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Methodological
Terms modified by Methodological Selected AbstractsThe use of population based registers in psychiatric researchACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2009P. AllebeckArticle first published online: 6 OCT 200 Objective:, Much of the knowledge we now take for granted regarding major mental disorders such as schizophrenia, suicide and other disorders, would not exist without the use of population based registers. The use of population based registers in psychiatric epidemiology have enabled analyses of associations that otherwise would not have been possible to address. Method:, The use of registers in psychiatric research is described, exemplified, and discussed. Results:, Methodological and validity aspects depend to a large part on the type of register being considered. A classification is proposed of different types of registers, each one implying specific methodological issues. These can be addressed according to the dimensions coverage, attrition, representativity and validity. Specific methodological consideration has still to be taken in relation to each specific research question. Thus, special validity studies usually need to be performed when embarking on studies using population based registers. Conclusion:, With increasing burden of disease due to mental disorders worldwide, knowledge of the epidemiology of these disorders are of increasing interest. The Nordic countries have a strong history in this field of research, of great interest to the rest of the world. Universities and research funding agencies should recognize this valuable source of research capacity, and support fruitful continuation of a strong tradition. [source] Methodological and statistical issues in pharmacogenomicsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010Bas J. M. Peters Abstract Pharmacogenomics strives to explain the interindividual variability in response to drugs due to genetic variation. Although technological advances have provided us with relatively easy and cheap methods for genotyping, promises about personalised medicine have not yet met our high expectations. Successful results that have been achieved within the field of pharmacogenomics so far are, to name a few, HLA-B*5701 screening to avoid hypersensitivity to the antiretroviral abacavir, thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) genotyping to avoid thiopurine toxicity, and CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotyping for better dosing of the anticoagulant warfarin. However, few pharmacogenetic examples have made it into clinical practice in the treatment of complex diseases. Unfortunately, lack of reproducibility of results from observational studies involving many genes and diseases seems to be a common pattern in pharmacogenomic studies. In this article we address some of the methodological and statistical issues within study design, gene and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection and data analysis that should be considered in future pharmacogenomic research. First, we discuss some of the issues related to the design of epidemiological studies, specific to pharmacogenomic research. Second, we describe some of the pros and cons of a candidate gene approach (including gene and SNP selection) and a genome-wide scan approach. Finally, conventional as well as several innovative approaches to the analysis of large pharmacogenomic datasets are proposed that deal with the issues of multiple testing and systems biology in different ways. [source] Housing and Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence and a Methodological and Conceptual CritiqueJOURNAL OF SOCIAL ISSUES, Issue 3 2003Gary W. Evans Despite the fact that people invest more financial, temporal, and psychological resources in their homes than in any other material entity, research on housing and mental health is remarkably underdeveloped. We critically review existing research on housing and mental health, considering housing type (e.g., single-family detached versus multiple dwelling), floor level, and housing quality (e.g., structural damage). We then discuss methodological and conceptual shortcomings of this literature and provide a theoretical framework for future research on housing quality and mental health. [source] MLJ,Reviews: Task-Based Language Learning and Teaching: Theoretical, Methodological, and Pedagogical Perspectives. edited by ECKERTH, JOHANNES, & SABINE SIEKMANNMODERN LANGUAGE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010GLENN S. LEVINE No abstract is available for this article. [source] Clarifying the emotive functions of asymmetrical frontal cortical activityPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Eddie Harmon-Jones Abstract Asymmetrical activity over the frontal cortex has been implicated in the experience and expression of emotions and motivations. Explanations of the research have suggested that relatively greater left frontal activity is associated with positive affect and/or approach motivation, and that relatively greater right frontal activity is associated with negative affect and/or withdrawal motivation. In past research, affective valence and motivational direction were confounded, as only positive (negative) affects that were associated with approach (withdrawal) motivation were examined. Consequently, this research is unable to address whether asymmetrical frontal activity is associated with affective valence, motivational direction, or some combination of valence and motivation. In this article, I review research on the emotion of anger, a negative emotion often associated with approach motivation, that suggests that asymmetrical frontal cortical activity is due to motivational direction and not affective valence. Methodological and theoretical implications for the study of the frontal asymmetry specifically, and for emotion and motivation more generally, are discussed. [source] A survey in the park: Methodological and practical problems associated with geophysical investigation in a late Victorian municipal parkARCHAEOLOGICAL PROSPECTION, Issue 3 2010Andrew Parkyn Abstract The survey of Pudsey Park is a geophysical investigation of a late Victorian municipal park. The aim of the survey was to use geophysical techniques to identify the park's changing designs over a 120 year period. An initial design for the park was located during the desk-based assessment, however, it was unclear how much of the original plan had been implemented. It was suspected that Pudsey Park's design has been simplified over time. The project also aimed to identify a suitable sampling strategy for studying park and garden sites by using high-resolution surveys and multiple probe separations for varying depths of detection during earth resistance survey. It was hoped that multiple electrode separations combined with a high density survey could be used to differentiate the signal responses from the modern park designs and earlier design schemes. The choice of strategy is at a significantly higher resolution than guidelines for geophysical investigations for traditional archaeological features. The survey provided highly detailed but complicated data sets; areas of the park have had several redesigns, often where the modern scheme masks previous designs. A number of ,hard' and ,soft' landscaping features were identified including the foundations of the original bandstand (now replaced) and former flower beds. The 0.25,m probe separation surprisingly produced the most defined data with the greatest level of information due to the increased spatial resolution. The geophysical investigation is the first of its kind to investigate a Victorian municipal park in its entirety. The survey validates the importance of high-resolution survey in the study of parks and gardens and also provides a reference data set for future work where poorer documentation hinders interpretation. The geophysics data, together with the accompanying Geographical Information System database produce a unique and detailed picture of a Victorian park from its inception through 120 years of development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Problems With the Norms of the Comprehensive System for the Rorschach: Methodological and Conceptual ConsiderationsCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2001James M. Wood In "The Misperception of Psychopathology: Problems with the Norms of the Comprehensive System for the Rorschach," we reviewed results from 32 studies and concluded that the norms of the Comprehensive System (CS) are inaccurate and tend to make nonpatient Americans appear psychologically disordered. Hunsley and Di Giulio, Widiger, and Aronow all agree that our review uncovered serious problems with the CS norms. However, CS proponents Exner and Meyer disagree. In this reply we address criticisms and express the hope that CS proponents will eventually acknowledge the importance of the research findings and develop more accurate norms. [source] Teaching competencies for technology integration in the classroomJOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 5 2009A. Guzman Abstract There is growing interest in the integration of technology into the classroom. A range of initiatives have been launched to develop in-service teacher training processes that will strengthen this integration. In the present paper, we systematize the findings of a large selection of studies on this topic, focusing on domains and competencies linked to teacher training propositions for technology integration. Our main result is the presentation of six such domains that have been proposed in the existing literature: instrumental/technological, pedagogical/curricular, didactic/methodological, evaluative/investigative, communicational/relational and personal/attitudinal. A set of teaching competencies for each domain is also identified. These domains and competencies together form the bases for creating a technology integration training model. [source] A virtual classroom for information technology in constructionCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION, Issue 2 2008Danijel Rebolj Abstract The paper describes a new postgraduate program called "ITC-Euromaster." It briefly outlines the development process, explains the content of the program, the methodological and didactic approach and the learning environment. The paper concludes with the first experiences in delivering the courses of the new program. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 16: 105,114, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20129 [source] BNP Consensus Panel 2004: A Clinical Approach for the Diagnostic, Prognostic, Screening, Treatment Monitoring, and Therapeutic Roles of Natriuretic Peptides in Cardiovascular DiseasesCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 2004Marc A. Silver MD Among the most exciting developments in the field of heart failure in recent times has been the rediscovery of the natriuretic peptide system and its pleuripotent effects on cardiac structure and function. This is particularly true of its natriuretic and hemodynamic effects. There has been an explosion of the knowledge base seeking to understand the wide range of homeostatic, regulatory, and counter-regulatory functions in which the natriuretic peptide system participates. Additional interest has been stimulated by advances in technology such as point-of-care and core laboratory BNP assays and the use of the recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide nesiritide as a treatment option. Despite this recent interest, the available literature lacks a comprehensive expert review of the current science and roles of natriuretic peptides for diagnostic, prognostic, screening, treatment monitoring, and therapeutic purposes. More importantly, a summary updating and guiding the clinician on most of these advances was lacking. An expert Consensus Panel with basic, methodological, and clinical expertise was convened to summarize current knowledge in these areas and the findings and consensus statements are contained herein. [source] Learning from others: the scope and challenges for participatory disaster risk assessmentDISASTERS, Issue 4 2007Mark Pelling This paper develops a framework based on procedural, methodological and ideological elements of participatory vulnerability and risk assessment tools for placing individual approaches within the wide range of work that claims a participatory, local or community orientation. In so doing it draws on relevant experience from other areas of development practice from which the disasters field can learn. Participatory disaster risk assessments are examined for their potential to be empowering, to generate knowledge, to be scaled up, to be a vehicle for negotiating local change and as part of multiple-methods approaches to disaster risk identification and reduction. The paper is a response to an international workshop on Community Risk Assessment organised by ProVention Consortium and the Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme, University of Cape Town. The workshop brought together practitioners and academics to review the challenges and