Data from 196 Irish school children were analyzed using principal components analysis with a varimax rotation to determine whether the underlying factor structure of the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales (FSMAS) fit the dimensions suggested by the position of the 108 items on nine subscales. Results indicated a factor structure virtually identical to a previous study that used a different sample, with the items being reduced to six separate components rather than nine as suggested by the scales' developers. Based on this factor structure, the authors attempted the development of a shortened form of the FSMAS. Internal consistency estimates of the reliability of scores on the whole scale and each subscale for both the original and the short form were favorable, with alpha coefficients ranging from .79 to .96.
A sample of 120 young musicians (36 males and 84 females) aged between 15 and 18 years (M = 16.5, SD = 0.97) were administered the EPQ-R short scale and a revised PAI-R, a self-report measure of performance anxiety in practical music exams. Principal components analysis indicated that the PAI-R scores were best represented by a single component with an internal consistency reliability of .88. Females had significantly higher scores on the PAI-R than males. A significant negative correlation between PAI-R scores and psychoticism, and a significant positive correlation between PAI-R scores and neuroticism scores was obtained. The correlation between PAI-R scores and extraversion was negative but not significant. There was no significant correlation between PAI-R scores and years of playing. The implications of these findings for music teachers are considered.
The research has provided evidence to support the use of the TPB in the design and evaluation of an intervention to increase females' intentions to breastfeed.
Results corroborate those of developed world studies, in showing that early academic achievement is a strong predictor of retention. In addition, they highlight the importance of early curriculum mastery--rather than broader cognitive skills--for smooth progression through school.
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