Detecting non-content-based response styles in survey data: An application of mixture factor analysis.

It is common for some participants in self-report surveys to be careless, inattentive, or lacking in effort. Data quality can be severely compromised by responses that are not based on item content (non-content-based [nCB] responses), leading to strong biases in the results of data analysis and misinterpretation of individual scores. In this study, we propose a specification of factor mixture analysis (FMA) to detect nCB responses. We investigated the usefulness and effectiveness of the FMA model in detecting nCB responses using both simulated data (Study 1) and real data (Study 2). In the first study, FMA showed reasonably robust sensitivity (.60 to .86) and excellent specificity (.96 to .99) on mixed-worded scales, suggesting that FMA had superior properties as a screening tool under different sample conditions. However, FMA performance was poor on scales composed of only positive items because of the difficulty in distinguishing acquiescent patterns from valid responses representing high levels of the trait. In Study 2 (real data), FMA detected a minority of cases (6.5%) with highly anomalous response patterns. Removing these cases resulted in a large increase in the fit of the unidimensional model and a substantial reduction in spurious multidimensionality.

Tenacious educational neuromyths: Prevalence among teachers and an intervention.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have revealed a common high prevalence of educational neuromyths among teachers from different countries. However, only one intervention aimed at reducing these beliefs among in-service teachers has been reported to date, and it was conducted in a non-naturalistic setting. PROCEDURE: In the present study, we administered a survey to measure the prevalence of common neuromyths in a large sample (n = 807) of primary and secondary teachers from 203 schools across Catalonia (Spain), and then we evaluated the impact that a 15-hour online course on neuroscience had on a sample of them as compared to a control group. MAIN FINDINGS: Results showed an initial distribution of neuromyth beliefs similar to those of previous studies and a large effect of the intervention on reducing their prevalence shortly after the training and in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that an intervention addressed to in-service teachers that is low-cost and easy to implement can cast corrective effects that persist over time in neuromyth beliefs.

Psychometric Properties of the PCS and the PCS-4 in Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain.

BACKGROUND: The factor structure of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) has rarely been adequately analyzed (e.g., performing principal component analyses rather than factorial approximations). We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PCS through a variety of exploratory and confirmatory factorial approaches. METHOD: Three hundred ninety-four Chilean patients with musculoskeletal pain were included (age, M = 49.61, SD = 18.00; 71.57% women). Eight factorial models were proposed to analyze the structure of the data. In addition, validity evidence of the PCS based on relationships with other variables were analyzed considering pain intensity and kinesiophobia. RESULTS: The results suggest a unidimensional structure. Models with more than one dimension exhibited undesirable factor loadings or inadequate indices of fit. Based on these results, a short version of the scale composed of 4 items is proposed (PCS-4). The PCS-4 scores demonstrated high levels of invariance between sex, chronicity, and education groups and also were associated with pain and kinesiophobia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the PCS-4 Spanish version showed evidence of reliability and validity for adequately measuring pain catastrophizing in Chileans who suffer from musculoskeletal pain. The PCS-4 is a short form that should be explored in future studies (e.g., in other Spanish-speaking populations).

Transcutaneous Vagal Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis (TRAVKO): Protocol of a Superiority, Outcome Assessor- and Participant-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial.

Current treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are partially effective. It is, therefore, necessary to find new strategies that can complement the existing ones. In this scenario, transcutaneous vagal stimulation (TVS) neurophysiological effects could be a helpful solution. However, there is no evidence of the efficacy of TVS in KOA. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of TVS in decreasing pain in participants aged 55 years or older with KOA. A randomised controlled, two-arm, double-blind (participants and outcome assessors) and clinical superiority trial will be conducted for 70 patients with KOA. All the participants will carry out an exercise program. It consists of 12 sessions over four weeks. In addition, they will be randomly assigned to (1) active TVS plus physical exercise or (2) sham TVS plus physical exercise. The application of active TVS consists of electronic stimulation of the auricular concha using a portable device. Sham TVS condition consists of the stimulation of the earlobe that does not cause neurophysiological effects. The primary outcome is the reduction in pain intensity. Additionally, functional capacity, physical performance, pain-related interference, pain-related distress, quality of life in older adults and global change will be measured. Assessments will be conducted at the beginning of the study (baseline), at the end of the intervention and after 1 and 3 months of follow-up. This trial will generate evidence regarding the efficacy of TVS in pain perception in individuals with KOA. This information will serve as an input in the clinical decision-making on the use or non-use of TVS in individuals with KOA. Thus, if the efficacy of TVS is confirmed, a new therapeutic tool may be included in the rehabilitation of individuals with KOA.

Psychometric Properties of the PCS and the PCS-4 in Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain / Propiedades Psicométricas de la PCS y PCS-4 en Individuos con DolorMusculoesquelético

Background: The factor structure of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)has rarely been adequately analyzed (e.g., performing principal componentanalyses rather than factorial approximations). We aimed to evaluate thepsychometric properties of the PCS through a variety of exploratory andconfirmatory factorial approaches. Method: Three hundred ninety-fourChilean patients with musculoskeletal pain were included (age, M = 49.61,SD = 18.00; 71.57% women). Eight factorial models were proposed toanalyze the structure of the data. In addition, validity evidence of the PCSbased on relationships with other variables were analyzed considering painintensity and kinesiophobia. Results: The results suggest a unidimensionalstructure. Models with more than one dimension exhibited undesirablefactor loadings or inadequate indices of fit. Based on these results, a shortversion of the scale composed of 4 items is proposed (PCS-4). The PCS-4scores demonstrated high levels of invariance between sex, chronicity, andeducation groups and also were associated with pain and kinesiophobia.Conclusions: The results of the PCS-4 Spanish version showed evidenceof reliability and validity for adequately measuring pain catastrophizing inChileans who suffer from musculoskeletal pain. The PCS-4 is a short formthat should be explored in future studies (e.g., in other Spanish-speakingpopulations).

Antecedentes: la estructura factorial de la Escala deCatastrofización del Dolor (PCS) rara vez se ha analizado adecuadamente. Elobjetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del PCSa través de diferentes enfoques factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios.Método: se incluyeron trescientos noventa y cuatro pacientes chilenos condolor musculoesquelético (edad, M=49,61; DE=18,00; 71,57% mujeres). Sepropusieron ocho modelos factoriales. Asimismo, se analizó la evidencia devalidez de la PCS basada en relaciones con otras variables considerando laintensidad del dolor y la kinesiofobia. Resultados: los resultados sugierenuna estructura unidimensional. Los modelos con más de una dimensiónmostraron cargas factoriales o índices de ajuste inadecuados. A partir deestos resultados se propone una versión corta de la escala compuesta por4 ítems (PCS-4). Las puntuaciones de PCS-4 mostraron altos niveles deinvarianza entre sexos, cronicidad del dolor y niveles educativos. La PCS-4también se asoció con otras medias de dolor y kinesiofobia. Conclusiones:los resultados de la PCS-4 versión en español mostraron evidencia defiabilidad y validez para medir adecuadamente el catastrofismo del dolor enchilenos con dolor musculoesquelético. El PCS-4 es una forma corta quedebería explorarse en estudios futuros (por ejemplo, en otras poblacioneshispanoparlantes).

Modeling Wording Effects Does Not Help in Recovering Uncontaminated Person Scores: A Systematic Evaluation With Random Intercept Item Factor Analysis.

The item wording (or keying) effect consists of logically inconsistent answers to positively and negatively worded items that tap into similar (but polarly opposite) content. Previous research has shown that this effect can be successfully modeled through the random intercept item factor analysis (RIIFA) model, as evidenced by the improvements in the model fit in comparison to models that only contain substantive factors. However, little is known regarding the capability of this model in recovering the uncontaminated person scores. To address this issue, the study analyzes the performance of the RIIFA approach across three types of wording effects proposed in the literature: carelessness, item verification difficulty, and acquiescence. In the context of unidimensional substantive models, four independent variables were manipulated, using Monte Carlo methods: type of wording effect, amount of wording effect, sample size, and test length. The results corroborated previous findings by showing that the RIIFA models were consistently able to account for the variance in the data, attaining an excellent fit regardless of the amount of bias. Conversely, the models without the RIIFA factor produced increasingly a poorer fit with greater amounts of wording effects. Surprisingly, however, the RIIFA models were not able to better estimate the uncontaminated person scores for any type of wording effect in comparison to the substantive unidimensional models. The simulation results were then corroborated with an empirical dataset, examining the relationship between learning strategies and personality with grade point average in undergraduate studies. The apparently paradoxical findings regarding the model fit and the recovery of the person scores are explained, considering the properties of the factor models examined.

Investigating the performance of exploratory graph analysis and traditional techniques to identify the number of latent factors: A simulation and tutorial.

Exploratory graph analysis (EGA) is a new technique that was recently proposed within the framework of network psychometrics to estimate the number of factors underlying multivariate data. Unlike other methods, EGA produces a visual guide-network plot-that not only indicates the number of dimensions to retain, but also which items cluster together and their level of association. Although previous studies have found EGA to be superior to traditional methods, they are limited in the conditions considered. These issues are addressed through an extensive simulation study that incorporates a wide range of plausible structures that may be found in practice, including continuous and dichotomous data, and unidimensional and multidimensional structures. Additionally, two new EGA techniques are presented: one that extends EGA to also deal with unidimensional structures, and the other based on the triangulated maximally filtered graph approach (EGAtmfg). Both EGA techniques are compared with 5 widely used factor analytic techniques. Overall, EGA and EGAtmfg are found to perform as well as the most accurate traditional method, parallel analysis, and to produce the best large-sample properties of all the methods evaluated. To facilitate the use and application of EGA, we present a straightforward R tutorial on how to apply and interpret EGA, using scores from a well-known psychological instrument: the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Muscle activation in semantic processing: An electromyography approach.

In this study, we focus on the spontaneous activity related to manual verbs to determine the extent to which semantic processing of manual verbs affects spontaneous arm muscle activity. For this purpose, we recorded the arm's electromyographic activity while participants read manual and non-manual verbs, focusing their attention on the semantic content or a specific letter. In addition, we manipulated the arm position (in front of the body or behind the back) to observe postural priming effects for spontaneous muscle activity. Our results show that when arms were placed forward and the attention was directed to the semantic content, there was an enhanced spontaneous activation. Our results suggest that spontaneous motor responses are related to the involvement of the motor system in action language comprehension as suggested by language embodiment theories.

Is Small Still Beautiful for the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire? Novel Findings Using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling.

During the present decade a large body of research has employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the factor structure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) across multiple languages and cultures. However, because CFA can produce strongly biased estimations when the population cross-loadings differ meaningfully from zero, it may not be the most appropriate framework to model the SDQ responses. With this in mind, the current study sought to assess the factorial structure of the SDQ using the more flexible exploratory structural equation modeling approach. Using a large-scale Spanish sample composed of 67,253 youths aged between 10 and 18 years (M = 14.16, SD = 1.07), the results showed that CFA provided a severely biased and overly optimistic assessment of the underlying structure of the SDQ. In contrast, exploratory structural equation modeling revealed a generally weak factorial structure, including questionable indicators with large cross-loadings, multiple error correlations, and significant wording variance. A subsequent Monte Carlo study showed that sample sizes greater than 4,000 would be needed to adequately recover the SDQ loading structure. The findings from this study prevent recommending the SDQ as a screening tool and suggest caution when interpreting previous results in the literature based on CFA modeling.

Balanced and positively worded personality short-forms: Mini-IPIP validity and cross-cultural invariance.

BACKGROUND: The Mini-IPIP scales (Donellan et al., 2006) are possibly one of the most commonly used short inventories for measuring the Big Five Factors of personality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of two Mini-IPIP Spanish short forms, one balanced and one positively wording (PW). METHOD: Two samples, one from native Spanish speakers and another from native English speakers, made up a total of 940 participants in this study. The short forms were translated and adapted based on international guidelines. Reliability (internal and composite) and validity analyses (construct ESEM, concurrent, predictive and cross-cultural invariance through multi-group factorial models) were performed. RESULTS: For both the balanced scale and the PW one, modeling a method factor was not relevant. The reliability and validity indices of both forms were according to theory and prior studies' findings: (a) personality factors were medium-high related to affective factors; (b) personality factors were less related to life satisfaction than affective factors; (c) life satisfaction was medium-high related to affective factors; (d) neuroticism appeared mainly related to all criteria variables; and (e) an acceptable level of invariance was achieved with regard to the English version. DISCUSSION: This study contributes to research on personality assessment by providing the first evidence regarding the psychometric properties of a PW short measure. These results suggest that PW short scales of personality used after data screening techniques may be appropriate for future studies (e.g., cross-cultural, content validity).

