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Scientific literacy is one of the crucial skills necessary for making informed decisions and evaluating evidence. Despite the fact that the overall results of Slovak students in scientific literacy are lower than the average for OECD countries, there is still a lack of interventions focusing explicitly on fostering scientific literacy in the educational system. Therefore, this literature review aims to determine: 1. types of interventions that can be used to foster scientific literacy; 2. the main features of interventions responsible for their effectiveness. Authors conducted a content analysis of 40 empirical scientific papers, focusing on two aspects of scientific literacy: scientific reasoning ability and attitudes toward science. The study indicates that scientific reasoning ability can be effectively improved with the interventions focused on 1. scientific argumentation; 2. understanding nature of science; 3. process of scientific discovery. Interventions focused on improving attitudes toward science share similar characteristics as interventions focused on scientific reasoning and can be classified similarly. Other aspects, such as the level of guidance, teaching strategy, gender, and domain of the intervention can also play an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Czech and Slovak educational systems stand at the doorstep of the fundamental reforms, accentuating the development of psychosocial qualities of all stakeholders engaged in education as determinants of a successful educational process. The narrative review focuses on research studies conducted since 2001, based on the paradigm of attachment and motivational theories of self-determination. Paper provides an overview of how the concept of school achievement and the individual key constructs of the teacher-student relationship are operationalized (closeness, conflict, relatedness, autonomy support, structure). It discusses main conclusions of the most significant studies in this area, as well as some inconsistent results and methodological problems. After rigorous impact and content selection, the review includes 17 empirical studies. Finally, specific current research challenges in the field are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the comparison of defining and conceptual delineating the concepts cognitive processes, cognitive functions, and cognitive abilities. The categorization of cognitive processes on horizontal and vertical level is sketched. Three approaches to defining the concept of cognitive function in the relation to defining the concept of cognitive process are specified. The cognitive function is regarded as a task or algorithm, the cognitive process presents rather the course of the given function. The cognitive ability expresses the alternative or the quality of the process or function. The differences among cognitive processes and functions and their relations are explained on the basis of criteria of speed, visibility, and hierarchy. In the concluding part, the paper analyzes the difference between the concept of cognitive process and cognitive ability. The theoretical framework for delineation and analysis of concepts is represented besides psychology also by means of mathematics. The linguistic basis of mentioned concepts is also taken into account. The paper responds to the need to precise the terminology in the scope of breakthrough of psychological concepts into the social sciences discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper brings information about Slovak adaptation of Life Orientation Test (LOT-R). In this framework, both, factor structure of instrument and reliability and validity of LOT-R were examined. The data obtained from 226 high school students (119 boys, 107 girls) in the age range 16-19 years were put through two confirmatory factor analyses in order to test plausibility of one-factor versus two-factor model for LOT-R factor structure. Results showed that both models fulfill acceptably criteria for their confirmation as concurring factor representations of LOT-R structure. Although the two-factor model reproduced original data with a higher accuracy, this solution should be considered rather as an artifact of differently articulated items (positively and negatively) but holding semantics of the same quality. Very high correlation between both factors which was found in confirmatory analysis supports this issue, too. In second part of paper, results of reliability and validity examinations (based on the data received from the sample of 54 university students) are reported. Test- retest correlations show that LOT-R results are sufficiently stabile over time (rtt = 0.77 for three weeks span, rtt = 0.76 for two months span and rtt = 0.68 for three monhts span). Also internal consistency of the test was acceptable (Alpha coefficient = 0.73). Finally, correlations between LOT-R and four other instruments measuring subjective well-being, self-esteem, hope and anxiosity have offered support for convergent and discriminatory validity of the LOT-R as an instrument measuring dispositional optimism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobbing (or workplace bullying) refers to a repeated aggressive behavior directed at one or more individuals who find it difficult to defend themselves. During the last two decades, social science research has shown that mobbing represents a relatively widespread, yet mostly hidden aspect of workplace relations both in private and state organizations. This paper focuses on mobbing in higher education, with a particular attention paid to mobbing at universities. Mobbing in higher education is characterized by relatively subtle and indirect forms of hostile behavior which, nevertheless, have devastating impact on its targets, as