Null-hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is commonly used in psychology; however, it is widely acknowledged that NHST is not well understood by either psychology professors or psychology students. In the current study, we investigated whether introduction-to-psychology textbooks accurately define and explain statistical significance. We examined 30 introductory-psychology textbooks, including the best-selling books from the United States and Canada, and found that 89% incorrectly defined or explained statistical significance. Incorrect definitions and explanations were most often consistent with the odds-against-chance fallacy. These results suggest that it is common for introduction-to-psychology students to be taught incorrect interpretations of statistical significance. We hope that our results will create awareness among authors of introductory-psychology books and provide the impetus for corrective action. To help with classroom instruction, we provide slides that correctly describe NHST and may be useful for introductory-psychology instructors.

No abstract

Shared mental models are crucial for team functioning; however, little research to date has focussed on uncovering the predictors of shared mental models. The present study investigates the effect of role clarity on shared mental models by means of its indirect effects via team process. Two hundred and two undergraduate students participated in a dyadic firefighting simulation in which their role clarity, team process, and mental model similarity were measured. Analyses conducted at the dyadic level suggest that role clarity predicts mental model similarity via its effects on team process. RésuméLes recherches précédentes suggèrent que les modèles mentaux partagés sont essentiels pour le fonctionnement d'une équipe; cependant, peu de recherches à ce jour ont mis l'accent sur la découverte des prédicteurs de modèles mentaux partagés. L'étude présente examine l'effet de la clarté de rôle sur les modèles mentaux partagés par ses effets indirects via le processus d'équipe. Deux cent deux étudiants de premier cycle ont participés à une simulation de lutte contre les incendies dyadique dans laquelle la clarté de leur rôle, leur processus d'équipe et le modèle de similarité mentale ont été mesurés. Les analyses ont été effectuées au niveau dyadique. Les résultats suggèrent que la clarté de rôle prédit le modèle de similarité mentale par ses effets sur le processus d'équipe.

No abstract

Job interviews are cognitively demanding tasks for interviewers. However, it is unclear whether the high cognitive load (CL) that interviewers face will ultimately compromise the resistance to discrimination that otherwise distinguishes structured interviews from other selection methods. Using a two-study experimental design, we explored the effect of cognitive load on gender discrimination in structured job interviews. In Study 1, participants completed an online interview simulation in which they assessed both a male and a female candidate applying for either a maleor female-dominated job, while under either a high or low degree of cognitive load.Participants provided ratings of each candidate's suitability for the job as well as a final, ipsative hiring decision. Study 2 served as a larger replication of Study 1.Overall, CL was not found to affect candidate ratings. These results support the structured interview's general resistance to discrimination.