opportunities for participatory methodologies in the field of disaster risk reduction. In conclusion the contribution made by participatory methodologies to global disaster risk reduction assessment and policy is discussed. [source] The rise of research on futures in ecology: rebalancing scenarios and predictionsECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 12 2009Audrey Coreau Abstract Concern about the ecological consequences of global change has increasingly stimulated ecologists to examine the futures of ecological systems. Studying futures is not only a crucial element of the interaction between science, management and decision making, but also a critical research challenge per se, especially because futures cannot be observed or experimented on. In addition, researchers can encounter methodological and theoretical difficulties, which make interpretations and predictions problematic. In the literature which deals with futures of ecological systems two main lines of research can be distinguished: a predictive approach, which dominates the literature, can be contrasted with a rarer number of studies that elaborate potential scenarios for ecological systems. Scenario approaches currently concern mainly contacts with stakeholders or decision makers, or the use of climate scenarios to derive projections about ecological futures. We argue that a new direction for ecological futures research could be explored by using ecological scenarios in combination with predictive models to further fundamental ecological research, in addition to enhancing its applied value. Ecology Letters (2009) 12: 1277,1286 [source] Are there general mechanisms of animal home range behaviour?ECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 6 2008A review, prospects for future research Abstract Home range behaviour is a common pattern of space use, having fundamental consequences for ecological processes. However, a general mechanistic explanation is still lacking. Research is split into three separate areas of inquiry , movement models based on random walks, individual-based models based on optimal foraging theory, and a statistical modelling approach , which have developed without much productive contact. Here we review recent advances in modelling home range behaviour, focusing particularly on the problem of identifying mechanisms that lead to the emergence of stable home ranges from unbounded movement paths. We discuss the issue of spatiotemporal scale, which is rarely considered in modelling studies, as well as highlighting the need to consider more closely the dynamical nature of home ranges. Recent methodological and theoretical advances may soon lead to a unified approach, however, conceptually unifying our understanding of linkages among home range behaviour and ecological or evolutionary processes. [source] Cover Picture: Electrophoresis 10/2008ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2008Article first published online: 21 MAY 200 Regular issues provide a wide range of research and review articles covering all aspects of electrophoresis. Here you will find cutting-edge articles on methods and theory, instrumentation, nucleic acids, CE and CEC, miniaturization and microfluidics, proteomics and two-dimensional electrophoresis. "The present issue includes 29 manuscripts subdivided into three major parts: one part is devoted to instrumental and methodological advances, and two parts are providing an insight into up-to-date applications from the fields of natural products and food analysis on the one hand and biomedical and pharmaceutical analysis on the other hand. The approaches used comprise different modes of electroseparation methods such as CZE, packed column, monolithic column and open-tubular CEC, MEKC, CIEF, CITP, different modes of ionization such as MALDI, ICP, and ESI, as well as a range of mass analyzers from simple single quadrupole MS to top of the range Q-TOF instruments, providing MS-MS and accurate mass features." [source] Entrepreneurship Research in Europe: Taking Stock and Looking ForwardENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2008Friederike Welter With this article, as introduction to a special issue on entrepreneurship research in Europe, we hope to initiate a discussion about the importance of grounding entrepreneurship research in its national context. Different European researchers, all knowledgeable about the entrepreneurship research scene in their respective country, present the state of the research field for France, Germany, the United Kingdom (Blackburn & Smallbone, 2008); and Scandinavia. Two articles from U.S. authors complement this issue, reviewing differences in how entrepreneurship scholars measure the phenomenon and assessing the European approach(es). This special issue sets out to demonstrate the value of variety in the field,variety that very much depends on the different national, methodological, and thematic contexts entrepreneurship research takes place in. [source] Quality-of-Life and Behavioral Outcome Measures in Randomized Controlled Trials of Antiepileptic Drugs: A Systematic Review of Methodology and Reporting StandardsEPILEPSIA, Issue 11 2000Gus A. Baker Summary: Purpose: To review the methodology and use of quality-of-life and behavioral measures used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antiepileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy. Methods: Trial reports were found by searching a previously developed comprehensive database of epilepsy RCTs and searching through journals by hand. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological and quality-of-life and behavioral measure data were extracted. Results: There were 52 different measures used in 46 trials, with the Profile of Mood States, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory being applied the most frequently. Overall, evidence of the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of measures used in populations of people with epilepsy was sparse. There was also little information on the clinical interpretation of the results. Conclusion: Our results highlight a consistent failure to apply quality-of-life and behavioral measures in RCTs in a systematic way. We found repeated evidence of researchers' failure to review the use of previous measures and selection of measures without evidence of their appropriateness for use in a population with epilepsy. We recommend the use of quality-of-life and behavioral measures in RCTs with proven psychometric properties in a population with epilepsy. [source] Shaman/Scientist: Jungian Insights for the Anthropological