Showing papers by "Northumbria University published in 2003"
TL;DR: Stimulated recall (SR) is a family of introspective research procedures through which cognitive processes can be investigated by inviting subjects to recall, when prompted by a video sequence, their concurrent thinking during that event as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Stimulated recall (SR) is a family of introspective research procedures through which cognitive processes can be investigated by inviting subjects to recall, when prompted by a video sequence, their concurrent thinking during that event. Variations of the generic approach are widely used and many of the studies treat SR as non-problematic. The article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of SR and exemplifies its use in a study of non-deliberative decision-making by sports coaches. The study reaffirms the potential limitations of subjects reordering their accounts in response to activating deeper memory structures and in order to maintain biases of control and a priori theory affirmation. Nevertheless, the procedure successfully elicited expert accounts of decisions taken and maintained the benefits of the naturalistic context. The article concludes that SR is a valuable tool for investigating cognitive processes, although care has to be taken with research designs. The value is enhanced when there is immediacy of recall, consonance between questions and cognitive organisation, and indirect means of introspection in complex interactive contexts, such as the classroom. It has considerable potential in both research and as the basis of training programmes.
685 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined environmental and social reporting in five companies representing three FTSE sectors, selected according to an intuitive understanding of society's perceptions of their depth of "sin" or supposed unethical behaviour.
Abstract: In examining the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spillage on corporate social reporting (CSR) in the annual reports of oil companies, Patten suggested examining companies in other industries and their response to social (e.g. environmental) threats. This paper examines environmental and social reporting in five companies representing three FTSE sectors, selected according to an intuitive understanding of society’s perceptions of their depth of “sin” or supposed unethical behaviour. Social disclosure data were captured from annual corporate reports between 1975 and 1997. Results suggest that legitimacy theory may be an explanation of disclosure in some cases but not in others. The distorting effects of perception (of legitimacy‐threatening factors) and the increase in choices of disclosure media partly explain the mixed results and these factors and it is suggested, challenge the usefulness of future “annual‐report only” studies.
438 citations
TL;DR: Findings indicate that the olfactory properties of these essential oils can produce objective effects on cognitive performance, as well as subjective effects on mood.
Abstract: This study was designed to assess the olfactory impact of the essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rosemary (Rosmarlnus officinalis) on cognitive performance and mood in healthy volunteers One hundred and forty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of three independent groups, and subsequently performed the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerized cognitive assessment battery in a cubicle containing either one of the two odors or no odor (control) Visual analogue mood questionnaires were completed prior to exposure to the odor, and subsequently after completion of the test battery The participants were deceived as to the genuine aim of the study until the completion of testing to prevent expectancy effects from possibly influencing the data The outcome variables from the nine tasks that constitute the CDR core battery feed into six factors that represent different aspects of cognitive functioning Analysis of performance revealed that lavender produced a significant decrement in performance of working memory, and impaired reaction times for both memory and attention based tasks compared to controls In contrast, rosemary produced a significant enhancement of performance for overall quality of memory and secondary memory factors, but also produced an impairment of speed of memory compared to controls With regard to mood, comparisons of the change in ratings from baseline to post-test revealed that following the completion of the cognitive assessment battery, both the control and lavender groups were significantly less alert than the rosemary condition; however, the control group was significantly less content than both rosemary and lavender conditions These findings indicate that the olfactory properties of these essential oils can produce objective effects on cognitive performance, as well as subjective effects on mood
402 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the limitations of participatory diagramming and illustrate some of the social and political barriers to meaningful participation in, and action from, this type of research.
Abstract: Participatory research approaches are increasingly popular with geographers in developed as well as developing countries, as critical qualitative methodologies which at their best work with participants to effect change. This paper adds to recent debates over the methodologies, practices, philosophical and political issues involved. Drawing on a project on young people, exclusion and crime victimization in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, we discuss the limitations of participatory diagramming and illustrate some of the social and political barriers to meaningful participation in, and action from, this type of research.
346 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the effect that different types of change strategies may have on employee trust in management and examined the effect of several types of major organizational change, including technological, structural and work role, and types of employee involvement.
