John R. Schuck

Paths to Turnover: A Re-analysis and Review of Existing Data on the Mobley, Horner, and Hollingsworth Turnover Model

Several data sets collected on the Mobley, Horner, and Hollingsworth (1978) model of turnover were re-analyzed with path analytic techniques. Data analyses revealed support for three general hypotheses proposed by Mobley et al. These were: (1) that age has an indirect effect on turnover through job satisfaction, (2) that job satisfaction has an indirect effect on turnover through withdrawal cognitions, and (3) that intention to quit is the immediate precursor of turnover. Although the data supported these hypotheses, inconsistencies were apparent in the data for many specific linkages proposed by Mobley et al. Possible reasons for these inconsistencies include: (1) diversity of samples studied, (2) the unmeasured variables problem, and (3) construct measurement problems. The use of a causal modeling approach developed by Joreskog & Sorborm (1978) is proposed as a possible solution to some of these problems in future research.

Construct validity of various memory testing procedures

The construct validity of Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory, Paired Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests was evaluated, as well as the validity of the Benton Visual Retention Test, and the two memory factor scales of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB). The results of a series of factor analyses based on test performances of 102 subjects indicated that delayed reproduction measures of visual memory were more valid than the traditional immediate reproduction administrations, which were more closely associated with visual-perceptual-motor abilities. Construct validity was also demonstrated for Logical Memory and Paired Associate Learning. Although both LNNB measures loaded on a memory factor, item heterogeneity and brief sampling of items raised serious questions about the clinical utility of these scales.

Factor analysis of the WAIS and wechsler memory scale: An analysis of the construct validity of the wechsler memory scale

The WAIS and Wechsler Memory Scale subtest scores of 256 neurologic and nonneurologic subjects were factor analyzed. The results supported the construct validity of the Wechsler Memory Scale as a measure of verbal learning and memory, attention and concentration, and orientation. Construct validity was not demonstrated for the Visual Reproduction subtest as a measure of visual memory. Suggestions are offered for future development and research on measures of visual memory.

Factors affecting reports of fragmenting visual images

Seven experiments employing simulation as well as actual voluntary stabilization were performed to study the reporting of fragmenting visual images. The results indicated a significant bias toward the reporting of meaningful fragments when verbal reports were used throughout each trial. Moreover, tracings of fragments were completely accurate only when one line segment of the original pattern remained, with errors becoming increasingly likely as the number of segments remaining increased. Diagonally oriented line segments disappeared more frequently than those oriented either vertically or horizontally. Locus of fixation proved important, but Hebb’s hypothesis concerning the preponderance of meaningful fragments was not supported.

Proprioception in schizophrenia.

B. Ritzier (J. Abnorm. Psychol., 86: 501–504, 1977) failed to replicate previous weight- lifting studies showing a proprioceptive deficit in schizophrenics. However, Ritzier did not use the same standard weights that the previous studies employed. Could this difference in procedure have caused his failure to replicate? Two experiments were completed to provide additional information about this question and related issues. In Experiment I, chronic hospitalized schizophrenics and normals were tested with light and heavy weights. Rosenbaums original modified method of limits and the method of constant stimuli were utilized. Both methods provided comparable results, which, like Ritzlers data, failed to show a differential impairment in the discrimination of the light weights for paranoid schizophrenics. In Experiment II, outpatient paranoid schizophrenics, outpatient nonparanoid schizophrenics, outpatient psychiatric patients, and aged normals were evaluated utilizing the same psychophysical procedure and standard weights employed in the original studies. No differential impairment was found for the light weights for any group. These results provide strong support for Ritzlers position that a proprioceptive deficit is not unique to schizophrenia.

A signal detection analysis of the rod and frame test

To help determine hut what Witkin’s Rod and Frame Test measures, the task was modified by presenting the luminous rod in one of two fixed positions, either vertical or not vertical, within a titled frame. S responded on a four-category scale representing his certainty that the rod was vertical Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for each of 17 Ss and compared to traditional measures of titer field dependence-independence. The results showed that Witkin’s test is not contaminated to any great extent by response bias. However, the ROC analysis did reveal significant differences between field dependents and independents, not only in their sensitivity to verticality, but also in their- characteristic manner of responding.

Judgments of vertically as a function of exposure duration, luminance, frame tilt, and frame-rod interval

College Ss were selected as field dependent or independent and then given a “signal-detection” version of the rod-and-frame test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for each S’s performance under three exposure durations, two luminance levels, and two frame tilts. Like children in a previous study, some Ss responded independently when the frame was tilted 28 deg but dependency at 8 deg. Analysis resulted in significance for all main effects and for interactions of dependency classification with duration, with tilt, and with tilt and luminance. Experiment 2 checked the possibility that Ss who were classified differently were differentially sensitive to the perception of vertically, quite apart from the field. Experiment 3 manipulated the interval between frame offset and rod onset. Results show that dependents were profoundly influenced by the frame, even 2,500 msec after its termination.

A signal detection analysis of the effects of hearing on the visual recognition of two-digit numbers

A signal detection measure of visual recognition was used to assess the visual recognition of two-digit numbers in three different conditions: (1) voicing of the number as it was presented visually; (2) voicing of a different number than the one presented; and (3) no voicing. The three treatment means were significantly different, with matched voicing resulting in the best performance and no voicing, in the worst. There was no evidence that the treatments differentially affected response criteria.