Carol Speth

Using the ASSIST Short Form for Evaluating an Information Technology Application: Validity and Reliability Issues

In this study, the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) short form was used to gain insight about learning style characteristics that might influence students’ use of an online library of plant science learning objects. This study provides evidence concerning the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Deep, Strategic and Surface scale scores when used to sort students’ responses. Participants consisted of 446 resident university students (230 males, 216 females) in agricultural science courses with face-to-face instruction supplemented with web-based lessons. Cronbach’s alphas for the three scales ranged from 0.65 to 0.75. The data file was submitted to a maximum likelihood factor analysis with oblimin rotation. When three factors were extracted, all 18 items loaded on the expected factors. One example of an analysis based on ASSIST scale scores is presented to show the potential of this procedure for helping with the interpretation of student comments.

Access Decisions by Personnel Directors: Subtle Forms of Sex Bias in Hiring

Midwestern personnel and management association members rated bogus job applications which had identical background qualifications but varied by sex of applicant, sex-role related attributes of applicant, and degree of fit of applicant credentials to job demands. The applicants were rated on their qualifications and likelihood of being considered for the position, expected performance, and expected success in the job. A significant triple interaction was found for the variable that measured the likelihood of the applicant being considered for the position (i.e., access to the position). Higher access ratings were given to the sex—stereotypical applicant when the applicants credentials matched job demands. When the applicants credentials did not fit the job demands, raters tended to favor non-stereotypical applicants. Practical and research implications are discussed.

EXPLORING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COLLEGE STUDENTS' LEARNING STYLES AND MOTIVATION ','

A pilot study explored the relationships between learning styles and motivation for a sample of 103 undergraduate and graduate students who completed both the Approaches to Studying Inventory and the Motivation Sources Inventory online. A significant positive but small correlation was found between scores on Surface Apathetic Approach and on Self-concept Internal motivation (r = .32, p < .01). Significant negative correlations were found between scores on Surface Apathetic Approach and on Self-concept External motivation (r = –.32, p < .01), and for Strategic Approach and Self-concept Internal (r = –.37, p < .01). Implications and further research are discussed.

Professorial Responses to Stress: A Self-Assessment Scale

Abstract: Faculty members, like everyone else, may cope with stress by ignoring its signals, trying to escape from stressful situations, having an emotional reaction (anger, crying), or directly attacking the problem. We found that the coping strategies of a faculty at a large state university fit into five categories, which we labelled as problem-focused, avoidance-focused, cognitive redefinition, affective regulation, and resigned acceptance. Problem-focused behaviors were the most frequently reported coping strategies.

Assessment of Positive Sex-Role Characteristics.

Investigation of bias related to either gender or gender-related attributes has been hampered by the lack of a scale which would address the gender-relatedness of characteristics and which also would indicate how positively or negatively the stereotypical characteristics are viewed. The new scale, Positive Sex-role Inventory, was developed to have three dimensions: masculine, feminine and neutral. All of the characteristics are positive in terms of employability or market value. Empirical investigation of the instrument for the profession of counseling psychologist showed a three factor-structure and adequate estimates of internal consistency reliability.