This study investigates the impact of self- and other-report cognitive competence, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors on depression using a population sample from the archival data of the Clinical Assessment Scales of the Elderly (CASE). Structural Equation Modeling was used to test predictions of the abovementioned variables. Participants were a matched self-and other-report subset (N=123) of the CASE standardization sample (N=2,000). Structural equation modeling was used to test predictions. The results revealed that age does not predict self-report cognitive competence or other-report cognitive competence. A small covariance (0.42) was found between the errors of self-report cognitive competence and other-report cognitive competence. The data reports self-report depression mediates both self-report anxiety and self-report obsessive compulsive behaviors. Statistically significant large effects were found between self-report cognitive competence and all variables; self-report anxiety (0.72), self-report depression (0.62), and self-report obsessive compulsive behaviors (0.71). Moderate to large effects were found for other-report cognitive competence and all variables; other-report anxiety (.063), other-report depression (0.63), and other-report obsessive compulsive behaviors (0.35). The correlations between the anxiety and depression measures confirm the current literature regarding depression and anxiety. In this study depression has been found to have a mediating effect on both anxiety and obsessive compulsive behaviors in an elderly sample. The inclusion of obsessive compulsive behaviors as a measure of anxiety in this model has empirically demonstrated the variability of the presentation of depression. Psychological self-report measures continue to be the best determinant of a patient’s internal functioning. Research in the area of the presentation of depression in the elderly merits further investigation.

This study investigates the impact of self- and other-report cognitive competence, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors on depression using a population sample from the archival data of the Clinical Assessment Scales of the Elderly (CASE). Structural Equation Modeling was used to test predictions of the abovementioned variables. Participants were a matched self-and other-report subset (N=123) of the CASE standardization sample (N=2,000). Structural equation modeling was used to test predictions. The results revealed that age does not predict self-report cognitive competence or other-report cognitive competence. A small covariance (0.42) was found between the errors of self-report cognitive competence and other-report cognitive competence. The data reports self-report depression mediates both self-report anxiety and self-report obsessive compulsive behaviors. Statistically significant large effects were found between self-report cognitive competence and all variables; self-report anxiety (0.72), self-report depression (0.62), and self-report obsessive compulsive behaviors (0.71). Moderate to large effects were found for other-report cognitive competence and all variables; other-report anxiety (.063), other-report depression (0.63), and other-report obsessive compulsive behaviors (0.35). The correlations between the anxiety and depression measures confirm the current literature regarding depression and anxiety. In this study depression has been found to have a mediating effect on both anxiety and obsessive compulsive behaviors in an elderly sample. The inclusion of obsessive compulsive behaviors as a measure of anxiety in this model has empirically demonstrated the variability of the presentation of depression. Psychological self-report measures continue to be the best determinant of a patient’s internal functioning. Research in the area of the presentation of depression in the elderly merits further investigation.

The dissertation reports on two studies. The purpose of Study I was to develop and evaluate a measure of cognitive competence (the Critical Problem Solving Skills Scale – Qualitative Extension) using Relational Data Analysis (RDA) with a multi-ethnic, adolescent sample. My study builds on previous work that has been conducted to provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the RDA framework in evaluating youth development programs (Kurtines et al., 2008). Inter-coder percent agreement among the TOC and TCC coders for each of the category levels was moderate to high, with a range of .76 to .94. The Fleiss’ kappa across all category levels was from substantial agreement to almost perfect agreement, with a range of .72 to .91. The correlation between the TOC and the TCC demonstrated medium to high correlation, with a range of r(40)=.68, p Study II reports an investigation of a positive youth development program using an Outcome Mediation Cascade (OMC) evaluation model, an integrated model for evaluating the empirical intersection between intervention and developmental processes. The Changing Lives Program (CLP) is a community supported positive youth development intervention implemented in a practice setting as a selective/indicated program for multi-ethnic, multi-problem at risk youth in urban alternative high schools in the Miami Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The 259 participants for this study were drawn from the CLP’s archival data file. The study used a structural equation modeling approach to construct and evaluate the hypothesized model. Findings indicated that the hypothesized model fit the data (χ2 (7) = 5.651, p = .83; RMSEA = .00; CFI = 1.00; WRMR = .319). My study built on previous research using the OMC evaluation model (Eichas, 2010), and the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that in addition to having effects on targeted positive outcomes, PYD interventions are likely to have progressive cascading effects on untargeted problem outcomes that operate through effects on positive outcomes.