Abstract: Trust is an important concept in social science research as a key factor in organizational success and human resource practice. Few models of organizational change encompass the role of trust in the process of change. Further, little empirical research has focused on the potential effects of change strategies on employee trust in management. To address this gap, this paper explores the effect that different types of change strategies may have on employee trust in management. More specifically, it examines the effect of several types of major organizational change – technological, structural and work role – and types of employee involvement. Using data from the most recent Australian Workplace Industrial Relations Survey, covering over 2,000 workplaces and over 19,000 employees, statistical analysis reveals significant negative effects of change on trust. However, the effects vary by type of change and employee involvement. Structural reorganization is particularly corrosive of trust in management. However...
303 citations
TL;DR: The present results corroborate and extend earlier findings on the relationships between testosterone, territoriality, and dominance in human competitive encounters and suggest an important role for testosterone in the home advantage seen in various team sports.
294 citations
TL;DR: High prenatal levels of testosterone serve to ‘organize’ male facial features to subsequently reflect dominance and masculine characteristics presumably activated during puberty, and attractiveness is not directly related to testosterone levels.
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that male faces with extreme features associated with testosterone are perceived as dominant and masculine Women have been reported to prefer more masculinized male faces as they may consider testosterone markers to be an 'honest' indication of good health, and such considerations may underlie their aesthetic preferences However, pronounced testosterone facial markers are also associated with dominance, and several negative personality traits This suggests that female aesthetic preferences may be an adaptive compromise between positive attributes associated with higher than average testosterone, and negative attributes associated with more extreme masculinization This current study attempts to clarify the role of hormone markers in female perceptions of dominance, masculinity and attractiveness, in male facial images Recent evidence suggests that the relative length of the 2nd to 4th finger (2D : 4D ratio) is a pointer to prenatal testosterone levels and may thus serve as a window to the prenatal hormonal environment We measured 2D : 4D in a sample of male college students and took salivary samples to analyse circulating levels of testosterone Women rated facial images of these males for dominance, masculinity and attractiveness Our results show that male 2D : 4D was significantly negatively related to perceived dominance and masculinity but not attractiveness Circulating testosterone levels were not related to dominance, masculinity or attractiveness These findings suggest that: (i) high prenatal levels of testosterone serve to 'organize' male facial features to subsequently reflect dominance and masculine characteristics presumably activated during puberty; and (ii) attractiveness is not directly related to testosterone levels We conclude that facial dominance and masculinity reflect a male's perceived status rather than his physical attraction to women
291 citations
TL;DR: A survey of Australian corporate managers revealed that there is a significant relationship between the level of education, training status and religiosity of managers and their perception of corporate social responsibility as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Explores the determinants of perceived social obligations of corporate managers focusing on managerial and personal demographics. A survey of Australian corporate managers revealed that there is a significant relationship between the level of education, training status and religiosity of managers and their perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The findings indicate that managerial commitment to CSR is linked with the acquired qualities (education and training) rather than their inherent physical maturity (age). Furthermore, modernity reflected in achievement via hard work, rather than mere belief in luck, determines the pattern of managerial perception of CSR. Religious metaphors seem to influence managers’ perception of social commitment suggesting that theology is also an important determinant of the ethical perceptions of Australian corporate managers. These findings have important implications for personnel policies of socially responsive corporations. Addresses the limitations of the study and explores potential areas of further research.
235 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that ginseng would benefit from rigorous research further delineating its acute results and exploring the relationship between acute effects and those seen during and following chronic administration regimens.
Abstract: Ginseng has been used medicinally in the Far East for several millennia and is currently one of the most widely taken herbal products throughout the world. It has been attributed with a plethora of physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. Studies involving animals show that ginseng and its constituent ginsenosides can modulate indices of stress, fatigue, and learning. However, there is a lack of adequately controlled research showing behavioural effects following chronic administration to humans. Recent research has demonstrated that single doses of ginseng most notably engender cognitive benefits in terms of improved memory, but can also be associated with 'costs' in terms of attention task deficits following less mnemonically beneficial doses. A single dose of ginseng has also been shown to modulate cerebroelectrical (EEG) activity. It is suggested that ginseng would benefit from rigorous research further delineating its acute effects and exploring the relationship between acute effects and those seen during and following chronic administration regimens.
225 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a dual-polarized aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna with a broad-bandwidth high-isolation low crosspolarization levels, and low-backward radiation levels is designed and its features are presented.
