Creating Items and Response Scales

Creating Items and Response Scales The major issues in creating items and response scales are to determine the types of survey scales to use. The primary function of the survey scale is to allocate weight and to provide significance to the answers collected. If a scale does not exist than there’s no means to qualify the answers on any particular survey and the entire process becomes like calculating calories without a food weight calculator (different measurement units) next to the number. Creating scales, indexes or any instrument that may perhaps be identified as a test is a component of the investigating process that is related to calibration. Calibration is a speedy and effortless way to attain precision and accuracy, in which are essential goals of measurement. In order to best estimate the reliability and validity of a study or investigation, is to ask questions about the items fitting together or overlapping or if the responses can improve a measuring instrument used.  A scale is a cluster of items tha t taps into a single domain of behavior, attitudes, or feelings. The word scale has been known to be called composites, subtests, agenda, or supplies. On a measuring instrument the following are found on a scale: aptitude, attitude, interest, performance, and personality tests. A scale is always one-dimensional, which means it has construct and content validity. The first key to understanding the meaning of a construct is to define construct validity. A psychological construct is a characteristic, proficiency, aptitude, or skills that have an effect in the human brain and is described by well-known theories. For example, the computer proficiency test is a construct. It exists and observed during the day to day operations. Construct validity usually is defined as unproven demonstration that the test was assessing the construct it asserts to be measuring. The experiment could take the appearance of a differential group study, in which the processes on the test are compared to two groups: one that illustrates construct and the other one that does not illustrate a construct. If the group with the construct functions better than the group without the construct, then the outcome is said to offer proof of the construct validity regarding the test. An unconventional strategy is called an intervention study. The intervention study is a group that is fragile in the construct that is measured utilizing the test, then studied the construct and measured again. If an underlying pattern is found involving the pretest and posttest, the difference can support the construct validity of the test. There have been many other strategies which can investigate the construct validity of the test. The philosophy of construct validity is when known in psychology and sociology research community. Educational measurements involved three types of validity such as content, criterion-related and construct validity. Nevertheless, there is no single way to study construct validity. Construct validity should be illustrated from several different perspectives. When various approaches are used to demonstrate the validity of the test, the test users become more confident but only if the evidence proven by those strategies are convincing. The construct valid ity test should demonstrate an accumulation of evidence. Currently, there are at least four construct scales, Thurston scales, Likert scales, Guttman scaling and semantic differential scale. For example, the Likert scale asks people to indicate how much they agree or disagree, accept as true or false and approve or disapprove. There are no correct or incorrect way to develop a Likert scale, but one thing is important is that the Likert scale must have five response categories. However, individuals frequently confuse scales and response scales. A response scale is the methods that are collected from individuals on an instrument. A dichotomous question has only two different answers which can be found on Political surveys. On this sort of survey the response scale is to measure opinions on issues, such as if he or she Agree/Disagree, True/False, or has Yes/No responses. Moreover, a researcher may use an interval response scale like a one to five or one to seven rating sale of measurin g just how negative or how positive a person’s opinion of an issue is. However, if all the researcher is doing is attaching a response scale to an object or statement, than the researcher cannot call it scaling. Scaling include procedures that are done independently of the respondent so it is able to come up with a numerical value for the object. In true scaling studies, an individual uses a scaling procedure to develop ones instrument (scale) and also use a response scale to gather the responses from participants. Yet, to just allocate a one to five response scale for an item is not considered scaling. The Snyder Evaluation Model is an evaluation process regarded as a systems-based and participative approach involving participants as co-evaluators. In this model a three-stage process of evaluation is incorporated such as process, outcome, and a short-cycle evaluation. The method is mostly qualitative in its approach; however quantitative measures can be used when appropriate. Each evaluation stage builds upon a systems model or previous phases of how the project is carried out. Synder et al. (1997) research concerned the self-fulfilling influences of social stereotypes on two social interactions. This study approached attribution theory from several different angles, such as an individual cognitive and behavioral