Psychometric Properties of the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale in the Chilean Population.

Alexithymia can be defined as inability to identify and describe emotions in the self. Has shown to be related to several psychological and pathological processes that can result in unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships and decreased social adjustment. Advances in research of alexithymia require the development and validation of assessment instruments, and its application to different population. With this aim, we studied the psychometric properties of the Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) in Chilean population using various modeling procedures (e.g., CFA, ESEM) in different structures (i.e., Correlated, Unidimensional, Hierarchical or Wording factors). Among the 10 models tested, the four-dimensional structure offered the best fit but with item-loading problems in the last factor (Pragmatic Thinking). We suggest that the studied version of the scale needs improvement (theoretical and empirical) to ensure optimal indices of validation for Chilean population.

A collaborative clinical simulation model for the development of competencies by medical students.

Herein, we present a new collaborative clinical simulation (CCS) model for the development of medical competencies by medical students. The model is a comprehensive compendium of published considerations and recommendations on clinical simulation (CS) and computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL). Currently, there are no educational models combining CS and CSCL. The CCS model was designed for the acquisition and assessment of clinical competencies; working collaboratively and supported by technology, small groups of medical students independently design and perform simulated cases. The model includes four phases in which the learning objectives, short case scenarios, materials, indices, and the clinical simulation are designed, monitored, rated and debriefed.

Hierarchy and Psychometric Properties of ADHD Symptoms in Spanish Children: An Application of the Graded Response Model.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria assume that the 18 symptoms carry the same weight in an Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and bear the same discriminatory capacity. However, it is reasonable to think that symptoms may differ in terms of severity and even in the reliability with they represent the disorder. To test this hypothesis, the aim of this study was to calibrate in a sample of Spanish children (age 4-7; n = 784) a scale for assessing the symptoms of ADHD proposed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IV-TR within the framework of Item Response Theory. Samejima's Graded Response Model was used as a method for estimating the item difficulty and discrimination parameters. The results showed that ADHD subscales (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity / Impulsivity) had good psychometric properties and had also a good fit to the model. However, relevant differences between symptoms were observed at the level of severity, informativeness and reliability for the assessment of ADHD. This finding suggests that it would be useful to identify the symptoms that are more important than the others with regard to diagnosing ADHD.

General and specific attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder factors of children 4 to 6 years of age: An exploratory structural equation modeling approach to assessing symptom multidimensionality.

We tested first-order factor and bifactor models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to adequately summarize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, (DSM-IV-TR) symptoms observed in a Spanish sample of preschoolers and kindergarteners. Six ESEM and CFA models were estimated based on teacher evaluations of the behavior of 638 children 4 to 6 years of age. An ESEM bifactor model with a central dimension plus 3 specific factors (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) showed the best fit and interpretability. Strict invariance between the sexes was observed. The bifactor model provided a solution to previously encountered inconsistencies in the factorial models of ADHD in young children. However, the low reliability of the specific factors casts doubt on the utility of the subscales for ADHD measurement. More research is necessary to clarify the nature of G and S factors of ADHD.

Validación de la Escala de Identidad étnica Multigrupo- Revisada en adolescentes inmigrantes y autóctonos residentes en España / Validation of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised for use with immigrant and native adolescents in Spain / Validação da Escala de Identidade étnica Multigrupo Revisada em adolescentes imigrantes e autóctones residentes na Espanha

En este estudio analizamos las propiedades psicométricas y la estructura factorial de la adaptación al español de la Escala de Identidad étnica Multigrupo Revisada (Eiem-R). Participaron 1002 adolescentes residentes en España, la mitad inmigrantes de primera generación (67.7% nacidos en Latinoamérica, 13.6% en Europa del Este, 13.2% en áfrica, 3.6% en Asia y 2% en el resto de Europa, así como sus padres y madres) y la otra mitad autóctonos (nacidos en España, así como sus padres y madres). Los análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios apoyan que la escala mide los dos componentes de la identidad étnica propuestos -exploración y compromiso- por los autores originales, y que estos se encuentran correlacionados. Los análisis también mostraron casi completos niveles de invarianza de esta estructura factorial al comparar entre sexos, etapas de adolescencia y autóctonos e inmigrantes.