Study of ReligionETHOS, Issue 4 2001Associate Professor Karen A. Smyers Anthropology still regards the experience of religion the same way it did when its interpretive paradigm was based on "scientific objectivity." To understand this situation, the work of C. G. Jung is helpful in two ways. First, by exploring how anthropology has dismissed Jung as a cultural universalist and/or mystic, often without an actual consideration of his writings, we see how he signifies what the field defines itself against. Second, Jung's empirical forays into the religious worldview provide us with both methodological and descriptive insights about that realm in which many of our informants (and even some anthropologists) live. [source] Primary prevention of eating disorders: characteristics of effective programmes and how to bring them to broader disseminationEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 3 2008Uwe Berger Abstract Objective Based upon the observation of advances in the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED), it is summarized that school-based programmes, focusing on risk factors for females with interactive elements, dissonance induction and booster sessions yield significant effects even under strong methodological conditions. However, beyond the presented research findings it remains often unclear, if and how programmes can be brought to a broader dissemination within a community, region or country. Method Introducing the programme PriMa (German school-based programme for the primary prevention of anorexia nervosa (AN) for girls up to the age of 12), we describe the process of programme evaluation (including 1.006 girls from 42 schools in Thuringia, Germany, who participated in a controlled study using a pre-post-design and a 3 months follow-up), programme implementation and development of follow-up programmes, including an intervention for boys and flanking secondary preventive actions (such as a telephone hotline). Results Using standardized measures, the girls in the intervention group of PriMa reported significant improvements in body self esteem, figure dissatisfaction, knowledge and eating attitudes. The teachers, who conducted the programme, felt well qualified and were evaluated significantly positive by their students. Based upon the PriMa evaluation, we established a comprehensive health promotion programme at 60 Thuringian schools within the last 3 years, which could function as a model of a fruitful cooperation between a governmental institution (Thuringian Ministry of Culture) and a research institution (University Hospital Jena). Conclusions Existing programmes have the potential for effective prevention of ED. To confirm these effects under ,real world conditions' within a given community will still be a great challenge that often requires methodological and organizational concessions and compromises. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Possible age-associated bias in reporting of clinical features of drug dependence: epidemiological evidence on adolescent-onset marijuana useADDICTION, Issue 1 2003Chuan-Yu Chen ABSTRACT Aims, To probe recent evidence on apparent excess occurrence of marijuana dependence when marijuana smoking starts in adolescence. Design and participants, A national sample of recent-onset marijuana users was identified within public data files of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), 1995,98 (1866 adolescents and 762 adults). Measurements, Marijuana dependence was assessed via seven standardized questions about its clinical features, such as being unable to cut down. Multivariate response models (GLM/GEE and MIMIC) were used to evaluate adolescent excess risk and possible item biases. Findings, Among people who had just started to use marijuana, clinical features of marijuana dependence occurred twice as often among adolescents compared to adults, even with statistical adjustment for other covariates (P < 0.01 from GLM/GEE). MIMIC analyses suggest that adolescent-onset users have somewhat higher levels of marijuana dependence, and they also provide evidence of age-associated response bias for some but not all clinical features of marijuana dependence. That is, even with level of marijuana dependence held constant, adolescent recent-onset users were more likely than adults to report being unable to cut down (P = 0.01) and tolerance (P = 0.029). Conclusion, Nosologic, methodological and substantive reasons for observed age-related excess in occurrence of marijuana dependence problems among early onset users deserve more attention in future research. [source] Alcohol and mortality: methodological and analytical issues in aggregate analysesADDICTION, Issue 1s1 2001Thor Norström This supplement includes a collection of papers that aim at estimating the relationship between per capita alcohol consumption and various forms of mortality, including mortality from liver cirrhosis, accidents, suicide, homicide, ischaemic heart disease, and total mortality. The papers apply a uniform methodological protocol, and they are all based on time series data covering the post-war period in the present EU countries and Norway. In this paper we discuss various methodological and analytical issues that are common to these papers. We argue that analysis of time series data is the most feasible approach for assessing the aggregate health consequences of changes in population drinking. We further discuss how aggregate data may also be useful for judging the plausibility of individual-level relationships, particularly those prone to be confounded by selection effects. The aggregation of linear and curvilinear risk curves is treated as well as various methods for dealing with the time-lag problem. With regard to estimation techniques we find country specific analyses preferable to pooled cross-sectional/time series models since the latter incorporate the dubious element of geographical co-variation, and conceal potentially interesting variations in alcohol effects. The approach taken in the papers at hand is instead to pool the country specific results into three groups of countries that represent different drinking cultures; traditional wine countries of southern Europe, beer countries of central Europe and the British Isles and spirits countries of northern Europe. The findings of the papers reinforce the central tenet of the public health perspective that overall consumption is an important determinant of alcohol-related harm rates. However, there is a variation across country groups in alcohol effects, particularly those on violent deaths, that indicates the potential