Abstract: In this communication, a dual-polarized aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna with a broad-bandwidth high-isolation low cross-polarization levels, and low-backward radiation levels is designed and its features are presented. For broad bandwidth and easy integration with active circuits, it uses the aperture-coupled stacked patches. The corner feeding of square microstrip patches is applied and the coupling aperture is the H-shaped aperture. The theoretical analysis is based on the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. A dual-polarized antenna is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured return loss exhibits an impedance bandwidth of over 24.4% and the isolation is better than 30 dB over the bandwidth. The cross-polarization levels in both E and H planes are better than -23 dB. The front-to-back ratio of the antenna radiation pattern is better than 22 dB. Both theoretical and experimental results for S parameters and radiation patterns are presented and discussed.
206 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the legitimacy theory as an explicator for variability in environmental disclosure in the UK FTSE 100 companies and found that more than one company in a sector perceived a need to change disclosure behaviour at the same time.
Abstract: Environmental disclosures were recorded from the annual reports of a sample of ten UK FTSE 100 companies in five sectors between 1974 and 2000. ‘Environmental sensitivity’ was employed as a proxy for corporate vulnerability to environmental concern, and intra- and intersectoral differences were tested for in the belief that difference in industry response will signify differing perceptions on the need to provide voluntary disclosure and hence restore or maintain legitimacy. Intrasectoral agreements at given points in time were also taken to be evidence for legitimacy theory in that more than one company in a sector perceived a need to change disclosure behaviour at the same time. Legitimacy theory as an explicator for variability in environmental disclosure is supported. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
TL;DR: D doses of Melissa officinalis at or above the maximum employed here can improve cognitive performance and mood and may therefore be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
TL;DR: In this paper, a LiDAR dataset was obtained for a reach of the River Coquet, Northumberland, UK using theodolite-EDM survey of a number of cross-profiles across the active river channel and bar units.
Abstract: The potential offered by LiDAR (laser-induced direction and ranging) for the mapping of gravel-bed river environments is addressed in this paper. A LiDAR dataset was obtained for a reach of the River Coquet, Northumberland, UK. Topographic data were acquired from the field at the same time using theodolite-EDM survey of a number of cross-profiles across the active river channel and bar units. These cross-profiles provide a means of comparing measurements from the LiDAR data with ground survey. Ordnance Survey large-scale mapping was used to georeference the survey data, which were then integrated with the LiDAR dataset using GIS software. A close correspondence between ground survey-derived cross-profiles and those generated using LiDAR is observed. However, the presence of both vegetation and deep water introduces anomalies in the LiDAR surface. Correction for these anomalies is needed to improve the accuracy of LiDAR mapping in the UK context and similar river environments. It is concluded that LiDAR has potential as an accurate survey tool for obtaining high resolution topographic data from unvegetated, exposed bar surfaces. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared two approaches used to derive measures of annual sediment transfers within a 1 km long piedmont reach of the gravel-bed River Coquet in Northumberland, northern England.
Abstract: This paper compares two approaches used to derive measures of annual sediment transfers within a 1 km long piedmont reach of the gravel-bed River Coquet in Northumberland, northern England. The techniques utilize: (i) channel planform and cross-section surveys based on a theodolite/electronic distance measurement (EDM) survey of 21 monumented channel cross-sections and channel and gravel bar margins; and (ii) theodolite-EDM survey generating a series of x,y,z coordinates, from which digital elevation models (DEMs) of the reach were constructed. Calculating the difference between DEM surfaces provided a measure of volumetric change between surveys carried out during the spring of 1999 and 2000. The use of kriging in DEM generation and differencing permits computation of estimate variances and confidence intervals for sediment transfer. Error analysis, validating the DEMs using surveyed cross-sections, indicated a mean error between surveyed and DEM-generated cross-sections of around twice the value of the D50 of the surface sediment in the reach. Comparison of sediment volumes derived from the two approaches suggests that, compared with the DEM method, monumented cross-sections underestimate the magnitude of volumetric changes that occur within the reach. The cross-section approach relies on a simplistic integration of the volumes, whereas DEM differencing provides an estimate at a resolution under the control of the analyst. Furthermore, the cross-section approach does not permit a reliable estimate of the uncertainty of the volumes calculated. In addition, the DEM methodology based on the morphological unit scale provides an explicit identification of spatial patterns of erosion and deposition, a feature that cross-section-based approaches may fail to include. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The 50 microl dose of Salvia essential oil significantly improved immediate word recall in both studies and represents the first systematic evidence that Salvia is capable of acute modulation of cognition in healthy young adults.