This study examined the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Spanish version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure Revised (Meim-R). Participants for this study were 1002 adolescents living in Spain, half of them first-generation migrants (67.7% born in Latin America, 13.6% in Eastern Europe, 13.2% in Africa, 3.6% in Asia and 2% in the rest of Europe, as well as their parents). Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis supports that the scale measures the two dimensions of ethnic identity (exploration and commitment) proposed by the original authors, and that these dimensions are correlated. High Measurement Invariance levels of this structure are proved across gender, periods of adolescence and native and immigrant adolescents.

O presente estudo analisa as propriedades psicométricas e a estrutura de fatores da adaptação ao espanhol da Escala de Identidade étnica Multigrupo Revisada (Eiem-R). Participaram 1002 adolescentes que moram na Espanha, sendo a metade deles de imigrantes de primeira geração (67,7% nascidos na América Latina, 13,6% na Europa do Leste, 13,2% na áfrica, 3,6% na ásia e 2% no resto da Europa, assim como os seus pais e as suas mães) e a outra metade de autóctones (nascidos na Espanha, assim como os seus pais e suas mães). As análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias sustentam que a escala mede os dois componentes da identidade étnica (exploração e compromisso) que já foram propostos pelos autores originais, e que ambos estão correlacionados. Além disso, a análise também mostrou níveis quase completos dessa invariância fatorial ao comparar, entre os sexos, as etapas da adolescência e autóctones e imigrantes.

An in-depth psychometric analysis of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale: calibration with Rasch-Andrich model.

BACKGROUND: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is inarguably one of the best-known instruments in the field of resilience assessment. However, the criteria for the psychometric quality of the instrument were based only on classical test theory. METHOD: The aim of this paper has focused on the calibration of the CD-RISC with a nonclinical sample of 444 adults using the Rasch-Andrich Rating Scale Model, in order to clarify its structure and analyze its psychometric properties at the level of item. RESULTS: Two items showed misfit to the model and were eliminated. The remaining 22 items form basically a unidimensional scale. The CD-RISC has good psychometric properties. The fit of both the items and the persons to the Rasch model was good, and the response categories were functioning properly. Two of the items showed differential item functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The CD-RISC has an obvious ceiling effect, which suggests to include more difficult items in future versions of the scale.

Spanish adaptation of Yamagishi General Trust Scale / Adaptación al castellano de la Escala de Confianza General de Yamagishi

The significance that trust has in social exchange relationships has led to a growing amount of literature dealing with this phenomenon at a theoretical and an applied level. With the aim of conducting trust research by means of an instrument with established reliability and validity, the General Trust Scale (Yamagishi & Yamagishi, 1994) was translated into Spanish. The sample comprised 626 participants. Results indicate that the Spanish adaptation has satisfactory psychometric properties: test's reliability (α =.862) and items' discrimination (a ≥ 1.58). There was no differential item functioning regarding the participants’ gender, but differences aroused as regards to their age. The relationship with several dispositional and behavioral variables was assessed, being significant its correlation with agreeableness (r =.376) and, for the women, also with Openness to Experience (r =.135)

La confianza es, por su importancia en las relaciones sociales, un fenómeno de gran interés tanto a nivel teórico como aplicado. En este articulo presentamos la adaptación al castellano de uno de los instrumentos más utilizados en el investigación sobre confianza: la Escala de Confianza General de Yamagishi & Yamagishi (1994). Un total de 626 participantes respondieron al cuestionario. Los resultados indican que las propiedades psicométricas de la versión en castellano son satisfactorias tanto a nivel de escala (α =.862) como a nivel de items (a ≥ 1.58). No se observo funcionamiento diferencial de los items respecto al sexo, si respecto a la edad. En cuanto a la relación entre la medida de Confianza y otras variables disposicionales y conductuales, se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas con Cordialidad (r = .376), y en mujeres también con Apertura a la Experiencia (r = .135)