importance of drinking patterns. There is no support for the notion that increases in per capita consumption have any cardioprotective effects at the population level. [source] Twenty-five strategies for improving the design, implementation and analysis of health services research related to alcohol and other drug abuse treatmentADDICTION, Issue 11s3 2000Michael L. Dennis While some aspects of addiction can be studied in laboratory or controlled settings, the study of long-term recovery management and the health services that support it requires going out into the community and dealing with populations and systems that are much more diverse and less under our control. This in turn raises many methodological challenges for the health service researchers studying alcohol and other drug abuse treatment. This paper identifies some of these challenges related to the design, measurement, implementation and effectiveness of health services research. It then recommends 25 strategies (and key primers) for addressing them: (1) identifying in advance all stakeholders and issues; (2) developing conceptual models of intervention and context; (3) identifying the population to whom the conclusions will be generalized; (4) matching the research design to the question; (5) conducting randomized experiments only when appropriate and necessary; (6) balancing methodological and treatment concerns; (7) prioritizing analysis plans and increasing design sensitivity, (8) combining qualitative and quantitative methods; (9) identifying the four basic types of measures needed; (10) identifying and using standardized measures; (11) carefully balancing measurement selection and modification; (12) developing and evaluating modified and new measures when necessary; (13) identifying and tracking major clinical subgroups; (14) measuring and analyzing the actual pattern of services received; (15) incorporating implementation checks into the design; (16) inc rporating baseline measures into the intervention; (17) monitoring implementation and dosage as a form of quality assurance; (18) developing procedures early to facilitate tracking and follow-up of study participants; (19) using more appropriate representations of the actual experiment; (20) using appropriate and sensitive standard deviation terms; (21) partialing out variance due to design or known sources prior to estimating experimental effect sizes; (22) using dimensional, interval and ratio measures to increase sensitivity to change; (23) using path or structural equation models; (24) integrating qualitative and quantitative analysis into reporting; and (25) using quasi-experiments, economic or organizational studies to answer other likely policy questions. Most of these strategies have been tried and tested in this and other areas, but are not widely used. Improving the state of the art of health services research and bridging the gap between research and practice do not depend upon using the most advanced methods, but rather upon using the most appropriate methods. [source] Book and Media ReviewsADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000David Ball Books reviewed in this article: Book reviews in this column will primarily be of titles focusing completely, or in part, on biological aspects of addiction. However, significant titles of general relevance to the addictions field will also be included, even if they are not "biological", as will titles of general methodological and clinical relevance, even if they are not on "addictions". Similar considerations will apply to other media (software, audio tapes and CDs, videos, etc). However, specific "addictions" software applications seem to be relatively uncommon and, as these items are rarely reviewed elsewhere, we will endeavour to include reviews of some of the older programmes that are still useful, as well as new titles that appear. I would appreciate suggesti ons of any items suitable for reviews, but especially software and other media of specifi c relevance to the addictions. Please contact: Dr David Ball, National Addiction Centre, 4 Windsor Walk, London SE5 8AF, UK. Dual Diagnosis and Treatment: substance abuse and co-morbid medical and psychiatric disorders HENRY R. KRANZLER & BRUCE J. ROUNSAVILLE (Eds) Improving the Care of People in Substance Misuse Ser vices: clinical audit project examples KIRSTY MACLEAN STEEL & CLAIRE PALMER Software European Legal Texts on Drugs (CD-Rom) [source] Discussion on ,Personality psychology as a truly behavioural science' by R. Michael FurrEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2009Article first published online: 14 JUL 200 Yes We Can! A Plea for Direct Behavioural Observation in Personality Research MITJA D. BACK and BORIS EGLOFF Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany mback@uni-leipzig.de Furr's target paper (this issue) is thought to enhance the standing of personality psychology as a truly behavioural science. We wholeheartedly agree with this goal. In our comment we argue for more specific and ambitious requirements for behavioural personality research. Specifically, we show why behaviour should be observed directly. Moreover, we illustratively describe potentially interesting approaches in behavioural personality research: lens model analyses, the observation of multiple behaviours in diverse experimentally created situations and the observation of behaviour in real life. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Categories of Behaviour Should be Clearly Defined PETER BORKENAU Department of Psychology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany p.borkenau@psych.uni-halle.de The target paper is helpful by clarifying the terminology as well as the strengths and weaknesses of several approaches to collect behavioural data. Insufficiently considered, however, is the clarity of the categories being used for the coding of behaviour. Evidence is reported showing that interjudge agreement for retrospective and even concurrent codings of behaviour does not execeed interjudge agreement for personality traits if the categories being used for the coding of behaviour are not clearly defined. By contrast, if the behaviour to be registered is unambiguously defined, interjudge agreement may be almost perfect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behaviour Functions in Personality Psychology PHILIP J. CORR Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK Philip.Corr@btopenworld.com Furr's target paper highlights the importance, yet under-representation, of behaviour in published articles in personality psychology. Whilst agreeing with most of