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A debate in Mankind Quarterly positing racial categorization of populations vis-à-vis biological effects of UV radiation was based on data from a single country, used absolute latitude instead of UV radiation, and limited the analysis to path analysis. To overcome limitations of the studies, we utilized measurements of UV radiation for 26 Brazilian and 48 USA states instead of absolute latitude and performed seemingly unrelated regressions in addition to path analysis. NAEP scores and infectious disease rate were collected in USA and PISA scores and infant mortality in Brazil. Significant cognitive effects of European ancestry were replicated, but showed spuriousness, disappearing when the effects of UV radiation were controlled. Our evidence strongly suggests that UV radiation is a consistent antecedent of cognitive ability directly and through income in the USA and Brazil and through infant mortality in Brazil, whereas European ancestry only influences cognitive ability positively by reducing infectious diseases in the USA or infant mortality in Brazil. The between-country consistency of our findings compensates for methodological weaknesses that took place especially in the Brazil study. Psychologists and economists should be aware of these findings to avoid making erroneous inferences based on genetic or cultural variables.

Loneliness is a public health problem. Its assessment is important to identify older adults who experience greater loneliness and appropriate interventions can be carried out. The De Jong Gierveld Solitude Scale (DJGLS) is one of the most widely used, at least in the European context, to measure loneliness. Although the Spanish version of the DJGLS has shown reliability and validity in Spanish samples of older adults, there is no evidence of adequacy in the Latin American context. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DJGLS in Peruvian older adults. Specifically, factorial validity, internal consistency and criterion-related validity were studied, based on a double analytical perspective: Classical Test Theory (SEM models) and Item Response Theory. The participants were 235 Peruvian older adults with ages ranging from 61 to 91 years old (Mean = 72.69, SD = 6.68) that assisted to Centers for the Elderly in the city of Trujillo, Peru. Together with the DJGLS, information from the three-item UCLA loneliness scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale and the Patient Health Questionnarie-2 was also gathered. The results support a one-dimensional structure of the DJGLS but with the presence of method effects associated to the negatively worded items. Additionally, the IRT multidimensional model applied also indicated the presence of a second dimension related to these negative items. Finally, other evidences of reliability and validity were adequate. In summary, the DJGLS may be considered a reliable and valid instrument to be used in the Peruvian (older adults) context.

This study aimed at applying the results of three models: a) the Multidimensional Random Coefficients Multinomial Logit Model, b) the Rasch Testlet Model, and c) the Cognitive Diagnosis Model, and comparing those results to the data generated from the math and reading comprehension tests conducted in the 2015 Student Census Evaluation (ECE). The sample consisted of 5,000,000 evaluations of students attending second grade of primary school in educational institutions belonging to the regular basic education program (Minedu, 2009). The results showed that: 1. there is a high correlation between modeled dimensions in the multidimensional model both in the math and reading comprehension tests, 2. it is convenient to apply a one-dimensional model to the data derived from the application of the ECE tests, and 3. there is some consistency between the Rasch Testlet Model and the Cognitive Diagnosis Model.

Abstract. Economic development and national intelligence decline with proximity to the equator. Absolute latitude associates with both, income and IQ, but the nature of their relationship is ambiguous. This study applied structural equation modeling using secondary data pertaining to the 48 contiguous states of the United States of America to test the hypothesis that UV (ultraviolet) radiation associates with income through complex cognitive ability vis-a-vis the hypothesis that UV radiation associates with complex cognitive ability through income. The resulting evidence was consistent with the ability → income pathway and unsupportive of the income → ability model. The findings uphold the cognitive capitalism perspective and may throw light on the evolvement of regional differences in the USA.

This research investigated whether music performance anxiety (MPA) can be theoretically understood as a unidimensional construct, and whether the factorial structure is robust across different populations of musicians with different levels of expertise. K-MPAI scores were obtained from 455 Peruvian tertiary music students (mean age = 21.19 years, SD = 3.13, range = 18–40 years) and 368 Australian professional orchestral musicians (mean age = 42.07 years, SD = 10.21, range = 18–68 years). A high order exploratory factor analysis with the Schmid-Leiman solution was performed on the K-MPAI items. Unweighted Least Squares extraction method and optimal implementation of parallel analysis revealed one high order factor and two first order factors for both samples. High Cronbach’s and ordinal alpha levels for items belonging to each first order and high order factor in both samples were also obtained. Structural similarities between the two samples and an invariance analysis signified a comparable structure and conceptual interpretation of K-MPAI scores in both populations. The factorial structure obtained supported a unidimensional interpretation of the construct of MPA. First order level interpretations are also possible and have been demonstrated to be clinically useful.