well as on educational institutions. Based on the overview of current international research, the author discusses the incidence, forms, causes, and consequences of mobbing in higher education. The paper further draws attention to social and organizational factors of mobbing, such as the intensification of workload, growing job insecurity, or commoditization of education. In conclusion, the author identifies forms of intervention suitable for the higher education sector and offers recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensive research in the last years brought a lot of interesting evidence concerning the variety of effects of testosterone. The view on testosterone was thus substantially broadened. Except of generally known effects on morphology and sexual characteristics, its influence on cognitive characteristics, behavior, and intellect in both the prenatal and postnatal period gets to the foreground. The role of steroid hormones was unambiguously proved in many processes essential for the brain architecture and its functioning. The paper brings the overview of selected findings about testosterone organizing the brain in the prenatal period and activating its functioning in the postnatal period. The influence of testosterone is followed in the relation to diverse psychological, behavioral, and social characteristics. The overview focuses especially on summing up the knowledge about the influence of testosterone and its metabolism on selected cognitive characteristics (namely spatial and verbal abilities, systemization, empathy). It presents testosterone also as a possible etiological factor of intellect endowment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How emotions influence decision making is an important question because emotions are present not only in the most important decisions in the life. The previous research concentrated rather on the role of negative emotions and that is why the goal of the paper is to counterpoint the role played by positive emotions in decision making from the position of its situational influences as well as particular dispositional personality characteristics like cognitive style or ability to regulate emotions because people who are able to regulate their emotions in the desirable way have an advantage. The first part of the study is devoted to the relation between emotions and cognitive processes and the specific influence of positive emotions on decision making. In the second part, several alternatives of interaction of positive emotions and personality and possible impacts on decision making are presented. In the conclusion, the findings indicating that making use of emotions as information for decision making brings rather positive consequences for human life are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper highlights the often not reflected weaknesses of diagnostic tools used in the study of masculinity and feminity. Attention is paid mainly to structural limitations of the tool most widely used for this purpose - Bem Sex Role Inventory. Its use is based on theoretical assumptions that have never been successfully empirically verified. Although criticism of Bem Sex Role Inventory has been formulated more than 30 years ago, this technique is still used in a number of recent studies. In the second part alternative measurement techniques are presented. These are based on discriminant analysis and the implicit association test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal of the study. Analysis of grading the modified feedback in Dynamic test of latent learning ability for 8 to 10 years old children (DTLUS 8-10). Sample and method. The research sample consisted of children from socially disadvantaged environment aging from 7 to 8 years and 6 months (N=50). The particular grades of feedback were administered to them separately. Hypothesis. In case of separate providing the particular sequences from DTLUS 8-10, adjusted on the basis of principles for providing the feedback in short-time dynamic tests, together with the higher grade of particular sequences the number of right answers will be also increasing. Statistical analysis. For assessing the differences between particular sequences in numbers of worked out and non-worked out tasks the chisquared test was selected. The real frequencies of answers in particular pairs of sequences were compared for every task. Results. It was proved that together with the higher grade of feedback the percentage of worked out tasks was increasing. The paper offers the verified instructions for providing feedback in short-time dynamic tests. Study limits. Results apply only to 7 to 8 years old children from socially disadvantaged environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper highlights the often not reflected weaknesses of diagnostic tools used in the study of masculinity and feminity. Attention is paid mainly to structural limitations of the tool most widely used for this purpose - Bem Sex Role Inventory. Its use is based on theoretical assumptions that have never been successfully empirically verified. Although criticism of Bem Sex Role Inventory has been formulated more than 30 years ago, this technique is still used in a number of recent studies. In the second part alternative measurement techniques are presented. These are based on discriminant analysis and the implicit association test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal of the study. Analysis of grading the modified feedback in Dynamic test of latent learning ability for 8 to 10 years old children (DTLUS 8-10). Sample and method. The research sample consisted of children from socially disadvantaged environment aging from 7 to 8 years and 6 months (N=50). The particular grades of feedback were administered to them separately. Hypothesis. In case