his points, I remain unclear as to how behaviour (as specifically defined by Furr) relates to other forms of psychological data (e.g. cognitive task performance). In addition, it is not clear how the functions of behaviour are to be decided: different behaviours may serve the same function; and identical behaviours may serve different functions. To clarify these points, methodological and theoretical aspects of Furr's proposal would benefit from delineation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. On the Difference Between Experience-Sampling Self-Reports and Other Self-Reports WILLIAM FLEESON Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA fleesonW@wfu.edu Furr's fair but evaluative consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of behavioural assessment methods is a great service to the field. As part of his consideration, Furr makes a subtle and sophisticated distinction between different self-report methods. It is easy to dismiss all self-reports as poor measures, because some are poor. In contrast, Furr points out that the immediacy of the self-reports of behaviour in experience-sampling make experience-sampling one of the three strongest methods for assessing behaviour. This comment supports his conclusion, by arguing that ESM greatly diminishes one the three major problems afflicting self-reports,lack of knowledge,and because direct observations also suffer from the other two major problems afflicting self-reports. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What and Where is ,Behaviour' in Personality Psychology? LAURA A. KING and JASON TRENT Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA kingla@missouri.edu Furr is to be lauded for presenting a coherent and persuasive case for the lack of behavioural data in personality psychology. While agreeing wholeheartedly that personality psychology could benefit from greater inclusion of behavioural variables, here we question two aspects of Furr's analysis, first his definition of behaviour and second, his evidence that behaviour is under-appreciated in personality psychology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Naturalistic Observation of Daily Behaviour in Personality Psychology MATTHIAS R. MEHL Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA mehl@email.arizona.edu This comment highlights naturalistic observation as a specific method within Furr's (this issue) cluster direct behavioural observation and discusses the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) as a naturalistic observation sampling method that can be used in relatively large, nomothetic studies. Naturalistic observation with a method such as the EAR can inform researchers' understanding of personality in its relationship to daily behaviour in two important ways. It can help calibrate personality effects against act-frequencies of real-world behaviour and provide ecological, behavioural personality criteria that are independent of self-report. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Measuring Behaviour D. S. MOSKOWITZ and JENNIFER J. RUSSELL Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada dsm@psych.mcgill.ca Furr (this issue) provides an illuminating comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of various methods for assessing behaviour. In the selection of a method for assessing behaviour, there should be a careful analysis of the definition of the behaviour and the purpose of assessment. This commentary clarifies and expands upon some points concerning the suitability of experience sampling measures, referred to as Intensive Repeated Measurements in Naturalistic Settings (IRM-NS). IRM-NS measures are particularly useful for constructing measures of differing levels of specificity or generality, for providing individual difference measures which can be associated with multiple layers of contextual variables, and for providing measures capable of reflecting variability and distributional features of behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behaviours, Non-Behaviours and Self-Reports SAMPO V. PAUNONEN Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada paunonen@uwo.ca Furr's (this issue) thoughtful analysis of the contemporary body of research in personality psychology has led him to two conclusions: our science does not do enough to study real, observable behaviours; and, when it does, too often it relies on ,weak' methods based on retrospective self-reports of behaviour. In reply, I note that many researchers are interested in going beyond the study of individual behaviours to the behaviour trends embodied in personality traits; and the self-report of behaviour, using well-validated personality questionnaires, is often the best measurement option. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. An Ethological Perspective on How to Define and Study Behaviour LARS PENKE Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK lars.penke@ed.ac.uk While Furr (this issue) makes many important contributions to the study of behaviour, his definition of behaviour is somewhat questionable and also lacks a broader theoretical frame. I provide some historical and theoretical background on the study of behaviour in psychology and biology, from which I conclude that a general definition of behaviour might be out of reach. However, psychological research can gain from adding a functional perspective on behaviour in the tradition of Tinbergens's four questions, which takes long-term outcomes and fitness consequences of behaviours into account. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What is a Behaviour? MARCO PERUGINI Faculty of Psychology, University of Milan,Bicocca, Milan, Italy marco.perugini@unimib.it The target paper proposes an interesting framework to classify behaviour as well as a convincing plea to use it more often in personality research. However, besides some potential issues in the definition of what is a behaviour, the application of the proposed definition to specific cases is at times inconsistent. I argue that this is because Furr attempts to provide a theory-free definition yet he implicitly uses theoretical considerations when applying the definition to specific cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Is Personality Really the Study of Behaviour? MICHAEL D. ROBINSON Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA Michael.D.Robinson@ndsu.edu Furr (this issue) contends that behavioural studies of personality are particularly important, have been under-appreciated, and should be privileged in the future. The present commentary instead suggests that personality