impression of other people. Each of the three steps methods called process, outcome and the short-cycle evaluation illustrates a systems model of how a group or project operates. The principal elements of the model are resources, activities, outcomes, goals and vision. Resources consist of any activities that produce immediate results in the pursuit of goals and objectives, in order to improve a particular situation. These include such resources such as money, equipment, physical materials, skills, time and goodwill. Activities are the day-by-day events carried out by individuals. The objectives are different goals that are specific for him or her to follow over a particular time frame. Moreover, goals are usually developed through a planning proce ss and revised during each treatment planning stage. As a result, the timeframe of the targeted problems or activities can either last a year or less than that. The first phase of Snyder evaluation is process evaluation. Process evaluation assists participants to understand the process and how their activities contribute to their goal. The participants learn the associations between the fundamentals of the model and discover how certain economic or productive resources and activities can contribute to goals and ideals. Therefore, these step by step breakdowns of the phases use to articulate the contributions, outputs, and processes that take place during each phase. A process evaluation can be utilized by improve understanding of how the process is carried out, and to ascertain possible targets for process improvement through removing problems and progression efficiency. The second phase is outcome evaluations. Outcome evaluations use the results of the activity, method, process or program and their contrast with the intended or projected results. Building on this understanding, participants can identify reasonable and applicable indicators of their accomplishments. These indicators can be used to review the overall achievement of the target or ideas, or results of the activity, effort, or process expressed in quantitative numbers. The outcome evaluation also can demonstrate the effectiveness of the process evaluation, receive ongoing feedback and monitoring. The outgoing evaluation of the process can be demonstrated by annotating the following: assessable targets, measurable immediate effects; measurable activities; assessable resources; create monitoring activities and evaluate progress. The third phase is short cycle evaluations. Short-cycle evaluation uses the indicators to build from the outcome evaluation in order to utilize useful feedback. The short-cycle evaluation examines if the targeting task is making progress by obtaining continuous feedback so that improvements obtained. These short cycle evaluations can take on several forms, such as identifying evaluations criteria and identifying evaluation information. The Snyder Evaluation Model is an evaluation process regarded as a systems-based and participative approach involving participants as co-evaluators. In this model a three-stage process of evaluation is incorporated such as process, outcome, and a short-cycle evaluation. The method is mostly qualitative in its approach; however quantitative measures can be used when appropriate. Each evaluation stage builds upon a systems model or previous phases of how the project is carried out. Synder et al. (1997) research concerned the self-fulfilling influences of social stereotypes on two social interactions. This study approached attribution theory from several different angles, such as an individual cognitive and behavioral impression of other people. Each of the three steps methods called process, outcome and the short-cycle evaluation illustrates a systems model of how a group or project operates. The principal elements of the model are resources, activities, outcomes, goals and vision. Resources consist of any activities that produce immediate results in the pursuit of goals and objectives, in order to improve the individual situation. These include such resources such as money, equipment, physical materials, skills, time and goodwill. Activities are the day-by-day events carried out by individuals. The objectives are individual goals that are specific for him or her to follow over a particular time frame. Moreover, goals are usually developed through a planning pr ocess and revised during each treatment planning stage. As a result, the timeframe of the targeted problems or activities can either last a year or less than that. The first phase of Snyder evaluation is process evaluation. Process evaluation assists participants to understand the process and how their activities contribute to their goal. The participants understand the associations between the fundamentals of the model and discover how certain economic or productive resources and activities can contribute to targets and ideals. Therefore, these step by step breakdowns of the phases use to articulate the contributions, outputs, and processes that take place during each phase. A process evaluation can be utilized by improve understanding of how the process is carried out, and to determine potential targets for process improvement through removing waste and increasing efficiency. The second phase is outcome evaluations. Outcome evaluations use the results of an activity, plan, method, or program and their comparison with the intended or projected results. Building on this understanding, participants can identify reasonable and applicable indicators of their accomplishments. The indicators can be utilized to evaluate the overall achievement