of separate providing the particular sequences from DTLUS 8-10, adjusted on the basis of principles for providing the feedback in short-time dynamic tests, together with the higher grade of particular sequences the number of right answers will be also increasing. Statistical analysis. For assessing the differences between particular sequences in numbers of worked out and non-worked out tasks the chisquared test was selected. The real frequencies of answers in particular pairs of sequences were compared for every task. Results. It was proved that together with the higher grade of feedback the percentage of worked out tasks was increasing. The paper offers the verified instructions for providing feedback in short-time dynamic tests. Study limits. Results apply only to 7 to 8 years old children from socially disadvantaged environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace bullying refers to long-term hostile behavior at work, with highly negative impact on targeted employees, work collectives, and organizations. To date, workplace bullying research has predominantly examined prevalence and forms of bullying. In contrast, considerably less attention has been paid to the ways in which targeted employees defy bullying at work. The aim of this paper is to address this gap by presenting an overview of research findings regarding strategies used by targeted employees to cope with and/or resist bullying at work. Following the paradigmatic approach in workplace bullying research (Samnani, 2013), the authors also show that coping and resistance have been explored within three different paradigms: functionalist, interpretative, and postmodern. They discuss theoretical and practical implications of the coexistence of these diverse paradigms and offer recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present there can be identified three different approaches to the conceptualization of QoL (Dijkers, 2005): quality of life as subjective well-being, quality of life as achievement, and quality of life as utility. In light of further research, the paper considers the identification of quality of life with subjective well-being as restrictive, and proposes a multidimensional model of significant areas of quality of life which falls within its conceptualization as achievement, i.e. as what a person has already achieved or has been achieving. Six theoretically postulated areas of quality of life, viz. psychological, physical, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual, are operationalized through 36 items to which respondents offered simultaneous two types of responses whereby they assessed individual areas using the 'good-bad' (quality) and 'satisfied - dissatisfied' (satisfaction) response scales respectively. On the sample of 93 adolescents, and with the use of factor analysis, three areas, instead of six, of theoretically postulated significant areas of quality of life were identified, viz. psycho-social, cognitive-spiritual and environmental. Reactions to identical items, in the case of 7 out of 14 items, which represented three extracted factors, differed significantly: the assessment using the 'good-bad' scale and that using the 'satisfied - dissatisfied' scale produces in the case of 50% of items responses with statistically significant difference in variation. Our ensuing research will attempt to verify the factor structure on other items and the assumption that the assessment using the quality scale is more appropriate than that using the satisfaction scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The primary objective of the study was to verify the stereotype that Slovaks are "more emotional" than Czechs. In the present paper authors compared the emotionality of Czech and Slovak undergraduates: study focused on the frequency of experienced emotions and on the preferred strategy of emotional expression. Authors assumed that the samples of Czech and Slovak undergraduates would not differ in terms of frequency of emotions but that they would differ in terms of their regulatory strategies. Sample and settings. The Czech (N = 107) and Slovak (N = 144) undergraduates recorded emotional valence, frequency of their emotional experience and their preferred expression of the emotion into a specific questionnaire (an inventory of 80 emotions obtained in previous investigations). Statistical analysis. The collected data was processed based on the average frequency of responses for each emotion. For the comparison of Czech and Slovak frequency of experienced emotion, authors used the t-test for two independent samples and to compare the expressive strategies the chi-square test for comparing the observed and expected values. For the correlation of emotions, authors used the nonparametric Spearman rho correlation coefficient. Results. The results have shown that the emotional connotations are predominantly similar in both samples; however analyses found different connotations for the emotion of pride, which correlated more strongly with negative emotions rather than positive in the Czech sample. Students in the Slovak sample experienced emotions slightly more often than Czech respondents. The samples differ significantly in terms of emotion regulation: the Slovak undergraduates express emotions more openly as compared to Czech students who often deamplify their emotional expressions. Study limitations. The limitations of this study are the facts that the samples were not representative and that the Slovak undergraduates were not involved in the construction of the used inventory of emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper conducts a survey of the state of quality of life measurement on the basis of analysis of overview studies included in EBSCO and Proquest publication data-bases. The analyzed studies were selected according