psychology has more value as an integrative science rather than one that narrowly pursues a behavioural agenda. Cognition, emotion, motivation, the self-concept and the structure of personality are important topics regardless of their possible links to behaviour. Indeed, the ultimate goal of personality psychology is to understanding individual difference functioning broadly considered rather than behaviour narrowly considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Linking Personality and Behaviour Based on Theory MANFRED SCHMITT Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany schmittm@uni-landau.de My comments on Furr's (this issue) target paper ,Personality as a Truly Behavioural Science' are meant to complement his behavioural taxonomy and sharpen some of the presumptions and conclusions of his analysis. First, I argue that the relevance of behaviour for our field depends on how we define personality. Second, I propose that every taxonomy of behaviour should be grounded in theory. The quality of behavioural data does not only depend on the validity of the measures we use. It also depends on how well behavioural data reflect theoretical assumptions on the causal factors and mechanisms that shape behaviour. Third, I suggest that the quality of personality theories, personality research and behavioural data will profit from ideas about the psychological processes and mechanisms that link personality and behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Apparent Objectivity of Behaviour is Illusory RYNE A. SHERMAN, CHRISTOPHER S. NAVE and DAVID C. FUNDER Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA funder@ucr.edu It is often presumed that objective measures of behaviour (e.g. counts of the number of smiles) are more scientific than more subjective measures of behaviour (e.g. ratings of the degree to which a person behaved in a cheerful manner). We contend that the apparent objectivity of any behavioural measure is illusory. First, the reliability of more subjective measures of behaviour is often strikingly similar to the reliabilities of so-called objective measures. Further, a growing body of literature suggests that subjective measures of behaviour provide more valid measures of psychological constructs of interest. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Personality and Behaviour: A Neglected Opportunity? LIAD UZIEL and ROY F. BAUMEISTER Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA Baumeister@psy.fsu.edu Personality psychology has neglected the study of behaviour. Furr's efforts to provide a stricter definition of behaviour will not solve the problem, although they may be helpful in other ways. His articulation of various research strategies for studying behaviour will be more helpful for enabling personality psychology to contribute important insights and principles about behaviour. The neglect of behaviour may have roots in how personality psychologists define the mission of their field, but expanding that mission to encompass behaviour would be a positive step. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] WHY DOES A METHOD THAT FAILS CONTINUE TO BE USED?EVOLUTION, Issue 11 2008L. Lacey Knowles As a critical framework for addressing a diversity of evolutionary and ecological questions, any method that provides accurate and detailed phylogeographic inference would be embraced. What is difficult to understand is the continued use of a method that not only fails, but also has never been shown to work,nested clade analysis is applied widely even though the conditions under which the method will provide reliable results have not yet been demonstrated. This contradiction between performance and popularity is even more perplexing given the recent methodological and computational advances for making historical inferences, which include estimating population genetic parameters and testing different biogeographic scenarios. Here I briefly review the history of criticisms and rebuttals that focus specifically on the high rate of incorrect phylogeographic inference of nested-clade analysis, with the goal of understanding what drives its unfettered popularity. In this case, the appeal of what nested-clade analysis claims to do,not what the method actually achieves,appears to explain its paradoxical status as a favorite method that fails. What a method promises, as opposed to how it performs, must be considered separately when evaluating whether the method represents a valuable tool for historical inference. [source] Families and Communities: An Annotated BibliographyFAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 5 2005Nancy Brossoie Abstract: Connections between families and communities are dynamic and contextual, and their influences are reciprocal. We present a resource guide for family social scientists who are focusing on the nexus of families and communities by highlighting recent theoretical, methodological, and empirical contributions. [source] The use of killer sensitivity patterns for biotyping yeast strains: the state of the art, potentialities and limitationsFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 6 2007Pietro Buzzini Abstract In recent years molecular techniques have been the most useful tools for the unequivocal identification of undetermined strains at the species level. In many instances, however, a further discrimination at the strain level (biotyping) is required, such as during epidemiological investigations, in which the distribution of pathogenic microorganisms is studied, and for patent protection purposes. Although molecular methods are routinely used also for yeast biotyping, several nonmolecular techniques have been proposed. One of these, the determination of the killer sensitivity pattern (KSP) towards a panel of selected killer toxins has proven to be a good auxiliary method. Despite the plethora of studies published, the potential and limitations of the determination of KSPs have never been critically evaluated. In this review the use of this nonmolecular technique as a biotyping tool is discussed and compared with some currently used DNA-based procedures. In addition, methodological, mechanistic and ecological implications are evaluated. [source] Activity and energetics of free-swimming fish: insights from electromyogram telemetryFISH AND FISHERIES, Issue 1 2004Steven J Cooke Abstract Electromyogram (EMG) telemetry studies that involve remotely monitoring the locomotory activity and energetics of fish are contributing important information to the conservation and management of fisheries resources. Here, we outline the development