Using confirmatory factor analysis to validate the Chamberlin affective instrument for mathematical problem solving with academically advanced students.

BACKGROUND: Student affect plays a considerable role in mathematical problem solving performance, yet is rarely formally assessed. In this manuscript, an instrument and its properties are discussed to enable educational psychologists the opportunity to assess student affect. AIMS: The study was conducted to norm the CAIMPS (instrument) with gifted students. In so doing, educational psychologists are informed of the process and the instrument's properties. SAMPLE: The sample was comprised of 160 middle-grade (7 and 8) students, identified as gifted, in the United States. METHODS: After completing one of four model-eliciting activities (MEAs), all participants completed the CAIMPS (Chamberlin Affective Instrument for Mathematical Problem Solving). Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis to ascertain the number of factors in the instrument. The normed fit index (0.6939), non-normed fit index (0.8072), and root mean square error approximation (.076) were at or near the acceptable levels. Alpha levels for factors were also robust (.637-.923). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Data suggest that the instrument was a good fit for use with mathematics students in middle grades when solving problems. Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of the instrument was that the four factors (AVI: anxiety, value, and interest), SS (self-efficacy and self-esteem), ASP (aspiration), and ANX (anxiety) did not correlate highly with one another, which defies previous hypotheses in educational psychology.

Recurrent hydrocoele.

Hydrocele is a common cause of scrotal swelling in general practice and is caused by a patent space in the tunica vaginalis. Treatment is often conservative unless the hydrocele grows to a critical size that leads to discomfort or difficulty in walking, in which case drainage is necessary. Depending on the communication of the tunica vaginalis with the peritoneal cavity and other coexistent morbidities, hydrocoele may recur despite repeated drainage posing a problem to management in general practice. We hereby presented a 72-year male with a huge hydrocoele that recurred despite repeated drainage and hernia sac repair, arousing thoughts on this subject and discussions as to the most appropriate management.

End of life discussion in an academic family health team in kingston, ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: End-of-life (EOL) discussions remain difficult in non-terminal patients as death is often perceived as a taboo and uncertainty. However, the call for proper EOL discussions has recently received public attention and media coverage. Evidence also reveals that non-terminal patients are more satisfied with health-care encounters when EOL has been discussed. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of EOL discussions in non-terminal adult patients, the perceived barriers to such discussions and suggested methods for improvement. A study mixed-methods study was performed by a group of PGY1 family medicine residents in an academic health team in Kingston, Ontario. RESULTS: EOL discussion was performed in a very small proportion of non-terminal patient encounters. Compared with attending physicians, residents were less likely to discuss EOL issues and reported more perceived barriers. CONCLUSION: Our findings reflect the need for an early and open approach in conducting EOL discussion for non-terminal healthy patients.