to these criteria: a) authors of overview studies accomplished a systematic research of literature from publication data-bases; b) concept of quality of life was declared by the title or abstract; c) the evaluation of psychometric or clinimetric parameters of measurement was included in the study. From 64 identified studies, 17 were selected for analysis focused on four characteristics of analyzed procedures and instruments: a) what are the theoretical starting points for quality of life measurement, b) how were the evaluated instruments classified into the categories, c) what are their psychometric/clinimetric parameters, and d) what are the recommendations of authors of overview studies concerning quality of life measurement. In theoretical starting points of particular instruments the relative agreement in defining the construct of quality of life was found but big differences in using this construct in measuring, and the confusion of quality of life and „health-related quality of life" concepts was identified. Concerning the type of the used instrument the typical differentiation is specific and generic instruments. The specific ones are more sensitive to change and differences between groups but they do not make possible the wider comparison between different categories of respondents. In psychometric parameters of evaluated instruments the absence of verifying the test-retest reliability and nonadequate procedures were found, missing the content and construct validity of the instrument respectively. The responsiveness indicator was the most used clinimetric parameter, its absence was one of often stated deficiencies. Concerning the recommendations of authors of overview studies they are diverse and they alert to numerous problems that must be solved in measuring the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper sums up the basic knowledge concerning subjectively assessed quality of life in senior age and possibilities of its detecting. In two parts, the description of qualitative and quantitative procedures by means of which it is possible to gain information concerning quality of seniors, life and also its most important predictors is presented. Further part deals with characteristics of particular research instruments (WHOQOL-OLD, CASP-19, QuiLL, and OPQOL) constructed for this age category concerning its development, structure, and psychometric characteristics and overview of findings based on these methods. In the conclusion, brief summary and evaluation of presented knowledge and procedures, namely from the standpoint of its advantages, imperfections, and practical use in seniors is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with some methodological pitfalls of longitudinal research from the initial sample, determining the appropriate length of the examination, timing of data collection, controlling for effects not included in the research, to personnel matters related to ensuring the progress of longitudinal investigations. Problems related to results and „spin-off benefits‟ of longitudinal studies are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of interest is analyzed from the aspect of its change potential and development potential. The paper consists of three parts, which sum up the previous research and theoretical studies concerning stability of interests (in the first part) and the change of interests (in the second part). In the third part, the author presents the most known developmental models of interests, which try to organize the changes of interests into particular developmental phases or interests levels and provide the suggestions how to facilitate these changes. In the conclusion, the author tries to answer the question if the interests are the stable characteristics of a person or the change and development of interests are rather typical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the conclusions of the pilot study of efficacy of particular therapeutic approach in eating disorders treatment. The multifamily therapy is a frequently used kind of work with these patients abroad. Prague centre of specialized care for eating disorders uses this model under the supervision since 2004. Except of optimisation of therapeutic programme it is important to assess its efficacy. For the first study, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was chosen. Ten fields were evaluated in the sample consisting of 20 families for testing the hypothesis that the multifamily therapy is an efficient form of eating disorders treatment and its influence is different in group of parents and group of patients. Next goal was to evaluate the chosen methods for the continuation of the study and its connecting to international research in multifamily therapy and comparative studies of efficacy of multifamily therapy and on-line supporting parents groups. The most prominent effect of the therapy was found in symptoms of eating disorders and emotional stability, especially in decrease of depressive symptoms. The general influence of multifamily therapy on family atmosphere, on reduction of tension and anxiety in relation to the future was stated. In further key fields (quality of life, patients' self-concept), significant positive changes were found. The pilot study represents the basis for further research in multifamily therapy of eating disorders. The conclusions support the internationally recognized efficacy of this therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with a study carried out in an interesting research sample and with a seemingly easy-to-prove hypothesis. Because of certain circumstances that were not taken into consideration at the beginning of the research, the results were different than expected. The author is re-examining the results and conclusions of the study that can be inferred