The thesis serves as an evaluation of the psychometric properties of a measure of cognitive competence used with a multi-ethnic, adolescent sample. The primary goal of this study was the development of the Critical Problem Solving Skills Scale – Qualitative Extension, using Relational Data Analysis (RDA). This study builds on previous work that has been conducted to provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the RDA framework in evaluating youth development programs (Kurtines et al., 2008). Inter-coder percent agreement among the TOC and TCC coders for each of the category levels was moderate to high, with a range of .76 to .94. The Fleiss’ kappa across all category levels was from substantial agreement to almost perfect agreement, with a range of .72 to .91. The correlation between the TOC and the TCC demonstrated medium to high correlation, with a range of r(40)=.68, p

Este estudo situa-se no campo da aprendizagem da Matemática. O objetivo da pesquisa aqui proposta foi identificar a existência de relação entre a competência cognitiva, o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão do erro, na resolução de problemas matemáticos com equações algébricas do 1º grau. Para isso, investigou-se 38 alunos do 8º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola municipal da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, selecionados aleatoriamente em duas turmas. Adotando o método misto de pesquisa, utilizou-se como instrumentos o Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI), como avaliador da competência cognitiva e divisor dos grupos com alto e baixo nível de competência cognitiva, tendo como referência a média geral de acertos do grupo; e a Escala de Estratégias Metacognitivas na Resolução de Problemas (E-EMRP). Realizaram-se também Observações e Entrevistas Clínicas com base na solução da Tarefa de Resolução de Problemas com Equações Algébricas do 1º Grau (TRPEA). O tratamento estatístico, realizado por meio dos testes de Correlação de Pearson e t-Student, demonstrou a existência de correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o WASI e a TRPEA, evidenciando a existência de relação entre a competência cognitiva e o desempenho na resolução de problemas e compreensão do erro pelo estudante. Verificou-se também uma diferença significativa entre os estudantes com alto e baixo nível de competência cognitiva, em relação ao desempenho na resolução dos problemas e compreensão dos erros, comprovando que estudantes com maiores níveis de competência cognitiva apresentaram melhor desempenho, cometendo menos erros e compreendendo com maior frequência os erros cometidos. Verificou-se ainda a existência de relação entre o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão do erro, bem como em relação à competência cognitiva - por meio da observação e entrevista clínica - evidenciando que, apesar do uso das estratégias não ocorrer em todos os momentos da resolução do problema (antes, durante e após a leitura do enunciado e durante e após a resolução do problema) com a mesma frequência, os estudantes com maiores níveis de competência cognitiva demonstraram utilizar um maior conjunto de estratégias, compreendendo melhor a necessidade de sua utilização correta em todas as etapas da resolução, do que os estudantes com baixos níveis de competência cognitiva. Esses resultados alertam para a necessidade de desenvolver-se em sala de aula, atividades que tenham como propósito o treinamento do uso correto de estratégias metacognitivas, visando o aprimoramento da capacidade de resolução de problemas matemáticos, assim como a prevenção e compreensão dos erros cometidos. / This study belongs to the field of mathematics learning. The research aimed to confirm the existence of a relationship among cognitive ability, usage of metacognitive strategies and comprehension of error, in mathematical problem solving 1st degree algebraic equations. For this purpose, 38 students attending the 8th year of primary education in a public school in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre (Brazil), were randomly divided into two groups. A mixed method research was adopted, in which the tools chosen were: Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI), used as a measure of cognitive competence and also as criteria for splitting the group according to cognitive competence level (high and low), considering the overall average of the group's score as guideline, and Metacognitive Strategies Scale in Problem Solving (MSSPS). The method included observations and clinic interviews based on solution of Problem Solving 1st Degree Algebraic Equations (PSAET) as well. Statistical procedure, through Pearson correlation and Student’s t-tests, showed a statistically significant correlation between WASI and PSAET, which demonstrated the existence of relationship between cognitive ability and performance in problem solving and comprehension of error by the student. In addition, there was detected a significant difference between students with high and low levels of cognitive ability, referent to the performance in problem solving and comprehension of errors, proving that students with higher levels of cognitive ability showed best performance, by making fewer errors and comprehending them more frequently. Furthermore, there was confirmed the existence of a relationship between the use of metacognitive strategies and comprehension of the error, and relatively to cognitive competence - through observation and clinical interview. This is an evidence that, despite the strategies were not employed at all stages of problem solving (before, during and after reading the statement and during and after the resolution of the problem) with the same frequency, students with higher levels of cognitive competence demonstrated using a larger set of strategies, aware of the need to the right utilization at all stages of resolution, compared to students with low levels of cognitive competence. These results emphasized the importance of developing classroom activities with purpose of training the correct usage of metacognitive strategies, in order to improve the ability to solve mathematical problems, besides prevention and understanding of errors.