Abstract: Sage (Salvia) has a longstanding reputation in British herbal encyclopaedias as an agent that enhances memory, although there is little evidence regarding the efficacy of sage from systematized trials. Based on known pharmacokinetic and binding properties, it was hypothesised that acute administration of sage would enhance memory in young adult volunteers. Two experiments utilised a placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced, crossover methodology. In Trial 1, 20 participants received 50, 100 and 150 μl of a standardised essential oil extract of Salvia lavandulaefolia and placebo. In Trial 2, 24 participants received 25 and 50 μl of a standardised essential oil extract of S. lavandulaefolia and placebo. Doses were separated by a 7-day washout period with treatment order determined by Latin squares. Assessment was undertaken using the Cognitive Drug Research computerised test battery prior to treatment and 1, 2.5, 4 and 6 h thereafter. The primary outcome measures were immediate and delayed word recall. The 50 μl dose of Salvia essential oil significantly improved immediate word recall in both studies. These results represent the first systematic evidence that Salvia is capable of acute modulation of cognition in healthy young adults.
TL;DR: In this paper, a 3D morphological adjustment in a chute cutoff (breach) alluvial channel is quantified using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) analysis for a ca. 0.7 km reach of the River Coquet, Northumberland, UK.
TL;DR: The present data suggest an early organizational effect of sex hormones through the association between indices of female body shape, male BMI, and human finger length patterns.
Abstract: Background: Prenatal sex steroids have been broadly discussed in terms of their possible effect on brain differentiation, whereas pubertal/adult sex hormones are thought to be the main regulators o...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored and defined two related constructs (service quality and relationship quality) to ascertain whether consumers can meaningfully distinguish between the constructs and found that they overlap in the area of personal interaction and problem solving.
Abstract: The onset of Internet marketing is revolutionising marketing practice. Although growth in sales of goods and services online has been dramatic, very little research has addressed the factors that lead to the delivery of superior service and the creation of effective marketing relationships. This paper explores and defines two related constructs – service quality and relationship quality – to ascertain whether consumers can meaningfully distinguish between the constructs. The research uses focus groups and an online survey to address this issue. The paper finds that, although service quality and relationship quality are distinct constructs, they overlap in the area of personal interaction and problem solving. The key drivers for the delivery of superior service and the creation of an effective relationship are reliability and trust emanating from service quality and relationship quality respectively.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a critical assessment of the regional embeddedness of FDI in Wales and the North East of England, based upon an extensive survey of the early literature.
Abstract: PHELPS N. A., MACKINNON D., STONE I. and BRAIDFORD P. (2003) Embedding the multinationals? Institutions and the development of overseas manufacturing affiliates in Wales and North East England, Reg. Studies 37 , 27-40. The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) upon host regions is a topic of perennial interest within the fields of regional economics, industrial geography and regional development. Much of the early literature here draws negative conclusions regarding the wider indirect impacts of FDI on host regions, pointing to the branch plant syndrome. In light of significant processes of corporate restructuring and the build-up of host region institutional capacities, however, recent literature has claimed that the plants of multinational enterprises (MNEs) are becoming increasingly "embedded' in regional economies. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to provide a critical assessment of the regional "embeddedness' of FDI in Wales and the North East of England. Based upon an extensive survey of o...
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the level of environmental disclosure and the corresponding adoption of environmental management practices by New South Wales public sector entities in 1996, and found that the development of Environmental management practices and the levelof environmental disclosure were significantly associated.
Abstract: This paper analyses the level of environmental disclosure and the corresponding adoption of environmental management practices by New South Wales public sector entities in 1996. From the analysis of 35 entities, it was found that the development of environmental management practices and the level of environmental disclosure were significantly associated. The results suggest that entities were responding to increased political visibility through higher levels of environmental disclosure, however they were also responding through the development of environmental management practices.
TL;DR: During WAT, mean power frequency spectrum was attenuated with no decline in EMG amplitude, which may be caused by an accumulation of metabolites in the periphery and it is also possible that the feedback loop from intramuscular metabolism to the central nervous system is unable to affect neural recruitment strategy.