after several years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with possibilities of influencing the inception and development of theories of work motivation as well as by dominant ideologies of its time as by the cultural and social influences. The analysis of the succession of theories of work motivation in the second half of the twentieth century suggests that this could be the case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally accepted date of the origin of psychology history is dated to the year 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt created his psychological laboratory at the Leipzig University. This paper brings some less known circumstances of the foundation and operation of the first world's psychological laboratory. Also the impact of Wilhelm Wundt's work on the experimental psychology field is being discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with specific aspects of demands of the nurse profession, especially from the aspect of styles of coping with these demands including the smoking. The authors bring first the overview of smoking prevalence in nurses in the Czech Republic in comparison with smoking prevalence in women in the Czech population and with some analogous data from abroad. The smoking prevalence in Czech nurses is higher than smoking prevalence in women in the Czech population. The empirical part brings the information about the results of the questionnaire survey in the sample of 337 respondents, 329 women and 8 men, working as nurses. In the sample, 207 non-smokers (61.4 %) and 130 smokers (38.6 %) were identified. The results of the survey oriented to assessment of the level and structure of well-being, life events, locus of control and smoking habits showed that smoking in respondents- smokers matches the level between the moderate and the middle addiction. The average time of smoking is 14.35 years, the most frequent data is 10 years, and the average number of cigarettes was 11.7 a day. The levels on the scale of social re-adjustment (life events) differ significantly in disadvantage of smokers, in the level of well-being of smokers and non-smokers no significant difference was found. The average value of internal locus of control assessed by the visual analogous scale is slightly lower in the group of smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with self-injury as a phenomenon appearing on blogs (online diaries) of contemporary adolescents. The goal of the research was to understand the problems of self-injury, the motivation of writing about self-injury in the public space of blogs, and the problem of potential formation of the community of self-injuring persons in the virtual world. The motivation of adolescents with self-injury experience was studied; how they experience their self-injury and what role is played by internet and blog in their self-injury. The study has an explorative character - nine semi-structured interviews with girls ageing 15 to 18 years were analyzed using the method of grounded theory. The results showed that the blog community connected by the self-injury topic is perceived by adolescents as the supporting one, tends to close against the help from outside and to strengthen the negative attitudes against the professional help at the same time. Internet and blog are important factors in dissemination of information concerning selfinjury. This is important for the potential social self-injury infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to study of relation of social intelligence (SI) and interpersonal traits. The approaches to social intelligence oscillate between its understanding as cognitive ability and as personality characteristic. It is assumed that SI influences interpersonal behavior. Research in sample of pupils of elementary schools (n=220, mean age was conducted 14.5 years). Social intelligence was measured by TSIS scale and interpersonal traits by IAS-R questionnaire. TSIS distinguishes three components of social intelligence, namely social information processing, social skills and social awareness. Factor analysis of IAS-R stated four characteristics - withdrawnness, harshness, kindness and dominance. Significant results were found in relations of social intelligence and interpersonal traits. Withdrawnness correlated negatively with components of social intelligence, harshness with social awareness. Dominance and kindness positively correlated with social information processing and social skills. The findings support closeness of social intelligence and personality. The boys are more withdrawn, harsher and less kind in comparison to girls who reached higher scores in components of social intelligence. These differences result from the specifics of early adolescence developmental period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of motivational structure is introduced and discussed in a broader context of motivational psychology. The use of the term has changed during the developments in the field of motivational psychology; the shifts in the concept content are mentioned. Motivational structure is presented from the standpoint of Klinger's current concerns theory, as the individual's pattern of goal-striving. This conceptualization is congruent also with the Heckhausen's model of motivation. The paper presents the tools for operationalization of motivational structure and their psychometric properties. The relations of motivational structure to the distinctions between motivational states and traits, between implicit and explicit motivation and between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are discussed. The final part of the text deals with possibilities to modify the motivational structure in relation to self-regulation and motivational counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]