Este estudo situa-se no campo da aprendizagem da Matemática. O objetivo da pesquisa aqui proposta foi identificar a existência de relação entre a competência cognitiva, o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão do erro, na resolução de problemas matemáticos com equações algébricas do 1º grau. Para isso, investigou-se 38 alunos do 8º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola municipal da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, selecionados aleatoriamente em duas turmas. Adotando o método misto de pesquisa, utilizou-se como instrumentos o Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI), como avaliador da competência cognitiva e divisor dos grupos com alto e baixo nível de competência cognitiva, tendo como referência a média geral de acertos do grupo; e a Escala de Estratégias Metacognitivas na Resolução de Problemas (E-EMRP). Realizaram-se também Observações e Entrevistas Clínicas com base na solução da Tarefa de Resolução de Problemas com Equações Algébricas do 1º Grau (TRPEA). O tratamento estatístico, realizado por meio dos testes de Correlação de Pearson e t-Student, demonstrou a existência de correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o WASI e a TRPEA, evidenciando a existência de relação entre a competência cognitiva e o desempenho na resolução de problemas e compreensão do erro pelo estudante. Verificou-se também uma diferença significativa entre os estudantes com alto e baixo nível de competência cognitiva, em relação ao desempenho na resolução dos problemas e compreensão dos erros, comprovando que estudantes com maiores níveis de competência cognitiva apresentaram melhor desempenho, cometendo menos erros e compreendendo com maior frequência os erros cometidos. Verificou-se ainda a existência de relação entre o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão do erro, bem como em relação à competência cognitiva - por meio da observação e entrevista clínica - evidenciando que, apesar do uso das estratégias não ocorrer em todos os momentos da resolução do problema (antes, durante e após a leitura do enunciado e durante e após a resolução do problema) com a mesma frequência, os estudantes com maiores níveis de competência cognitiva demonstraram utilizar um maior conjunto de estratégias, compreendendo melhor a necessidade de sua utilização correta em todas as etapas da resolução, do que os estudantes com baixos níveis de competência cognitiva. Esses resultados alertam para a necessidade de desenvolver-se em sala de aula, atividades que tenham como propósito o treinamento do uso correto de estratégias metacognitivas, visando o aprimoramento da capacidade de resolução de problemas matemáticos, assim como a prevenção e compreensão dos erros cometidos. / This study belongs to the field of mathematics learning. The research aimed to confirm the existence of a relationship among cognitive ability, usage of metacognitive strategies and comprehension of error, in mathematical problem solving 1st degree algebraic equations. For this purpose, 38 students attending the 8th year of primary education in a public school in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre (Brazil), were randomly divided into two groups. A mixed method research was adopted, in which the tools chosen were: Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI), used as a measure of cognitive competence and also as criteria for splitting the group according to cognitive competence level (high and low), considering the overall average of the group's score as guideline, and Metacognitive Strategies Scale in Problem Solving (MSSPS). The method included observations and clinic interviews based on solution of Problem Solving 1st Degree Algebraic Equations (PSAET) as well. Statistical procedure, through Pearson correlation and Student’s t-tests, showed a statistically significant correlation between WASI and PSAET, which demonstrated the existence of relationship between cognitive ability and performance in problem solving and comprehension of error by the student. In addition, there was detected a significant difference between students with high and low levels of cognitive ability, referent to the performance in problem solving and comprehension of errors, proving that students with higher levels of cognitive ability showed best performance, by making fewer errors and comprehending them more frequently. Furthermore, there was confirmed the existence of a relationship between the use of metacognitive strategies and comprehension of the error, and relatively to cognitive competence - through observation and clinical interview. This is an evidence that, despite the strategies were not employed at all stages of problem solving (before, during and after reading the statement and during and after the resolution of the problem) with the same frequency, students with higher levels of cognitive competence demonstrated using a larger set of strategies, aware of the need to the right utilization at all stages of resolution, compared to students with low levels of cognitive competence. These results emphasized the importance of developing classroom activities with purpose of training the correct usage of metacognitive strategies, in order to improve the ability to solve mathematical problems, besides prevention and understanding of errors.