of the target or ideas, or results of an activity, effort, or process that can be expressed in quantitative numbers. The outcome evaluation also can demonstrate the effectiveness of the process evaluation, receive ongoing feedback and monitoring. The outgoing evaluation of the process can be demonstrated by annotating the following: assessable targets, measurable immediate effects; measurable activities; assessable resources; create monitoring activities and evaluate achievement. The third phase is short cycle evaluations. Short-cycle evaluation uses the indicators to build from the outcome evaluation in order to utilize useful feedback. The short-cycle evaluation examines if the targeting task is making progress by obtaining continuous feedback so that improvements can be obtained. Furthermore, short cycle evaluation develops a self-improving project, such as: identifying evaluation criteria; identify assessment information; distinguish sources of information; create information systems; assess process and outcome evaluations; and generate review mechanisms. A step-by-step  breakdown  of the  phases  of a  process, used to  convey  the inputs,  outputs, and  operations  that take place during each phase. A process analysis can be used to  improve  understanding of how the process  operates, and to determine potential  targets  for  process improvement  through removing  waste  and increasing  efficiency. Read more:  http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/process-analysis.html#ixzz3GcBqWvJ0

Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology

Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology By: September 24th, 2012 Psy. 410 Times have changed from what our grandparents knew and evolution is part of it. However, when looking at all the changes that we have seen in this world, how many of them were normal and how many were abnormal? Were they abnormal to some and normal to others? Or is there a particular age group that its normal or abnormal to? We are going to take a look and see if we can dig deeper in understanding normalcy and abnormalities. Abnormal Psychology To understand the origins of abnormal psychology you must first understand what it is.There are six main core concepts to understanding abnormal psychology. Abnormal psychology is so complex in that we wonder what causes a mental illness or abnormal psychology while we wonder about feelings of being down and where they come from as well. Because there is so many questions in this particular field it is what makes it fascinating. With abnormal psychology there are six major concepts in classifying and defining it as abnormal. ( Hansell & Demour, 2008) Concepts The first concept in defining abnormal psychology is to define and understand abnormality.You must first understand circumstances that cause or surround any behavior to allow you to understand whether the behavior is normal or abnormal. The next concept examines the continuum between normal and abnormal behavior. ( Hansell & Demour, 2008) This means understanding the context that the actual abnormal behavior occurs to allow us to understand it as well as explain it. Cultural and historical relativism is the third concept in defining and classify abnormality. Demographic context influence abnormal behavior and include things such as class, age, culture and gender. Hansell & Demour, 2008) Advantages and limitations of diagnosis is the fourth concept is the limitations and advantage of diagnosis. The fifth examines the principle of multiple causality. ( Hansell & Demour, 2008) and finally the connection between the body and the mind is the sixth concept of abnormal psychology. Lets take a step back now and examine some of these a little farther. Lets begin with examining the continuum between abnormal and normal psychology. Continuum Without looking at the continuum we can not define whether or not the behavior is known as normal or abnormal. Read also Memory – ForgettingThe continuum examines the highlights of attitude of empathy toward those struggling with abnormal behavior. The continuum shows humanity among people. It also shows that people show and display concern with unfairness against them. ( Hansell & Demour, 2008) This makes it difficult for clinicians to find the fine line that exists between normal and abnormal behavior. The allows the scientific research to be more challenging as well as the treatment as well. Cultural and Relativism Things change through out time that can affect what is seen as abnormal.For example, seeing someone naked on public television 50 years ago was not normal but abnormal. Today, in 2012, seeing someone naked on public television is thought to be relatively normal. Along with social changes there is also cultural change. This is just one of the many changes that has happened even in the last 30 years. The changes are very apparent to older generations making this abnormal fo r them while the younger generation that is experiencing these changes but its all they know, this is considered normal to them. Yet its definition is all in interpretation.Biological Perspectives Toward abnormal psychology biological perspectives plays a huge role in mental disorders. Many illnesses, injuries, as well as defects may cause emotional symptoms. (Hansell & Demour, 2008) Physical structures and biochemical functions in the body are a huge contributor to abnormal psychology. Functions and structure of the brain is looked at by researchers in abnormal psychology. Some of the many things that have been shown to be a factor in mental disorders include the central nervous system, the