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Processing Difficulties (processing + difficulty)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Polymers and Materials Science	40%

Selected Abstracts

Manipulating Processing Difficulty of Reading Comprehension Questions: The Feasibility of Verbal Item Generation

JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT, Issue 4 2005
Joanna S. Gorin
Based on a previously validated cognitive processing model of reading comprehension, this study experimentally examines potential generative components of text-based multiple-choice reading comprehension test questions. Previous research (Embretson & Wetzel, 1987; Gorin & Embretson, 2005; Sheehan & Ginther, 2001) shows text encoding and decision processes account for significant proportions of variance in item difficulties. In the current study, Linear Logistic Latent Trait Model (LLTM; Fischer, 1973) parameter estimates of experimentally manipulated items are examined to further verify the impact of encoding and decision processes on item difficulty. Results show that manipulation of some passage features, such as increased use of negative wording, significantly increases item difficulty in some cases, whereas others, such as altering the order of information presentation in a passage, did not significantly affect item difficulty, but did affect reaction time. These results suggest that reliable changes in difficulty and response time through algorithmic manipulation of certain task features is feasible. However, non-significant results for several manipulations highlight potential challenges to item generation in establishing direct links between theoretically relevant item features and individual item processing. Further examination of these relationships will be informative to item writers as well as test developers interested in the feasibility of item generation as an assessment tool. [source]

A locus for an auditory processing deficit and language impairment in an extended pedigree maps to 12p13.31-q14.3

GENES, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, Issue 6 2010
L. Addis
Despite the apparent robustness of language learning in humans, a large number of children still fail to develop appropriate language skills despite adequate means and opportunity. Most cases of language impairment have a complex etiology, with genetic and environmental influences. In contrast, we describe a three-generation German family who present with an apparently simple segregation of language impairment. Investigations of the family indicate auditory processing difficulties as a core deficit. Affected members performed poorly on a nonword repetition task and present with communication impairments. The brain activation pattern for syllable duration as measured by event-related brain potentials showed clear differences between affected family members and controls, with only affected members displaying a late discrimination negativity. In conjunction with psychoacoustic data showing deficiencies in auditory duration discrimination, the present results indicate increased processing demands in discriminating syllables of different duration. This, we argue, forms the cognitive basis of the observed language impairment in this family. Genome-wide linkage analysis showed a haplotype in the central region of chromosome 12 which reaches the maximum possible logarithm of odds ratio (LOD) score and fully co-segregates with the language impairment, consistent with an autosomal dominant, fully penetrant mode of inheritance. Whole genome analysis yielded no novel inherited copy number variants strengthening the case for a simple inheritance pattern. Several genes in this region of chromosome 12 which are potentially implicated in language impairment did not contain polymorphisms likely to be the causative mutation, which is as yet unknown. [source]

Rigid-Rod Polymers: Synthesis, Processing, Simulation, Structure, and Properties

MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 11 2003
Xiao-Dong Hu
Abstract Synthesis, structure, and properties of rigid-rod polymers with special emphasis on poly(p -phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) and poly(p -phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT) have been reviewed. Recent studies on chemical modifications and molecular simulations have also been given. After nearly 20 years of research and development, PBO fiber was commercialized in the late 1990s. However, due to processing difficulties, the concept of the so called molecular composites has not been successful. Development of the high compressive strength M5 and dihydroxy-PBI fibers clearly suggest that there is potential for further developing properties of this class of materials. Opto-electronic properties have also been reviewed. Synthesis of PBZT. [source]

Increasing stable deformation by declining temperature during the process

MATERIALWISSENSCHAFT UND WERKSTOFFTECHNIK, Issue 4-5 2008
J. Ziegelheim
Abstract Recently increasing amount of light metal sheets, especially based on magnesium, is being involved into various structural constructions and functional components. Such a rising trend can be observed, for instance, at automotive, aerospace and electronic industry. On the other hand there exist some processing difficulties, such as forming limits, caused by crystalline structure. To make processing of magnesium materials most reasonable with a maximum economical and material's effect, detailed investigation of the material's mechanical behavior is necessary to realize. Especially, an use of superplasticity is a point of the main interest. By optimum settings of the deformation process (especially temperature and strain rate) the superplastic conditions were determined optimally. Moreover, it was discovered that variable temperature very positively affects the superplasticity of magnesium materials. Actually by changing temperature conditions during the deformation, even higher level of superplastic deformation without rupture can be obtained. This very interesting fact was observed at the elevated temperatures that decrease almost constantly during the deformation process. Thus previously widely used constant temperature treatment opens door to the dynamic problems of searching for the optimal temperature gradient and its variation. [source]

Use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform System of Task Analysis for persons with schizophrenia: A preliminary study

AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009
Ginette Aubin
Background/aim:,Task analysis that targets information processing skills is an essential tool to understanding difficulties encountered by people with schizophrenia in their daily activities. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the use of the Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform (PRPP) System of Task Analysis for this clientele. The specific objectives were to describe information processing difficulties as measured by the PRPP and to examine preliminary evidence of construct validity and interrater reliability. Methods:,In the first part of this study, 10 participants with schizophrenia living in the community were assessed using the PRPP during both a simple and a complex meal preparation task. Community functioning was measured using the Independent Living Skills Survey. In the second part, interrater reliability was appraised using three trained raters, who scored 15 participants preparing the complex meal preparation task. Results:,Analysis of performance demonstrates that people with schizophrenia have difficulties especially in the Perceive and Plan quadrants of the PRPP and are more challenged in the complex task. The PRPP total score for the complex task is strongly related to the community functioning score. Results indicate good interrater reliability for the PRPP total score and moderate interrater reliability for the quadrant scores. Conclusion:,Despite the small sample size, results from this preliminary study support the use of the PRPP System of Task Analysis to further explore the impact cognitive deficits have on daily task performance and thus on community functioning in people with schizophrenia. [source]