espanolAnte el incremento de los niveles de violencia ciudadana, resulta relevante adaptar instrumentos para identificar factores de riesgo en poblacion juvenil. Por ello, el objetivo fue analizar las propiedades psicometricas de la Escala de Riesgo de Violencia de Plutchik (ERVP). Se realizo una adaptacion linguistica de la version espanola de la ERVP, ajustandola a la terminologia local. Dicha adaptacion fue examinada por ocho jueces. Se administro a 1052 universitarios limenos, entre los 16 y 37 anos de edad. La unidimensionalidad permitio aplicar un modelo Rasch de Escala de Valoracion de Andrich, considerando el funcionamiento diferencial de tres items en funcion al sexo. La confiabilidad se obtuvo a traves del coeficiente omega, cuyo valor es de .70, 95% IC [.63, .77]. La ERVP cuenta con adecuadas propiedades psicometricas y es una buena alternativa para el tamizaje del riesgo de violencia en poblaciones similares. EnglishBased on the current increase in levels of citizen violence, it is relevant to standardize instruments for identifying crime-related risk factors in youth population. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the psychometric properties of Plutchik’s Violence Risk Scale (PVRS). The PVRS Spanish version was linguistically adapted to local terminology, and subsequently examined by eight judges. It was administered to 1052 university students from Lima, who ranged from 16 to 37 years old. The exploratory factor analysis showed a single-factor structure, which differs from the three-factor Spanish version. It was applied the Rasch model of Andrich’s Rating Scale because of its unidimensionality, identifying sex differential functioning of three items. Reliability was obtained through coefficient omega, whose value was .70; 95% CI [.63, .77]. In conclusion, the PVRS has suitable psychometric properties and appears to be a good alternative to screen the risk of violence in populations similar to the one studied. portuguesA luz dos niveis crescentes de violencia cidada, e relevante padronizar instrumentos de triagem que permitam a identificacao imediata de fatores de risco relacionados ao crime na populacao jovem. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as propriedades psicometricas da Escala de Risco de Violencia de Plutchik (PVRS). A versao em espanhol do PVRS foi adaptada linguisticamente a terminologia local, que foi posteriormente examinada por 8 juizes. A escala foi aplicada a 1.052 universitarios de Lima, com idades entre 16 e 37 anos. A analise fatorial exploratoria mostrou uma estrutura de fator unico diferente da versao espanhola de tres fatores. A unidimensionalidade possibilitou a aplicacao de um modelo Rasch da Escala de Avaliacao de Andrich, considerando o funcionamento diferencial de tres itens com base no genero. A confiabilidade foi obtida atraves do coeficiente omega, cujo valor foi 0,70; IC 95% [0,63, 0,77]. O PVRS possui propriedades psicometricas adequadas e parece ser uma boa alternativa para rastrear o risco de violencia em populacoes semelhantes a estudada.

Resumen El propósito del estudio es reportar evidencias de la validez de constructo y confiabilidad de un nuevo instrumento de autorreporte para medir mindfulness y ecuanimidad en una población de habla hispana. Una lista de 26 ítems originales fue examinada por 17 expertos de España y Latinoamérica y se realizaron las modificaciones correspondientes sobre la base de sus comentarios. La lista final de 21 ítems fue administrada a una muestra de 746 estudiantes universitarios de México y Perú. Sus respuestas fueron analizadas factorialmente sobre la base del método de los mínimos cuadrados no ponderados (MCP) con rotaciones promin. Se identificaron dos factores denominados mindless y mindful con cargas factoriales que varían entre .36 y .65. Los coeficientes de confiabiliadad fueron de .78 para el primer factor y .82 para el segundo factor. La correlación interfactorial fue de -.51. Los resultados indican evidencias de validez de tipo convergente y discriminante. Abstract The purpose of this study is to report evidence of construct validity and reliability of a new self-report instrument that measures mindfulness and equanimity in a Spanish speaking population. An initial pool of 26 items was evaluated by 17 experts from Spain and Latin America and modified on the basis of their comments. The resulting list of 21 items was administered to 746 university students in Mexico and Peru. Their responses were analyzed using Unweighted Least Squares (ULS) with promin rotations. Two factors were identified, mindless and mindful, with factor loadings ranging from .36 to .65. The reliability coefficients for the first and second factors were .78, and .82 respectively. The inter-factors correlation was -.51. The results indicate clear evidence of convergent and discriminative validity. Resumo O objetivo do estudo é apresentar evidências de validade de construto e confiabilidade de um novo instrumento de autorrelato para medir mindfulness é equanimidade em língua espanhola. Uma lista de 26 itens originais foi examinada por 17 especialistas da Espanha e da América Latina. Baseados em seus comentários as modificações correspondentes foram feitas. A lista final de 21 itens foi administrada a uma amostra de 746 estudantes universitários do México e Peru. Suas respostas foram analisadas fatorialmente com base no método dos mínimos quadrados não ponderados (MCP) com rotações Promin. Dois fatores nomeados mindless e mindful foram identificados com cargas fatoriais variando entre .36 e .65. Os coeficientes de confiabilidade foram .78 para o primeiro fator e .82 para o segundo fator. A correlação interfatorial foi de -.51. Os resultados indicam evidências de validade de tipos convergente e discriminante. Résumé Le but de l’étude est de rapporter des preuves de validité et de fiabilité constructives d’un nouvel instrument d’auto-évaluation pour mesurer mindfulness et l’équanimité dans une population hispanophone. Une liste de 26 articles originaux a été examinée par 17 experts d’Espagne et d’Amérique latine, apportant les modifications correspondantes sur la base de leurs commentaires. La liste finale de 21 articles a été administrée à un échantillon de 746 étudiants universitaires du Mexique et du Pérou. Leurs réponses ont été analysées de manière factorielle sur la base de la méthode des moindres carrés non pondérés (MCP) avec des rotations promin. Deux facteurs nommés mindless et mindful ont été identifies, avec des charges de facteurs variant entre .36 et .65. Les coefficients de fiabilité étaient de .78 pour le premier facteur et de .82 pour le deuxième facteur. La corrélation interfactorielle était de -.51. Les résultats indiquent des preuves de validité d’un type convergent et discriminant.

