S. Kathleen Krach

Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (Anam) and Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Ability: A Concurrent Validity Study

This study examines the relationship between a computerized neuropsychological assessment battery, the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) and a widely used ability measure, Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJ-III). Results indicated substantial relationship between the ANAM throughput (accuracy/response time) scores and the WJ-III Cognitive Efficiency cluster. An unexpectedly strong relationship was evident between accuracy scores on the ANAM Logical Reasoning scale and the WJ-III General Intellectual Ability score, purporting to measure the g factor. The findings support the viability of the ANAM as a time- and cost-effective tool for appraisal of cognitive function.

Defining the virtual self: Personality, behavior, and the psychology of embodiment

Although researchers have discussed the existence of a virtual self, or embodiment of human characteristics within an avatar, little known about how the virtual self influences a players behavior within a virtual environment. To better understand this relationship, World of Warcraft game players were asked to complete personality-rating scales for both themselves and their avatars. In addition, in-world behavior was recorded and then analyzed using a behavioral assessment checklist. Results suggested a relationship between personality and behavior within the domain of agreeableness. Based on these findings, the researchers discuss implications for the construct known as the virtual self, as well as the inclusion of psychological systems design into the overall game design process.

A sense of self: The role of presence in virtual environments

Several factors contribute to an individuals experiences in computer-based environments. Previous research shows one such factor, the degree to which users feel connected to a virtual environment, influences the actions of individuals within the environment (Banos et al., 2008; Welch, 1999). Additional factors, such as peoples personality and the personality of their avatar, influence behaviors in virtual environments (McCreery, Krach, Schrader, & Boone, 2012). The current study focused on the role of presence as it affects behavior within the virtual environment. Presence has been defined as the psychological state where virtual experiences feel authentic. However, the degree to which presence acts as a mediating variable in virtual environments is not well understood. The current study employed a combination of survey instruments and direct observation to explore the relationships among personality of self and avatar, presence, and behaviors within a virtual environment. Findings indicated that participant scores in the domain of agreeableness were a significant predictor of agreeable behavior in the virtual environment. However, with the exception of negative effects (e.g., dizziness), presence does not appear to influence behavior. Overall implications for these findings are discussed.

Navigating Massively Multiplayer Online Games: Evaluating 21st Century Skills for Learning within Virtual Environments

There is a substantial and growing interest in immersive virtual spaces as contexts for 21st century skills like problem solving, communication, and collaboration. However, little consideration has been given to the ways in which users become proficient in these environments or what types of target behaviors are associated with 21st century skills. As a result, this exploratory study (n = 16) applied systematic direct observations to examine differences in expert and novice behaviors as they interact within the World of Warcraft (WoW). Trend analyses showed clear differences associated with the users level of expertise. In addition, significant differences were found in variables associated with social and spatial attunement to WoW across three points in time. Based on these findings, researchers discuss implications associated with 21st century skills, broader educational applications of these findings, and future avenues for research.

Snapshot—Ten Years after the Law: A Survey of the Current Status of University Web Accessibility

The changing interpretation of laws regarding individuals with disabilities requires Web sites to be accessible by assistive technology devices. This study examined the current accessibility of university and departmental home pages. The first research hypothesis theorized that some improvement in Web accessibility for home pages of colleges in 2007 would be found when compared to data from a 2001 accessibility study by Zaphiris and Ellis. In 2001, 29.4% of colleges evaluated were accessible, and in 2007 58.8% of colleges evaluated were accessible. The second research hypothesis theorized that there would be more accessible pages for departments that focus on disability studies, such as special education and educational psychology, than would be found on general, university-wide homepages. Findings indicated that approximately half of the university-wide and special education home pages evaluated were accessible; however, only about 30% of the educational psychology home pages evaluated were accessible. These data show that university and departmental home pages still have some way to go to meet the legal requirement that 100% of all Web sites be accessible.

The Other Technological Divide: K-12 Web Accessibility

This study examined individual school home pages and their corresponding district-wide home pages for Web accessibility. As of 1999, the U.S. government established that all public and private school Web sites were to be made “Web accessible,” meaning accessible to students with disabilities. Although higher education sites have been subjected to previous Web accessibility studies, few studies have examined primary and secondary school sites. Home pages for K-12 schools were examined using the WebXact online software to determine compliance with federal mandates. Findings indicated that only about 14% of individual school home pages and 17% of school district home pages were Web accessible. When analyzed according to type of school, 17.6% of public schools were accessible compared to 7% of private schools. These numbers are disappointingly low, and far from the legally mandated requirement that 100% of Web pages be accessible to students with disabilities. The future challenge will be to determine how primary and secondary schools can develop their Web sites to be accessible to all to ensure compliance with the legal mandates.

Convergent Validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) Using the Woodcock—Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability, Third Edition (WJ-III) With University Students

Validity studies with the Reynolds Intellectual Ability scales (RIAS) indicated that RIAS composite intelligence index (CIX) and verbal intelligence index (VIX) scores have moderate-to-high correlation with comparable scores on other instruments. The authors of the RIAS described the VIX scale as a measure of crystallized ability and the nonverbal index (NIX) as a measure of fluid ability, but no studies were available comparing the VIX and NIX scores with an established measure of these abilities, nor studies specifically addressing the utility of the RIAS with a university population. The study examined RIAS scores of university students in comparison to scores on the Woodcock—Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (third edition; WJ-III). Consistent with previous studies, there were moderate-to-high correlations between the CIX and VIX scores and corresponding scores on the WJ-III. A substantially lower correlation was evident between the NIX and WJ-III fluid ability scores.

Cultural-Linguistic Test Adaptations: Guidelines for Selection, Alteration, Use, and Review.

In 1991, Bracken and Barona wrote an article for School Psychology International focusing on state of the art procedures for translating and using tests across multiple languages. Considerable progress has been achieved in this area over the 25 years between that publication and today. This article seeks to provide a more current set of suggestions for altering tests originally developed for other cultures and/or languages. Beyond merely describing procedures for linguistic translations, the authors provide suggestions on how to alter, use, and review tests as part of a cultural-linguistic adaptation process. These suggestions are described in a step-by-step manner that is usable both by test adapters and by consumers of adapted tests.

Positive Behavioral Supports: Empirically Supported Use of Behavioral Logs

Teachers commonly use behavioral logs as a primary method for controlling classroom behavior, but frequently they are using these logs incorrectly. For this reason, this article provides specific information on how to correctly use behavioral logs for techniques such as check-in/check-out, behavioral report cards, and token economies. Each of these are described in terms of empirical support for their use and how they would be integrated into a positive behavioral and intervention support model. Concrete examples are provided for school-based practitioners to use when working with their own students.

Do Dispositional Characteristics Influence Reading? Examining the Impact of Personality on Reading Fluency

Previous research demonstrates specific relationships between personality traits and general academic performance. In addition, research studies have demonstrated relationships among personality and variables related to reading fluency (i.e. speed, accuracy, automaticity, and prosody). However, little investigation has examined specific links between personality and reading fluency. The researchers hypothesized that there is a direct relationship between personality and reading fluency when accounting for cognitive ability. Findings indicate that the personality trait of openness is a positive predictor of reading fluency ability even when accounting for variance associated with cognitive ability.