endocrine system, the peripheral nervous system, as well as genetics. Hansell & Demour, 2008) Sociocultural Perspectives The Cultural and historical relativism is part of the sociocultural prespective. Because every society has different ideas of normalcy and abnormalities it is hard to define o r begin to define abnormality. Learning is what sociocultural theorists believed to be part of the contributor to mental disorders. ( Hansell & Demour, 2008) the stresses in social and cultural roles include things such as culture, gender, social class, and ethnicity.Socioeconomic status (SES), gender and ethnicity is what many theorists focus mainly on. Many times in life we evaluate what is normal and what is abnormal. Something in my life that may be normal to me might be completely abnormal to someone else. Interpretation plays a huge role and while definitions behind normal and abnormal are not clear or found interpretation is always part of understanding. References: Hansell, J. & Damour, L. (2008). Abnormal psychology (2nd ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Qantas Airlines

Adel Dosmagambetova Maslow`s hierarchy There are always some points when we are talking about service and especially hospitality industry. When we serve our product, what our customers expect from us is our main purpose to provide. The company has to correlate the ability of their service and the expectations of their customers. They measure their product and customers` needs. (Anton & Petouhoff 1996)There are no doubts that matching both sides expectation we can provide satisfaction for our clients. However it is not always possible to satisfy all needs of your customer.Maslow`s hierarchy was created to show theory of needs in the psychology way and make a connection between each stages. Maslow used the terms Physiological, Safety, Belongingness and Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization needs to describe the pattern that human motivations generally move through. (King,2009). We have analyzed our company and divided its needs into 5 main features. Qantas(Queensland and Northern Territ ory Aerial Services) is one of the oldest air company in the world, KLM is the only company elder.They provide their services over 90 years and the politic of this global, world famous company show us their ability to build and keep in touch with generations and customers expectation. The first stage of the hierarchy is physiological needs which include comfort of their customers, the second is their safety, the third is quality of service, the forth one is an image of the airways and the last one is self-actualization included personal experience. As it is mentioned above, first of all they provide comfortable seats, high quality food and straight flights, if it is possible.Qantas makes domestic and international ways as well, their flights operates to 56 metropolitans. However they don`t only specialized on air-service, they also have catering and Qantas holiday, where they provide high ranking service and unforgettable feelings. (About Qantas, 2012) The second stage is flexible s chedules, security of their belongings and their safety for sure. Qantas guarantees their customer their safety during the flights, security of their luggage and other belongings.They tried to make schedules maximum comfortable for every customer, counting that they usually make long-distance flights and their market is built by far-away flying. The third one is high quality services, with positive staffs, comfortable airports selection good matching places. For feeling welcomed for every customer they provide good service on their planes and they make training for their staff and even order branded uniforms. Airport is the first place where you get before or after flying and of course customer expect excellent services and suitable selections.It is great thing to be connected with one of the most famous and respected airports. The fourths stage one is about reputation of the airways. The customer wants being protection and perfect served, opinions and reputation of the chosen airli nes. They expect the company to promote them a high quality standards and popularity all over the world . â€Å"Success is getting what you want and happiness is liking what you get. †(Brown, 1992) To enhance the company`s reputation and branding Qantas has developed innovative and marketing ideas to boost sales by upgrading their planes and improve quality of advertising.To end with self-actualization we choose experience of Qantas` customer. The company provides unique types of services and make the flights for customer perfect. They try to show customer that with Qantas` they and their belongings in safety, and nowhere else customer will get such services. They make their experience by providing satisfactions of customer experience which allow them to fly only with Qantas and even special tariffs and Qantas club are support for them to fly Qantas.References list: Dr. Jon Anton & Dr. Natalie L. Petouhoff (1996) Customer relationship management. Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, An ton press Paul W. King. (2009) Climbing Maslow`s pyramid choosing your own path through life. Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DB, United Kingdom H. Jackson Brown from the book Climbing Maslow pyramid. Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, DB, United Kingdom About Qantas, Retrieved from official web-site http://www. qantas. com. au/travel/airlines/home/au/en

Short Story - 804 Words

