Dataset Information

The Correlates of Similarity Estimates Are Often Misleadingly Positive: The Nature and Scope of the Problem, and Some Solutions.

ABSTRACT: Research on similarity constructs (e.g., dyadic similarity, personality stability, judgment agreement and accuracy) frequently find them to be associated with positive outcomes. However, a methodological pitfall associated with common "overall similarity" indices, which we term the normative-desirability confound(NDC), will regularly result in similarity constructs apparently having more positive effects than they do in reality. In essence, when an individual is estimated to be similar to another person by common indices, this will strongly indicate that the individual has desirable characteristics. Consequently, the correlates of overall similarity indices can often be interpreted as indicating the beneficial effects of having desirable characteristics, without needing to attribute any additional salutary effect to similarity. We show that this confound is present in overall similarity estimates for a wide range of constructs (e.g., personality traits, attitudes, emotions, behaviors, values), how it can be accounted for, and discuss larger implications for our understanding of similarity constructs.

SUBMITTER: Wood D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4615254 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

The Correlates of Similarity Estimates Are Often Misleadingly Positive: The Nature and Scope of the Problem, and Some Solutions.

Wood Dustin D Furr R Michael RM

Personality and social psychology review : an official journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc 20150420 2

Research on similarity constructs (e.g., dyadic similarity, personality stability, judgment agreement and accuracy) frequently find them to be associated with positive outcomes. However, a methodological pitfall associated with common "overall similarity" indices, which we term the normative-desirability confound(NDC), will regularly result in similarity constructs apparently having more positive effects than they do in reality. In essence, when an individual is estimated to be similar to anothe ...[more]

PMID: 25896284

Similar Datasets

Project description:Aims and objectivesTo describe the nature and scope of nurse-midwifery practice in Texas and to determine legislative priorities and practice barriers.BackgroundAcross the globe, midwives are the largest group of maternity care providers despite little known about midwifery practice. With a looming shortage of midwives, there is a pressing need to understand midwives' work environment and scope of practice.DesignMixed methods research utilising prospective descriptive survey and interview.MethodsAn online survey was administered to nurse-midwives practicing in the state of Texas (N = 449) with a subset (n = 10) telephone interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis was performed.ResultsThe survey was completed by 141 midwives with eight interviewed. Most were older, Caucasian and held a master's degree. A majority worked full-time, were in clinical practice in larger urban areas and were employed by a hospital or physician group. Care was most commonly provided for Hispanic and White women; approximately a quarter could care for greater numbers of patients. Most did not clinically teach midwifery students. Physician practice agreements were believed unnecessary and prescriptive authority requirements restrictive. Legislative issues were typically followed through the professional organisation or social media sites; most felt a lack of competence to influence health policy decisions. While most were satisfied with current clinical practice, a majority planned a change in the next 3 to 5 years.ConclusionsAn ageing midwifery workforce, not representative of the race/ethnicity of the populations served, is underutilised with practice requirements that limit provision of services. Health policy changes are needed to ensure unrestricted practice.Relevance to clinical practiceRobust midwifery workforce data are needed as well as a midwifery board which tracks availability and accessibility of midwives. Educators should consider training models promoting long-term service in underserved areas, and development of skills crucial for impacting health policy change.

Dataset Information

The Correlates of Similarity Estimates Are Often Misleadingly Positive: The Nature and Scope of the Problem, and Some Solutions.

Publications

The Correlates of Similarity Estimates Are Often Misleadingly Positive: The Nature and Scope of the Problem, and Some Solutions.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets