Cognitive Psychology Journal

The present study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dispositions to Critical Thinking Inventory (DCTI) among a normal sample of Iranian students. The present study is a correlation study. The population of the study consisted all students of Tehran’s universities (Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran University, and Shahed University). 330 students (175 females, 155 males) were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. At first, the inventory was translated through double translation method and verified by the specialists. To assess construct validity, the exploratory factor analysis as well as internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) was used. To assess the convergent validity, the correlation coefficients between the DCTI and the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) was used. Finally, in order to assess the reliability of the questionnaire, the test-retest after 2 weeks (N=40) and Cronbach’s coefficients were employed. Results from factor analysis and varimax rotation to determine construct validity showed that this inventory was saturated by three factors, innovativeness, maturity and commitment. To investigate its convergence validity, the results of correlation scores of the dispositions of critical thinking with the California critical thinking skills test score showed that the correlation between the critical thinking skills score and the California critical thinking skills test score was not significant, but it had a significant relationship with the two other factors. Using the internal consistency method, the Cronbach’s alpha for each of the subscales was calculated and following results obtained: 0.61 for innovativeness subscale, 0.38 for maturity, and 0.81 for commitment, which indicates dispositions to the critical thinking subscales had a positive and significant correlation with each other and with the total score of the inventory (r = 0.75). The obtained results of test-retest scores after one-week interval and internal correlation coefficient were calculated as follows: 0.564 for creativity, 0.372 for maturity, and 0.682 for commitment subscales.
According to the results of the present study, the DCTI can be used for educational and research goals in Iranian population.

The Mediating Role of Self-Regulation in the Relationship between Thinking Styles and Students’ Test Anxiety in Birjand University

This study aimed to determine the mediating role of self-regulation in the relationship between thinking styles and students’ test anxiety in Birjand University. The present study is a non-experimental one and of Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) type. The sample size consists of 300 students (150 males and 150 females) who were studying in Birjand University that were selected through multi-stage cluster random sampling method. They completed three questionnaires including Test Anxiety questionnaire developed by Abolqasemi et al. (1996), Self-regulation questionnaire by Pinterich and DeGrowth (1990) and Thinking Styles by Sternberg and Wagner (1992). Then, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and parameters of inferential statistics and path analysis were applied using AMOS software. The results showed that thinking styles explain 31% of the self-regulatory learning variance and thinking styles with mediation of self-regulatory learning explain 36% of the test anxiety variance. Thinking styles have an indirect relationship with test anxiety through self-regulation. Therefore, identifying different learning styles and skills through self-regulation of the amount of test anxiety they explained. And thus to reduce test anxiety set of programs. As a result, planners and therapists These findings suggest that self-regulation is necessary to reduce test anxiety, and also references to different learning styles as a key variable pay special attention

The role of metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies in test anxiety

yazdan moradizadeh

The aim of present study was to investigation the role of metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies in test anxiety symptoms of students. In a frame of correlation design, using multi-stage cluster sampling among high school students of Estahban and Shiraz in the 93-94 academic year, 401 students (male and female) were selected and completed test anxiety inventory (TAI), metacognitive questionnaire (MCQ-30) and thought control questionnaire (TCQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that the cognitive components of positive beliefs about worry, uncontrollability, danger and cognitive confidence had a positive relationship with test anxiety symptoms of students. Also, among thought control strategies, worry, social control and punishment had a positive relationship with test anxiety symptoms of student, but attention diversion had a negative relationship. The results of stepwise multiple regression analysis of variables combination showed that uncontrollability and danger, cognitive confidence, punishment and need to thoughts control predict test anxiety symptoms of students, respectively. The results of this study suggests that one of important factors in incidence of test anxiety in students is metacognitive beliefs and copying strategies about them. Therefore, it is recommended that pay particular attention to metacognitive beliefs and copying strategies in the prevention programs or treatment of test anxiety.

Psychometric properties of flow metacognitions questionnaire

sohrab amiri

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties flow metacognitions questionnaire (FMQ) on the student population took place. For this purpose, 390 students of Urmia University were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling, then flow metacognitions questionnaire (FMQ), Positive Metacognitions and Meta-Emotions Questionnaire and Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire were distributed among them to respond. After collecting data to determine the psychometric properties of the flow metacognitions questionnaire (FMQ), initially validity of the Questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, retest and splitting coefficient, the criterion validity with Positive Metacognitions and Meta-Emotions Questionnaire and Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire. As well as its factor structure was assessed by using confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the factor analysis indicated that the flow metacognitions questionnaire (FMQ) has two factors, check the validity of the questionnaire using Cronbach's alpha, retest and splitting coefficient reflects the stability of the scale, the criterion validity of the questionnaire with other questionnaires Showed desirable discriminant and convergence validity. Overall, the findings indicated that flow metacognitions questionnaire (FMQ), has good psychometric properties in sample of student and normal population, and tool can be used in studies in the Iranian culture.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of theory of mind in deaf children is improved theory of mind and social skills. This study is a quasi-experimental. The study sample was selected by convenience sampling. Sample the deaf, hard of hearing parents who were selected and then randomly divided into two groups: a control group and the experimental group received. Five and Six primary target sample size of 16 deaf children. Tools used in this test, scale test of theory of mind and social skills. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA. The results showed that the control test, the experimental group and the control group, there were no significant differences in the level of theory of mind (P>0.000), the theory of mind in deaf children's theory of mind has been improved. Also, the control test, the experimental group and the control group showed no significant difference in terms of social skills (P> 0.537), thus improving social skills training, theory of mind in deaf children has not been effective.

The effectiveness of attention training on the reading performance of students with dyslexia

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of attention training on the reading performance of students with dyslexia .This was an experimental study with pre-test, post-test and control group. The samples were randomly selected and consisted of 30 female students with dyslexia that were 11-9 years old. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental Group received 20 sessions (Three times per week, each lasting 45 minutes) of verbal attention training program while the control group received only conventional education in school. Before and after the intervention, Assessment of Reading and Dyslexia (NAMA) were completed by the two groups. Before the intervention Toulouse-Pieron test screening for dyslexic students who had attention deficit was applied. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. The results showed that attention training program Increased the reading Performance of excremental group in comparison to control group (p <0/0005). Also the scores of experimental group were enhancing after the training. Attention training had a positive effect on reading performance of students with dyslexia and can be used to enhance students' reading performance. This method can be applied by psychologists, teachers and educators of special schools, parents and all those who are in communication with these children.