Este estudo situa-se no campo da aprendizagem da Matemática. O objetivo da pesquisa aqui proposta foi identificar a existência de relação entre a competência cognitiva, o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão do erro, na resolução de problemas matemáticos com equações algébricas do 1º grau. Para isso, investigou-se 38 alunos do 8º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola municipal da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, selecionados aleatoriamente em duas turmas. Adotando o método misto de pesquisa, utilizou-se como instrumentos o Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI), como avaliador da competência cognitiva e divisor dos grupos com alto e baixo nível de competência cognitiva, tendo como referência a média geral de acertos do grupo; e a Escala de Estratégias Metacognitivas na Resolução de Problemas (E-EMRP). Realizaram-se também Observações e Entrevistas Clínicas com base na solução da Tarefa de Resolução de Problemas com Equações Algébricas do 1º Grau (TRPEA). O tratamento estatístico, realizado por meio dos testes de Correlação de Pearson e t-Student, demonstrou a existência de correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o WASI e a TRPEA, evidenciando a existência de relação entre a competência cognitiva e o desempenho na resolução de problemas e compreensão do erro pelo estudante. Verificou-se também uma diferença significativa entre os estudantes com alto e baixo nível de competência cognitiva, em relação ao desempenho na resolução dos problemas e compreensão dos erros, comprovando que estudantes com maiores níveis de competência cognitiva apresentaram melhor desempenho, cometendo menos erros e compreendendo com maior frequência os erros cometidos. Verificou-se ainda a existência de relação entre o uso de estratégias metacognitivas e a compreensão do erro, bem como em relação à competência cognitiva - por meio da observação e entrevista clínica - evidenciando que, apesar do uso das estratégias não ocorrer em todos os momentos da resolução do problema (antes, durante e após a leitura do enunciado e durante e após a resolução do problema) com a mesma frequência, os estudantes com maiores níveis de competência cognitiva demonstraram utilizar um maior conjunto de estratégias, compreendendo melhor a necessidade de sua utilização correta em todas as etapas da resolução, do que os estudantes com baixos níveis de competência cognitiva. Esses resultados alertam para a necessidade de desenvolver-se em sala de aula, atividades que tenham como propósito o treinamento do uso correto de estratégias metacognitivas, visando o aprimoramento da capacidade de resolução de problemas matemáticos, assim como a prevenção e compreensão dos erros cometidos. / This study belongs to the field of mathematics learning. The research aimed to confirm the existence of a relationship among cognitive ability, usage of metacognitive strategies and comprehension of error, in mathematical problem solving 1st degree algebraic equations. For this purpose, 38 students attending the 8th year of primary education in a public school in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre (Brazil), were randomly divided into two groups. A mixed method research was adopted, in which the tools chosen were: Whimbey Analytical Skills Inventory (WASI), used as a measure of cognitive competence and also as criteria for splitting the group according to cognitive competence level (high and low), considering the overall average of the group's score as guideline, and Metacognitive Strategies Scale in Problem Solving (MSSPS). The method included observations and clinic interviews based on solution of Problem Solving 1st Degree Algebraic Equations (PSAET) as well. Statistical procedure, through Pearson correlation and Student’s t-tests, showed a statistically significant correlation between WASI and PSAET, which demonstrated the existence of relationship between cognitive ability and performance in problem solving and comprehension of error by the student. In addition, there was detected a significant difference between students with high and low levels of cognitive ability, referent to the performance in problem solving and comprehension of errors, proving that students with higher levels of cognitive ability showed best performance, by making fewer errors and comprehending them more frequently. Furthermore, there was confirmed the existence of a relationship between the use of metacognitive strategies and comprehension of the error, and relatively to cognitive competence - through observation and clinical interview. This is an evidence that, despite the strategies were not employed at all stages of problem solving (before, during and after reading the statement and during and after the resolution of the problem) with the same frequency, students with higher levels of cognitive competence demonstrated using a larger set of strategies, aware of the need to the right utilization at all stages of resolution, compared to students with low levels of cognitive competence. These results emphasized the importance of developing classroom activities with purpose of training the correct usage of metacognitive strategies, in order to improve the ability to solve mathematical problems, besides prevention and understanding of errors.

Tidigare forskning har studerat vilken kompetens om HR-personal behöver via diverse synsätt och vi vill undersöka detta djupare. Vi tolkar att det inte finns tillräckligt med forskning kring vad HR-personal själva anser att kompetens är. Syftet med denna studie har varit att öka förståelsen för synen på kompetens och vilken kompetens som behövs, i detta fall för arbetande inom HR. Detta har skett via en kvalitativ intervjustudie med HR-generalister eller motsvarande från åtta olika organisationer i såväl privat som offentlig sektor. Resultatet har visat att kompetens hos HR är ett brett och inkluderar bland annat kunskap, färdigheter, social kompetens samt kognitiv kompetens. / Previous research has studied the competence that HR needs through various approaches and we want to investigate this deeper. We interpret that there isn't enough research about what HR-staff themselves consider competence is. The purpose of this study has been to increase the understanding of the view of competence and what competence is needed, in this case for workers in HR. This has been done through a qualitative interview study with HR generalists or equivalent from eight different organizations in both the private and public sectors. The results have shown that competence in HR is broad and includes, among other things, knowledge, skills, social competence and cognitive competence.