Abstract: Aim: To determine the neuromuscular recruitment characteristics during supramaximal exercise. Methods: Ten healthy subjects completed the Wingate anaerobic test (WAT) cycling protocol. Electromyographic (EMG) data and rate of fatigue were recorded throughout the cycling. Results: The mean (SD) rate of fatigue (decrease in power output) was 44.5 (8.6)%. No significant change was found in EMG amplitude. A significant decrease (p<0.01) in mean power frequency spectrum was found over the 30 second period. Conclusions: During WAT, mean power frequency spectrum was attenuated with no decline in EMG amplitude, which may be caused by an accumulation of metabolites in the periphery. However, it is also possible that the feedback loop from intramuscular metabolism to the central nervous system is unable, within the 30 second period of the WAT, to affect neural recruitment strategy.
TL;DR: A new definition of the details (local structure) and the coherent whole (global structure) of sound patterns is used, which is consistent with the presence of abnormal interactions between local and global auditory perception in ASD.
Abstract: There has been considerable recent interest in the cognitive style of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One theory, that of weak central coherence, concerns an inability to combine stimulus details into a coherent whole. Here we test this theory in the case of sound patterns, using a new definition of the details (local structure) and the coherent whole (global structure). Thirteen individuals with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger's syndrome and 15 control participants were administered auditory tests, where they were required to match local pitch direction changes between two auditory sequences. When the other local features of the sequence pairs were altered (the actual pitches and relative time points of pitch direction change), the control participants obtained lower scores compared with when these details were left unchanged. This can be attributed to interference from the global structure, defined as the combination of the local auditory details. In contrast, the participants with ASD did not obtain lower scores in the presence of such mismatches. This was attributed to the absence of interference from an auditory coherent whole. The results are consistent with the presence of abnormal interactions between local and global auditory perception in ASD.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the role of transnational municipal networks in European environmental governance, and the ways in which they can be conceptualized. But they do not consider the impact of such networks on policy making.
Abstract: The nature of environmental governance within Europe is increasingly considered to be multilevel – involving actors and institutions at local, national and international levels, and from public, private and civil society spheres. One interesting feature of the development of multilevel governance is the emergence of transnational municipal networks (TMNs). This article examines why and how TMNs have emerged in the arena of European environmental governance, and the ways in which they can be conceptualised. Some specific examples of TMNs concerned with urban sustainable development are examined in order to explore the structure and capacity of networks, the development of new forms of governance within such networks, and the nature of co-operation and competition between governments and networks. From these preliminary analyses, three key themes relating to the role of such networks in environmental governance emerge: the impact of networks on policy making; their influence in multilevel governance; and is...
TL;DR: In this paper, the evolution of microstructures in the glazed layer formed during high temperature sliding wear of Nimonic 80A against Stellite 6 at 750 ◦C using a speed of 0.314ms−1 under a load of 7N has been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDX), Xray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning tunnelling microscopy(STM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM).
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of hotel employees in Cyprus identified a number of factors that may support or limit the drive towards quality service provision, with a variety of implications for the destination as a whole as well as individual hotels.
TL;DR: The authors explored women's experiences of learning to become managers and highlighted the importance to women managers of learning from and with others and focus on the contradiction women managers face, that of whether to learn to fit in to the dominant paradigm of management or to play a different game, to do management differently.
Abstract: This article explores women's experiences of learning to become managers. We do not provide a comparison of women and men learning to become managers but highlight women s experiences and therefore `change the subject'. This includes the subject as person and the subject as topic, leading us to look at women rather than men as managers, investigating women learning to become managers rather than men. In the article we discuss empirical data resulting from a questionnaire and subsequent thematic group discussion with `average' women managers. We highlight the importance to women managers of learning from and with others and focus on the contradiction women managers face, that of whether to learn to fit in to the dominant paradigm of management or to play a different game, to do management differently.
TL;DR: In this paper, nominal group technique (NGT) was applied to five groups of students from five separate UK universities to obtain information on the groups' perceptions of the value of fieldwork.