The objective of this work is to point out the importance and applicability of technology, especially the use of computers, in psychometric evaluation. To this end, three topics are presented, in an introductory manner, which, in the author's opinion, are some of the most outstanding. Specifically, the central aspects of items improved with technology, item banks and computerized adaptive tests are presented. As for technology-enhanced items, emphasis is placed on their importance for broadening the representativeness and fidelity with which a construct is measured, pointing out different printed and internet resources that can be consulted to see more examples of this type of items. When dealing with the issue of the item bank, the role that they currently play is highlighted, which goes far beyond being an organized store of items, to become a true computer system that allows the items to be elaborated, reviewed and applied. Finally, the main aspects of an adaptive computerized test are presented. Based on a bank of items, it allows, in real time, to estimate the measurement of a latent feature and apply appropriate items according to said estimate. Reference is also made to an alternative linked to free software, which allows the implementation of an adaptive computerized test.

As part of the project, “Study of the Latin-American Intelligence” (SLATINT), this study was conducted in six Latin American cities (Rosario-Argentina, Belo Horizonte-Brazil, Santiago-Chile, Bogota-Colombia, Mexico City-Mexico and Lima-Peru) and one European city (Madrid-Spain). The goal was to verify the effect of school performance on fluid intelligence and vice versa after controlling the socioeconomic variables. Students ( N = 3724) between the ages of 14 and 15 years (51% females) that were enrolled in 66 schools from different socioeconomic levels, participated in this study. The Raven Standard Progressive Matrices test (SPM, fluid intelligence measure), the 2003 PISA test (school performance measure) and a short socioeconomic questionnaire were administered. Diverse multilevel analyses were conducted. The results were: 1) a positive relationship between PISA and SPM, although a stronger correlation was observed as aggregated ( r = .89), rather than individual scores ( r = .58) were used; 2) after controlling social variables, the PISA scores could vary up to 7.79 times due to variation in SPM scores; 3) after controlling social variables, the SPM scores could vary up to 1.4 due to variation in PISA scores; 4) the socioeconomic status of schools exerted a greater influence on PISA scores than on SPM scores; and 5) there was a variability among schools regarding school performance (35.2%) and intelligence (6.3%) which was not explained by the covariates and random effects. The impact of these results for education policies is discussed.

Proposito – Los call centers generan estres y ausentismo en el personal y la literatura sugiere que el liderazgo orientado a la gente es el tipo adecuado de supervision para tal situacion. Este estudio comparo sus efectos versus los de otros tipos de liderazgo. Metodologia – Datos de ausentismo de 379 representantes de servicios al cliente de un call center peruano fueron analizados y los representantes respondieron a un cuestionario sobre el Marco de Valores en Competencia y sus cuatro tipos de liderazgo. Turnos diurnos y nocturnos de trabajo fueron comparados. Resultados – Se observo que el ausentismo declina con el liderazgo orientado a la gente, aunque solo en el turno diurno, y la adicion de liderazgos orientados al cambio, los resultados y el control resta validez a los modelos. Limitaciones/implicancias – Futuros estudios deberan abarcar el desempeno del trabajador. Los hallazgos sugieren una necesidad de volver a poner el foco teorico en las contingencias ambientales que afectan la eficacia del liderazgo. Originalidad/valor – Teoricos del liderazgo se preguntaran en que circunstancias es efectivo el liderazgo multiple. Gerentes de call centers apreciaran el valor organizacional del liderazgo orientado a la gente en el primer nivel de supervision. Purpose – Call centers generate stress and absenteeism in staff and the literature suggests that peopleoriented leadership is the right way of supervision for such a situation. This study compared its effects versus those of other types of leadership. Methodology – Absentee data of 379 representatives of customer services of a Peruvian call center were analyzed and the representatives answered a questionnaire about the Framework of Values in Competition and its four types of leadership. Day and night work shifts were compared. Results – It was observed that absenteeism declines with people-oriented leadership, although only during the day shift, and the addition of leadership oriented to change, results and control devalues models. Limitations/implications – Future studies should cover the performance of the worker. The findings suggest a need to re-focus the theoretical focus on environmental contingencies that affect leadership effectiveness. Originality/value – Leadership theorists will ask themselves in what circumstances the multiple leadership is effective. Call center managers will appreciate the organizational value of people-oriented leadership at the first level of supervision.

Evolutionary psychologists attribute the superior IQs of light-skinned populations to genetic imprints left by millenary processes promoted by cold. But a novel theory that explains IQ gains observed across recent generations ascribes them to a latitude → UV B radiation → vitamin D 3 → parents' sexual hormones → family size → child's intellectual environment → IQ chain of effects. Analyses of 506,347 Peruvian children's math and reading scores from a national census confirmed that complex cognitive ability increases with absolute latitude even under tropical megathermal climates and decreases with high altitude above sea level, birth rate and social development mediate most of the effects, and reading is more strongly influenced than math. The findings weaken the evolutionary cold hypothesis and strengthen the view that contraception has the potential to reduce latitudinal IQ gaps.

El objetivo de la investigación fue obtener evidencias de las propiedades psicométricas de las puntuaciones derivadas de aplicar la escala de deseabilidad social de Marlowe y Crowne a una población de 28 972 docentes de segundo grado de primaria evaluada en el Perú, la cual estuvo conformada por distintos estratos, como el tipo de gestión (74% estatales y 26% no estatales) y la ubicación geográfica (urbana 65% y rural 35%). Los análisis psicométricos se realizaron en dos muestras de 5000 casos cada una, con características similares a la población. Además, se describe y comparan la deseabilidad social de los docentes. Los resultados permitieron obtener evidencias de validez vinculadas a la estructura interna del instrumento aplicando análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios que apoyaron la unidimensionalidad del instrumento. Para analizar la confiabilidad del instrumento se evaluaron los modelos de medición, y se notó que el congenérico era el que mejor caracterizaba a los ítems, por ello se calculó la confiabilidad a través de los coeficientes omega que alcanzaron valores entre .83 y .87, adicionalmente se incluyeron los intervalos de confianza, los errores estándar de medición, los baremos por rangos percentilares. Para realizar las comparaciones de los puntajes de la DS por estrato se analizó la invarianza del instrumento, encontrándose que no se observaron diferencias estadísticas significativas. The objective of the research was to gather evidence of the psychometric properties of the scores derived from the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale applied to a population of 28 972 second-grade elementary school teachers in Peru, considering different strata, such as management type (public sector 74% and private sector 26%) and geographic location (urban 65% and rural 35%). Psychometric analyses were developed in two samples of 5000 cases each, with similar characteristics to those of the study population. In addition, social desirability of the teachers was described and compared. The results allowed to gather validity evidence linked to the internal structure of the instrument by applying exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses that supported the unidimensionality of the instrument. In order to analyze the reliability of the instrument, measurement models were assessed, with the congeneric model being the best option to characterize the items. Therefore, reliability was assessed using omega coefficients that reached values between .83 and .87. Additionally, confidence intervals, standard errors of measurement, and scales based on percentile ranks were included in the research. To compare social desirability scores by stratum, the instrument invariance was analyzed and no significant statistical differences were found.

This study replicated the Weinberg, DeYoung, and Hirsh (2011) Canadian study in Lima, Peru to assess the universality of gender differences in personality. Younger (aged 22–32, N = 363) and older (aged 33–55, N = 348) participants in university executive extension programs filled in the Big Five Aspect Scales. Gender differences entailing the commonalities of the Volatility and Withdrawal aspects of Neuroticism and the specificities of the Enthusiasm and Assertiveness aspects of Extraversion emerged in one or the other age group. Gender differences in the commonalities of the Compassion and Politeness aspects of Agreeableness and specificities of the Intellect and Openness aspects occurred in both groups. The article addresses the possible reasons why these gender differences in personality recur consistently.