Evaluación Informatizada de la Atención para Niños de 7 a 11 Años: El DiViSA-UAM y el TACI-UAM / Computerized Assessment of Attention for Children from 7 to 11 Years Old: DiViSA-UAM and TACI-UAM

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido elaborar dos test informatizados que midan los componentes de la atención que permiten caracterizar a los niños diagnosticados TDAH. Para su elaboración se han tenido en cuenta los estudios sobre desarrollo de la atención así como las críticas recibidas por los instrumentos de evaluación disponibles, en un claro intento por superarlas. Ambos test se administraron a 423 escolares (de 2o a 6o) de 7 a 11 años de edad. Los datos obtenidos muestran el patrón de desarrollo de cada uno de los índices que aportan las pruebas: eficacia general de la atención, inexactitud, olvidos, organización de la ejecución y distracción-precipitación. Los índices de fiabilidad de estos índices se hallan en el rango 0.77 a 0.96 que se considera satisfactorio. En la discusión se reseña la utilidad que pueden tener ambos test para la valoración del perfil atencional en el niño, sea con un objetivo académico o clínico (AU)

The main goal of this study was to design two computerized tests to assess attention components relevant to children diagnosed with ADHD. For this purpose, previous developmental studies have been considered, and criticisms raised of previously employed tests. Both tests were administered to 423 school children from 7 to 11 years old (from 2nd to 6th grade). The data obtained show the developmental pattern of each index provided by each test: general efficiency of attention, inaccuracy, omissions, organization, and distraction-precipitation. Reliability indexes are satisfactory for both tests, ranging from 0.77 to 0.96. The discussion includes the utility these tests could have for assessment of the individual attentional profile in children, be it for academic or clinical purposes (AU)

¿Mejora el rendimiento espacial por efecto de la práctica? / Does spatial performance improve by practice effects?

¿Pueden aprenderse las aptitudes? Aunque existe cierto consenso para aceptar que pueden producirse algunas ganancias, hay poco acuerdo sobre cómo se consiguen tales mejoras en las aptitudes (Lohman y Nichols, 1990). Una forma de aproximarse al problema en la capacidad espacial, ha sido mediante el análisis del efecto de la práctica y el feedback. El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en analizar el efecto de la práctica y de la información sobre el rastro dejado por un estímulo móvil (feedback) en la capacidad para orientar objetos en movimiento. En un primer experimento, 42 sujetos completaron dos tareas dinámicas (SODT-R y SDT 2.0), consistentes en dirigir la trayectoria de dos objetos móviles para que lleguen sin desviación a un punto de destino, con tres niveles de rastro y 9 ó 18 ensayos. En un segundo experimento, 52 sujetos completaron el SDT 2.0, con tres niveles de rastro y 12, 24 ó 36 ensayos. Los resultados mostraron que cuanto mayor es la práctica y mayor es la información sobre la trayectoria de los móviles, mejor es el rendimiento. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados en el marco de la teoría basada en los procesos y el aprendizaje de las capacidades humanas(AU)

Can the abilities be learning? Although there is some consensus that abilities are developed, there is little consensus on how this development might occur (Lohman & Nichols, 1990). One approach in spatial ability has been the study of feedback and practice effects. The aim of the present study was to analyse these effects on dynamic spatial ability. 42 subjects completed two dynamic tasks (SODT-R and SDT 2.0) during the first experiment. Both tasks consisted of to guide two moving dots toward a destination, manipulating three levels of traces (feedback) and the number of trials (practice; 9 vs.18). In the second experiment, 52 subjects did the same task with SDT 2.0 procedure, also manipulating three levels of traces and the number of trials (12 vs. 24 vs. 36). Data showed level of traces and practice influenced dynamic spatial ability. Subject’s performance was better when more feedback traces were given and when more trials were done. We discuss theoretical implications based on the human learning and capacity processes(AU)