Abstract: Internationally, fieldwork is generally seen as intrinsic to the very nature of geographical education However, objective experimentation comparing student learning experiences with and without fieldwork is rare During 2001 in the UK, fieldwork was withdrawn from many university degree programmes as Foot and Mouth Disease led to restrictions on access to the countryside This restriction provided an unexpected opportunity to assess student perceptions of fieldwork in the light of its absence and to review those alternative learning strategies which were put in its place (where appropriate) To this end, nominal group technique (NGT) was applied to five groups of students from five separate UK universities to obtain information on the groups' perceptions of the value of fieldwork NGT elicited almost 300 responses from 33 final-year students representing a high level of group consensus on the issues involved Rationalisation of responses identified 12 categories, which reflect and amplify key educational
TL;DR: A large sample of recreational drug users were accessed, using the Internet, to obtain self-reports of memory functioning with a view to exploring any differences in self-reported ability amongst male and female users, and the level of difficulty reported by the ‘typical’ ecstasy user.
Abstract: Research indicates that the use of recreational drugs, including MDMA ('ecstasy') can result in impairments in cognitive functioning. Recent evidence, based on accounts of 'on drug' effects and cortical binding ratios suggests that women may be more susceptible to the effects of MDMA; however, no research has explored whether there are differences in the long-term behavioural sequelae of the drug between men and women. In addition, little is known about the profile of functioning of the 'typical' user. The present investigation accessed a large sample of recreational drug users, using the Internet, to obtain self-reports of memory functioning with a view to exploring any differences in self-reported ability amongst male and female users, and the level of difficulty reported by the 'typical' ecstasy user. A web site (www.drugresearch.org.uk) was developed and used for data collection. Prospective memory ability was assessed using the Prospective Memory Questionnaire. Self-report of day-to-day memory performance was investigated using the Everyday Memory Questionnaire. The UEL Drug Questionnaire assessed the use of other substances. The number of mistakes made while completing the questionnaires was also taken as an objective measure of performance errors. Findings, based on datasets submitted from 763 respondents, indicate no differences in self-reports of functioning between male and female participants. An overall dissociation between the effects of cannabis and ecstasy on self-reported memory functioning and on the likelihood of making an error during the completion of the questionnaire was found. Typical ecstasy users were found to report significantly more difficulties in long-term prospective memory and to make more completion errors than users of other substances and drug naive controls. Whilst taking into account the fact that participants were recruited via the World Wide Web and that a number of stringent exclusion criteria were applied to the data, a number of conclusions can be drawn. Recreational drug users perceive their memory ability to be impaired compared to non-users. The type of memory difficulties reported varies depending upon the drug of choice. These difficulties are exacerbated in ecstasy users. Individuals reporting average levels of use of ecstasy are more likely to report memory problems than non-ecstasy drug users or drug free individuals. The deleterious effects of ecstasy are therefore not restricted to heavy or chronic users. No gender differences were detected, suggesting that there may be a dissociation between cognitive impairment and cortical binding worthy of further exploration.
TL;DR: The potential of the CBI for clinical assessment, as an outcome measure for services and individual interventions and research purposes, and potential clinical and research uses of the new scale are discussed.
Abstract: Background The Challenging Behaviour Interview (CBI) was developed as an assessment of the severity of challenging behaviour The CBI is divided into two parts Part I of the interview identifies the occurrence of five clearly operationalized forms of challenging behaviour that have occurred in the last month Part II of the interview assesses the severity of the behaviours identified on 14 scales measuring the frequency and duration of episodes, effects on the individual and others and the management strategies used by carers In this paper we report upon its psychometric properties and discuss potential clinical and research uses of the new scale Methods The CBI was administered to 40 adults and 47 children Test–retest and inter-rater agreement was assessed for 22 participants in the adult sample Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating total scores for the child sample with the subscale and total scores of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) Content validity was assessed by comparing scores for each behaviour on specific items relating to relevant aspects of severity of impact that would be expected to differ based upon the topographies of the behaviour Results Mean inter-rater and test–retest reliability kappa indices for the behaviours in Part I of the interview were 067 (range: 050–080) and 086 (range: 070–091), respectively Mean inter-rater and test–retest reliability Pearson‘s correlation indices for the behaviours in Part II of the interview were 048 (range: 002–077) and 076 (range: 066–085), respectively Correlations with the ABC varied between 019 and 068 The majority of content validity comparisons were in line with prediction Conclusions The potential of the interview for clinical assessment, as an outcome measure for services and individual interventions and research purposes, is discussed