g. Direct & Indirect) and amount of the feedback (e.g. Comprehensive & Selective) offered by the EFL instructors. Based on the data obtained from teachers of fifteen English writing courses, this classroom-based study sought to measure the potential impact of teachers’ years of teaching experience on the perception of EFL teachers towards the type (i.e., Direct & Indirect) and amount (i.e., Comprehensive & Selective) of their written error feedback. The results showed a significant effect for teaching experience on direct manner of feedback provision perceived by highly experienced EFL teachers. Additionally, a qualitative follow up indicated that highly experienced teacher group presented technically more accurate and precise corrections than those of the other two less experienced ones. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed

The Effects of Trait and State Anxiety on Gait in Healthy Young Adults

Having an anxious state of mind, often elicited using a height-induced threat, has been consistently shown to alter static and dynamic postural stability in both young and older adults; however, the effects on walking have been less studied. Interestingly, even more stable characteristics such as trait anxiety, in the absence of threat, have been shown to impact gait in clinical populations, although little work has been conducted on young, healthy adults. Attentional processes have also been suggested to play a role in posture and gait control, and anxiety (both state and trait) is known to consume attentional resources and reduce functional cognitive capacity. However, the interaction between trait and state anxiety, and attention on gait has not yet been investigated formally. Therefore, the current study examined the role of trait anxiety as a predictor in gait behaviour during both single- and dual-task walking at the ground and elevated levels, stimulated within a virtual reality (VR) environment. Using a repeated measures design, 30 young, neurotypical adults aged 19-28 completed five walking trials on the Zeno pressure sensor walkway during four different VR-stimulated condition blocks. Conditions were completed in the fixed order of: (i) low threat – walking across a plank on the ground, (ii) low threat + dual-task – walking across a grounded plank while simultaneously monitoring numbers on an audio track, (iii) high threat – walking across a plank elevated above a deep pit, (iv) high threat + dual-task – walking across an elevated plank while simultaneously monitoring numbers on an audio track. At baseline, trait anxiety levels were determined by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and baseline cognitive task performance was recorded while seated. After every trial, state anxiety levels were reported using self-assessment manikins. In general, self-reported anxiety levels increased when walking during the elevated conditions compared to the ground. Trait anxiety was a significant predictor of reductions in gait velocity and iv increased time spent in double support when at elevated conditions during compared to the ground, as well as when dual task walking compared to single task walking at elevation. In addition to reductions in gait velocity and increased time spent in double support, trait anxiety also predicted increased step length variability while dual tasking at elevated conditions compared to dual task walking on the ground. However, the study did not find that trait anxiety was a significant predictor of any spatiotemporal aspects of gait during ground level single task walking, nor when considering dual task walking compared to single task walking at the ground level. The results of this study suggest that trait anxiety does not predict gait behaviour when walking on the ground both with and without attentional tasks. Rather, trait anxiety can predict a slower, more cautious gait pattern under elevated stress (threat) conditions and when performing a dual task during threat