of this rapidly evolving field and formulate the studies conducted that utilize this technology. To date, more than 60 studies have been conducted using EMG telemetry that spans 18 species. Several general trends were observed in the methodology of the studies that we have highlighted as standards that should be adopted associated with transmitter customization, electrode placement and surgical technique. Although numerous studies have been methodological, there are still some deficiencies in our basic understanding of issues such as the need for individual calibration and the method of reporting or transforming data. Increasingly, this technology is being applied to address issues in conservation, management and aquaculture production. At present, the technology has been most frequently applied to the study of animal activity or energetics and to migration. Several recent studies have also focused on addressing more basic questions in ecological and evolutionary biology (e.g. parental care dynamics) similar to the large body of literature that has been collected for other taxa (e.g. marine mammals, birds), using activity telemetry. Collectively, studies conducted using EMG telemetry have contributed important information on free-swimming fish that was previously difficult to obtain. EMG telemetry is particularly effective for examining behaviour at temporal and spatial scales that are difficult using other techniques. The development of an ultrasonic transmitter based on the same proven principles as those used in the current radio transmitter technology will permit studies in other environments (i.e. marine, brackish, deep water) and on different species of fish. We encourage the continued development and refinement of devices for monitoring the activity and energetics of free-swimming fish, and also encourage researchers to consider EMG telemetry as a tool for addressing questions that are not effectively answered with other techniques. [source] Pharmacogenetic of response efficacy to antipsychotics in schizophrenia: pharmacodynamic aspects.FUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Review, implications for clinical research Abstract Pharmacogenetics constitutes a new and growing therapeutic approach in the identification of the predictive factors of the response to antipsychotic treatment. This review aims to summarize recent finding into pharmacodynamic approach of pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics and particularly second generation. Studies were identified in the MEDLINE database from 1993 to July 2008 by combining the following Medical Subject Heading search terms: genetic, polymorphism, single nucleotide polymorphism, pharmacogenetics, antipsychotics, and response to treatment as well as individual antipsychotics names. Only pharmacodynamics studies were analyzed and we focused on efficacy studies. We also reviewed the references of ll identified articles. Most studies follow a polymorphism-by-polymorphism approach, and concern polymorphisms of genes coding for dopamine and serotonin receptors. Haplotypic approach has been considered in some studies. Few have studied the combinations of polymorphisms of several genes as a predictive factor of the response to antipsychotics. We present this gene-by-gene approach while detailing the features of the polymorphisms being studied (functionality, linkage disequilibrium) and the features of the studies (studied treatment(s), prospective/retrospective study, pharmacological dosage). We discuss the heterogeneity of the results and their potential clinical implications and extract methodological suggestions for the future concerning phenotype characterization, genotypes variants studied and methodological and statistical approach. [source] Caribbean Children's Geographies: A Case Study of JamaicaGEOGRAPHY COMPASS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007Therese Ferguson Understanding children's lives within the various spaces, places, and environments they inhabit is critical to making their worlds safer, facilitating their participatory roles in society, and implementing policies relevant to their realities. While the children's geographies scholarship is rapidly growing, much of the research is still centred on children in the ,West', with less focus on those in developing countries. Within the Third World, the Caribbean itself is slightly marginalised. This article uses the island-nation of Jamaica as a case study within the Caribbean region, examining some of the areas of interest in research on children's environments, and reflecting upon progress made in the range of methodological and theoretical approaches brought to the research agenda. It suggests prospective directions for future research to further a critical approach to this expanding field, both within Jamaica and the wider region. It ends by briefly raising some ethical issues for consideration, arising from advancing a research agenda with children at its fore. [source] Molecular diagnosis of inherited disorders: lessons from hemoglobinopathies,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 5 2005George P. Patrinos Abstract Hemoglobinopathies constitute a major health problem worldwide, with a high carrier frequency, particularly in certain regions where malaria has been endemic. These disorders are characterized by a vast clinical and hematological phenotypic heterogeneity. Over 1,200 different genetic alterations that affect the DNA sequence of the human ,-like (HBZ, HBA2, HBA1, and HBQ1) and ,-like (HBE1, HBG2, HBG1, HBD, and HBB) globin genes are mainly responsible for the observed clinical heterogeneity. These mutations, together with detailed information about the resulting phenotype, are documented in the globin locus-specific HbVar database. Family studies and comprehensive hematological analyses provide useful insights for accurately diagnosing thalassemia at the DNA level. For this purpose, numerous techniques can provide accurate, rapid, and cost-effective identification of the underlying genetic defect in affected individuals. The aim of this article is to review the diverse methodological and technical platforms available for the molecular diagnosis of inherited disorders, using thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies as a model. This article also attempts to shed light on issues closely related to thalassemia diagnostics, such as prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnoses and genetic counseling, for better-quality disease management. Hum Mutat 26(5), 399,412, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||