No, worried you might tired yourself out when thats my job. Brett smirked in reply, his eyes moving from Elenas body and dripping pussy to trail the movement of the cube up, then locking on her face. As gorgeous as the womans form was, and the many temptations she had to offer, he was entranced by her features, and her expressions and moans as he dripped the cold water onto his skin had his already aching shaft threatening to rip through the seams of his boxers. I think youre way in front at the moment, teasing little bitch. The crinkle of his eyes as he dropped the cube back into the ice-bucket, combined with the shake of his head made the epithet a compliment, filled with admiration at her ability to drive him crazy. Youre†¦show more content†¦The thwack of his hand spanking her butt mingled with the lewd sounds of her sucking him off. Losing control with each passing second, he bunched her hair in his fist and groaned in arousal as her nails raked his skin, Bretts entire shaft buried in her mouth. The best blowjob hed ever had? Possibly, but not totally because of just how fucking exceptional she was at it, but because it was Elena Reston with his cock down her throat, and seemingly enjoying it. No taunting at all now, just pure unadulterated pleasure, and he realised that not only did she appear to want to bring that to him for its own sake, but what his true motives had been from the moment hed approached her in the bar. The promises, the threats, the taunting, he wanted Elena to come for him, to orgasm multiple times, not simply for the sake of his ego, but that shed have a reason to return. Usually when he invited a woman home, he was already thinking about the excuses he could make the next morning not to see her again - thanks, Natasha - however, with Elena it had occurred entirely the opposite way around. He was thinking of ways to entice her return, in advance, without wanting to admit it aloud. Brett Carmody was smitten with her. As a huge shudder racked his body, he pushed down on her head, screamed in ecstasy and released. Wanting, needing to touch her, he simultaneously grasped between her legs. His body was on fireShow MoreRelatedshort story1018 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Short Stories:  Ã‚  Characteristics †¢Short  - Can usually be read in one sitting. †¢Concise:  Ã‚  Information offered in the story is relevant to the tale being told.  Ã‚  This is unlike a novel, where the story can diverge from the main plot †¢Usually tries to leave behind a  single impression  or effect.  Ã‚  Usually, though not always built around one character, place, idea, or act. †¢Because they are concise, writers depend on the reader bringing  personal experiences  and  prior knowledge  to the story. Four MajorRead MoreThe Short Stories Ideas For Writing A Short Story Essay1097 Words   |  5 Pageswriting a short story. Many a time, writers run out of these short story ideas upon exhausting their sources of short story ideas. If you are one of these writers, who have run out of short story ideas, and the deadline you have for coming up with a short story is running out, the short story writing prompts below will surely help you. Additionally, if you are being tormented by the blank Microsoft Word document staring at you because you are not able to come up with the best short story idea, youRead MoreShort Story1804 Words   |  8 PagesShort story: Definition and History. A  short story  like any other term does not have only one definition, it has many definitions, but all of them are similar in a general idea. According to The World Book Encyclopedia (1994, Vol. 12, L-354), â€Å"the short story is a short work of fiction that usually centers around a single incident. 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And with thatRead MoreShort Story Essay1294 Words   |  6 PagesA short story concentrates on creating a single dynamic effect and is limited in character and situation. It is a language of maximum yet economical effect. Every word must do a job, sometimes several jobs. Short stories are filled with numerous language and sound devices. These language and sound devices create a stronger image of the scenario or the characters within the text, which contribute to the overall pre-designed effect.As it is shown in the metaphor lipstick bleeding gently in CinnamonRead MoreRacism in the Short Stor ies1837 Words   |  7 PagesOften we read stories that tell stories of mixing the grouping may not always be what is legal or what people consider moral at the time. The things that you can learn from someone who is not like you is amazing if people took the time to consider this before judging someone the world as we know it would be a completely different place. The notion to overlook someone because they are not the same race, gender, creed, religion seems to be the way of the world for a long time. Racism is so prevalentRead MoreThe Idol Short Story1728 Words   |  7 PagesThe short stories â€Å"The Idol† by Adolfo Bioy Casares and â€Å"Axolotl† by Julio Cortà ¡zar address the notion of obsession, and the resulting harm that can come from it. Like all addictions, obsession makes one feel overwhelmed, as a single thought comes to continuously intruding our mind, causing the individual to not be able to ignore these thoughts. In â€Å"Axolotl†, the narr ator is drawn upon the axolotls at the Jardin des Plantes aquarium and his fascination towards the axolotls becomes an obsession. InRead MoreGothic Short Story1447 Words   |  6 Pages The End. In the short story, â€Å"Emma Barrett,† the reader follows a search party group searching for a missing girl named Emma deep in a forest in Oregon. 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