Richard A. Zeller

Bio: Richard A. Zeller is an academic researcher from Kent State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Codependency. The author has an hindex of 25, co-authored 68 publications receiving 9346 citations. Previous affiliations of Richard A. Zeller include Boston Children's Hospital & Bowling Green State University.

Reliability and Validity Assessment

Abstract: Explains how social scientists can evaluate the reliability and validity of empirical measurements, discussing the three basic types of validity: criterion related, content, and construct. In addition, the paper shows how reliability is assessed by the retest method, alternative-forms procedure, split-halves approach, and internal consistency method.

Measurement in the Social Sciences: The Link Between Theory and Data

Abstract: 1. Introduction to measurement 2. Factor analysis 3. Reliability 4. Validity 5. Evaluating systematic error 6. Integrating reliability and validity Appendix: multiple indicators Bibliography Index.

Minimizing sample size when using exploratory factor analysis for measurement.

Abstract: Traditional protocol for the determination of an adequate sample size is power analysis. Such a protocol is not useful when the primary hypothesis focuses on psychometric measurement properties. Traditional psychometrics advises that there should be 10 respondents per item. Both hypothetical and real research examples illustrate the usefulness of subsample analysis in determining that a sample size of at least 50 and not more than 100 subjects is adequate to represent and evaluate the psychometric properties of measures of social constructs. The "10 respondents per item" advice builds a sample size disincentive into the research design; it also represents "sample size overkill." Sample-size overkill occurs when the research design specifies a number of cases needed, which is in excess of the number actually needed for a desired inference.

The factorial survey: an experimental method to replicate real world problems.

Abstract: Background Vignettes are used by nurse researchers use to determine how clinical judgments about patient care situations are made. However, when vignettes are designed there is often a restriction on the number of characteristics studied, which oversimplifies the richness and complexity of real world healthcare situations. Objectives The purpose of this article is to describe a factorial survey. Its multilevel design of independent variables allows for real world complexity in a way not tested by a sample set of four to six identical vignettes. Nurses' judgments about patients' confusion and the application of restraints are used to illustrate the method. Method The factorial survey is an experimental design that can be developed in three steps: (a) identifying and using the variables, (b) writing a coherent vignette, and (c) randomly generating the vignettes. Results The unit of analysis is the vignette and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression is used for analyses. In the example provided on confusion recognition and restraint use, patient characteristics accounted for the majority of explained variance in confusion recognition of (40%, R2 = 0.40) and restraint intervention for (43%, R2 = 0.43). The results for both models were strikingly similar as the same patient characteristics all were significant predictors for confusion recognition and restraint use. Conclusions The versatility of the factorial survey lies in the researcher's ability to use it to test judgments in a variety of complex clinical simulations, to aid in concept development, and to identify consensus and disagreement among nurses. The multilevel design of the independent variables allows for real world complexity in a way not tested by a sample set of four to six identical vignettes.

In a Different Voice. Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Cambridge, MA (Harvard University Press) 1982.

Abstract: Introduction 1. Woman's Place in Man's Life Cycle 2. Images of Relationship 3. Concepts of Self and Morality 4. Crisis and Transition 5. Women's Rights and Women's Judgment 6. Visions of Maturity References Index of Study Participants General Index

Exploring internal stickiness: Impediments to the transfer of best practice within the firm

Abstract: The ability to transfer best practices internally is critical to a firtn's ability to build competitive advantage through the appropriation of rents from scarce internal knowledge. Just as a firm's distinctive competencies tnight be dificult for other firms to imitate, its best prczctices could be dfficult to imitate internnlly. Yet, little systematic attention has been pcrid to such internal stickiness. The author analyzes itlterrzal stickiness of knowledge transfer crnd tests the resulting model using canonical correlation analysis of a data set consisting of 271 observations of 122 best-practice transfers in eight companies. Contrary to corzverztiorzrzl wisdom that blames primarily motivational factors, the study findings show the major barriers to internal knowledge transfer to be knowledge-related factors such as the recipient's lack oj absorptive capacity, causal anzbiguity, and an arciuous relationship between the source and the recipient. The identification and transfer of best practices cally are hindered less by confidentiality and legal is emerging as one of the most important and obstacles than external transfers, they could be widespread practical management issues of the faster and initially less complicated, all other latter half of the 1990s. Armed with meaningful, things being equal. For those reasons, in an era detailed performance data, firms that use fact- when continuous organizational learning and based management methods such as TQM, bench- relentless performance improvement are needed to marking, and process reengineering can regularly remain competitive, companies must increasingly compare the performance of their units along resort to the internal transfer of capabilitie~.~ operational dimensions. Sparse but unequivocal Yet, experience shows that transferring capaevidence suggests that such comparisons often bilities within a firm is far from easy. General reveal surprising performance differences between Motors had great difficulty in transferring manuunits, indicating a need to improve knowledge facturing practices between divisions (Kerwin and utilization within the firm (e.g., Chew, Bresnahan, Woodruff, 1992: 74) and IBM had limited suc

Use of partial least squares (PLS) in strategic management research: a review of four recent studies

Abstract: Advances in causal modeling techniques have made it possible for researchers to simultaneously examine theory and measures. However, researchers must use these new techniques appropriately. In addition to dealing with the methodological concerns associated with more traditional methods of analysis, researchers using causal modeling approaches must understand their underlying assumptions and limitations. Most researchers are well equipped with a basic understanding of LISREL-type models. In contrast, current familiarity with PLS in the strategic management area is low. The current paper reviews four recent studies in the strategic management area which use PLS. The review notes that the technique has been applied inconsistently, and at times inappropriately, and suggests standards for evaluating future PLS applications. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Partial Least Squares Latent Variable Modeling Approach for Measuring Interaction Effects: Results from a Monte Carlo Simulation Study and an Electronic-Mail Emotion/Adoption Study

Abstract: The ability to detect and accurately estimate the strength of interaction effects are critical issues that are fundamental to social science research in general and IS research in particular. Within the IS discipline, a significant percentage of research has been devoted to examining the conditions and contexts under which relationships may vary, often under the general umbrella of contingency theory (cf. McKeen et al. 1994, Weill and Olson 1989). In our survey of such studies, the majority failed to either detect or provide an estimate of the effect size. In cases where effect sizes are estimated, the numbers are generally small. These results have led some researchers to question both the usefulness of contingency theory and the need to detect interaction effects (e.g., Weill and Olson 1989). This paper addresses this issue by providing a new latent variable modeling approach that can give more accurate estimates of interaction effects by accounting for the measurement error that attenuates the estimated relationships. The capacity of this approach at recovering true effects in comparison to summated regression is demonstrated in a Monte Carlo study that creates a simulated data set in which the underlying true effects are known. Analysis of a second, empirical data set is included to demonstrate the technique's use within IS theory. In this second analysis, substantial direct and interaction effects of enjoyment on electronic-mail adoption are shown to exist.

New Trends in Measuring Environmental Attitudes: Measuring Endorsement of the New Ecological Paradigm: A Revised NEP Scale

Abstract: Dunlap and Van Liere's New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) Scale, published in 1978, has become a widely used measure of proenvironmental orientation. This article develops a revised NEP Scale designed to improve upon the original one in several respects: (1) It taps a wider range of facets of an ecological worldview, (2) It offers a balanced set of pro- and anti-NEP items, and (3) It avoids outmoded terminology. The new scale, termed the New Ecological Paradigm Scale, consists of 15 items. Results of a 1990 Washington State survey suggest that the items can be treated as an internally consistent summated ratingscale and also indicate a modest growth in pro-NEP responses among Washington residents over the 14 years since the original study.