Brown Bag Presentations
Applications of Structural Equation Modeling in
Cross-Cultural Well-Being Research: Measurement and Structural Equivalence by
Dr. Hung Bin Sheu
Dr. Sheu presented his research regarding the issues and
applications of structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques when used for
cross-cultural well-being research. It
is important to determine the cultural differences that may exist that affect
theory implementation and assessment tools.
The cross-cultural validity of social cognitive theory was tested using
SEM to analyze college students' well-being from four different countries. Measurement and structural equivalence of
hypothesized models can be examined using a hierarchical procedure. There are different forms of equivalence when
studying specific tools such as assessments including conceptual, content,
semantic, and statistical equivalence. In addition,
structural equivalence can be examined by looking at theory relationships and
factor covariances.
The hypothesized model specifically used for this
presentation included information regarding personality traits, cultural
orientations, and other environmental and person-cognitive variables to predict
academic outcomes in addition to outcomes related to global well-being for
various cultural and language contexts. The ways in which the research affects
practice and future research was discussed in terms of how the results obtained
can be used to improve and modify theories.
Self-Regulated Learning and Self-Control by Dr. Heidi
Andrade, Dr. Reza Feyzi Behnagh, and Dr. Mark Muraven
Dr. Andrade discussed the theories, research, background,
and practical implications related to self-regulated learning. In addition, Dr. Andrade discussed her
research regarding the relationship between classroom assessment and
self-regulated learning. Research in
those two fields of study has begun the process of merging together to best
understand student learning and self-regulation and how assessment affects that
process. For example, goals can be used
as learning targets that can then be formatively assessed to determine student
progress in addition to evaluating and improving teaching strategies.
Dr. Muraven presented his research on the idea of
self-control depletion. In other words,
self-control will eventually fail if used for an extended amount of time. He shared the results of his studies related
to alcohol restraint which found that the more days an individual is required
to use self-control to not drink alcohol, the more likely they are to drink again. This leads to the importance of individuals
finding ways to balance and recharge their self-control and build self-control
strength.
Movie Night
For the Spring Movie Night, the RGSO presented the 1936
marijuana propaganda film, “Reefer Madness”.
Chad King from the History department and Julio McLaughlin from the
Educational Psychology and Methodology department facilitated the discussion.
Navigating the Non-Academic Job Market Panel
Along with the Future Faculty Leadership Council (FFLC), the
Ed Psych RGSO held a panel discussion regarding how to prepare for
post-academic and alternative job markets.
Participating Ed Psych alumni included Georgia Brooke, Fei Chen, and
Zach Warner. They shared valuable
information and tips related to their own experiences in the non-academic job
market.
15th Annual Poster Session
The Educational Psychology and Methodology RGSO collaborated
with the School Psychology RGSO and Counseling Psychology RGSO to offer the 15th
Annual Poster Session as a department-wide event. The RGSOs were honored to have Provost
James Stellar attend the poster session.
Students shared their research findings, conference presentations,
current literature reviews and syntheses, research in progress, and academic
intervention evaluations. Dr.
Christopher Chabris was the session’s keynote speaker. Dr. Chabris is an Associate Professor of
Psychology and co-director of the Neuroscience Program at Union College in addition
to serving as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurology at Albany Medical
College. He shared his research
regarding selective attention, multitasking, and the famous “Invisible Gorilla”
test. 
