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Purpose: Previous studies using the WHOQOL measures have demonstrated that the relationship between individual items and the underlying quality of life (QoL) construct may differ between cultures. If unaccounted for, these differing relationships can lead to measurement bias which, in turn, can undermine the reliability of results.Methods: We used item response theory (IRT) to assess differential item functioning (DIF) in WHOQOL data from diverse language versions collected in UK, Zimbabwe, Russia, and India (total N = 1332). Data were fitted to the partial credit 'Rasch' model. We used four item banks previously derived from the WHOQOL-100 measure, which provided excellent measurement for physical, psychological, social, and environmental quality of life domains (40 items overall). Cross-cultural differential item functioning was assessed using analysis of variance for item residuals and post hoc Tukey tests. Simulated computer-adaptive tests (CATs) were conducted to assess the efficiency and precision of the four items banks.Results: Splitting item parameters by DIF results in four linked item banks without DIF or other breaches of IRT model assumptions. Simulated CATs were more precise and efficient than longer paper-based alternatives.Discussion: Assessing differential item functioning using item response theory can identify measurement invariance between cultures which, if uncontrolled, may undermine accurate comparisons in computer-adaptive testing assessments of QoL. We demonstrate how compensating for DIF using item anchoring allowed data from all four countries to be compared on a common metric, thus facilitating assessments which were both sensitive to cultural nuance and comparable between countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

thompson c., yang h. & crouch s. (2012) Clinical simulation fidelity and nurses' identification of critical event risk: a signal detection analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(11), 2477-2485. Abstract Aims. This article is a report of a study exploring the effect of increasing fidelity on nurses' risk detection in clinical simulation and the effect of clinical experience on nurses' risk detection ability. Background. Clinical environments can be recreated successfully using simulation. However, how judgement changes as simulation fidelity increases is unknown. Knowledge of the effects of increased fidelity on judgement may help in the design of educational interventions seeking to improve clinical judgement in nurses. Design. Quasi experimental signal detection study. Method. During 2008-2009, using a quasi experimental signal detection design, 63 nursing students and 34 experienced nurses were presented with 25 paper and 25 human simulator 'cases' based on real patient records from a single UK National Health Service hospital. Nurses judged whether a simulated case was 'at risk' or 'not at risk' of a critical event. Clinical judgement performance was measured using standard signal detection measures. Findings. Judgement performance, as measured by hit rates and signal detection ability were significantly lower in higher fidelity clinical simulations. False alarm rates and bias (β) did not differ according to the fidelity of simulation. Clinical experience did not predict the ability to detect risk. Conclusion. As fidelity of simulation increased, both novice and experienced nurses' were less likely to be able to separate important clinical risk from clinical noise in a simulated clinical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to describe a methodology for using Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) at the initial stages of the design process of an educational game, by exploring how the theory can be used as a framework for producing not only usable but also useful computer tools. The research also aimed to investigate how the theory could be used for designing computer tools for learning science. Although CHAT and specifically the concepts of 'activity system' and 'contradictions' were used as the basis for the design and development of the educational game, subsidiary design guidelines also contributed significantly to this process. These derived from the research fields of Human Computer Interaction and Science Education and from students' everyday experiences when playing video games at home. The educational game produced was concerned with the teaching and learning of 'Expansion and Contraction of Air' in primary science, a subject that existing research suggests is conceptually difficult for students. As far as the main outcomes of the study are concerned, it was revealed through the implementation of the game that contradictions could be adequately resolved, while stakeholders' needs and motives could be appropriately addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]