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Älander, Eva (2011): De nationella proven i svenska – hur påverkar de undervisningen i årskurs 9? Examensarbete i didaktik. Lärarprogrammet. Akademin för utbildning och ekonomi. Högskolan i Gävle.   Sammanfattning Detta är en studie om det nationella provet i svenska för årskurs 9. Arbetets syfte har varit att undersöka hur några lärare uppfattar att de nationella proven påverkar de prioriteringar som de gör runt ämnets innehåll. Med andra ord: hur de nationella proven påverkar undervisningen i svenska i årskurs 9. Leder proven till att den dagliga undervisningen fokuserar vissa mål på bekostnad av andra mål? Eller är det snarare så att provens existens hjälper till att ställa kursplanens innehåll i fokus på ett sätt som gynnar elevernas måluppfyllelse? Undersökningen genomfördes i form av semi-strukturerade intervjuer med fem stycken lärare som i dagsläget undervisar i svenska. Dessa lärare har varit involverade i genomförande och bedömning av nationella prov mellan två och femton gånger. Den intervjuguide som användes berörde två stycken teman; de nationella proven samt kursplanen i svenska och dess skrivningar om ämnets centrala innehåll i årskurs 7-9. Årligen genomför cirka 100 000 elever de tre delprov som ingår i det nationella provet i svenska för årskurs 9. Trots att proven inte mäter alla kursplanens mål är de mycket viktiga redskap för lärarnas bedömning och betygssättning. Lärarna i denna studie ser provresultaten som ett mått på (och garant för) sin egen bedömningsnivå, att de hamnat rätt i sin helhetsbedömning av elevens måluppfyllelse. Under en längre tid har det konstateras relativt stora avvikelser mellan elevernas provbetyg och deras samlade terminsbetyg. En sådan avvikelse behöver inte alltid vara ett problem, men den kan också visa på att lärares bedömning inte är likvärdig över landet. Problematiken blir extra tydlig när långa texter ska bedömas och bedömningsanvisningarna lämnar stort tolkningsutrymme till den enskilde läraren. Ett arbetssätt som rekommenderas för att råda bot på likvärdighetsproblematiken är sambedömning. Sambedömning problematiseras i denna studies resultat utifrån risken för att skolkulturer skapas samt de tendenser till skillnader i villkor som anas mellan lärare på kommunala respektive fristående skolor. Det blir tydligt i denna studies resultat att det nationella provet påverkar undervisningen i relativt stor utsträckning, inte minst genom de grundliga förberedelser som genomförs inför provet. Detta väcker frågor om var gränsen går mellan att ge eleverna så goda förutsättningar som möjligt och att förbereda dem så pass mycket att provresultatet inte säger något om elevens kunskaper utan snarare är en produkt utav en längre tids strategiska förberedelser? Nyckelord: bedömning, kursplan, lektionsinnehåll, måluppfyllelse, nationella prov, svenska, årskurs 9 Keywords: assessment, course syllabi, goal attainment, lesson planning, national tests, Swedish, year 9

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between active procrastination, self-regulated learning and academic achievement. Participants included 108 undergraduate students enrolled in a first-year elective course at a Canadian university. Students reported their level of active procrastination, cognitive and metacognitive strategy use, self-efficacy for learning and performance, goal quality and self-reported goal attainment over the semester. Measures included the self-report Active Procrastination Scale (APS; Choi & Moran, 2009), the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ; Pintrich Smith, Garcia, & McKeachie, 1991) and weekly reflections. Findings revealed: (a) active procrastination was significantly positively related to academic achievement, (b) the ability to meet deadlines was the component of active procrastination most related to SRL variables, and (c) self-reported goal attainment accounted for the most variance in ability to meet deadlines score. Further research is needed to explore the central role of ability to meet deadlines in active procrastination and the order in which SRL variables, active procrastination and negative influence of procrastination predict academic achievement. / Graduate

Within the psychological literature two main approaches can be identified as influential factors in the increase of well-being, defined in this thesis as Hedonic (SWB) vs. Eudaimonic Well-Being (PWB). One of the key qualities of the human mind is its ability to think about and act upon the future. The first approach emphasises the role of psychological strengths related to the utilisation of foresight and planning in such a way as to influence the consequences of current actions. The second approach focuses on the function of basic personality traits in the setting of goals and mental functioning. To integrate these approaches, this thesis brings together two lines of research: future-orientation and personality traits. Two longitudinal studies investigate the predictive qualities of future-orientated constructs in relation to personality traits, while also focusing on their contribution to the setting and attainment of goals and the perception of well-being. In the first study two cognitive-motivational scales, Hope and Personal Growth Initiative (PGI), were administered to measure two hundred and sixty four participants’ future-orientation. The first aim of this study was to examine the distinctiveness of these two scales in predicting well-being. Results from factor analyses cast doubt on the uniqueness of Hope and PGI, while regression analyses demonstrate Hope to be the strongest, most significant predictor of PWB and SWB. A further aim of the study was to ascertain if future-orientation could account for additional variance in the prediction of well-being, after the influence of the Eysenck’s Personality traits have been controlled for. It was indicated that individuals’ Hope levels do account for residual variance in PWB and SWB. The last aim of the study was to determine if future-orientation could contribute to long-term goal attainment and well-being. The results indicate that participant’s Hope levels did not significantly contribute to long-term goal attainment, however it had a direct, significant effect on long-term PWB. The second study, utilising 117 participants, replicated prior findings that demonstrate Hope, instead of PGI, to be the strongest, most significant predictor of both PWB and SWB. The study also extents prior research by utilising the Big-Five traits in the prediction of PWB and SWB. Factor analyses results indicate Hope to share an underlying factor structure with Openness and Conscientiousness, while PGI share an underlying factor structure with Agreeableness. It was further indicated that participants’ Hope, but not PGI, accounts for residual variance in the prediction of PWB, after controlling for the Big-Five traits. Conversely, Hope and PGI did not account for any residual variance in the prediction of SWB, instead almost 60% of the variance can be attributed to the Big-Five personality traits. Extending the first study, the aim of the second study was to ascertain attainment through independent verification and not participant self-assessment. The results indicate that participants who demonstrate greater levels of Openness and PGI tend to set higher quantitative goals. Although not predictive of goal attainment, participants with greater Openness showed higher performance on the goals. Overall, the results question the distinctiveness of Hope and PGI in the prediction of well-being. It adds to our knowledge of how psychological strengths such as future-orientation can contribute variance to the prediction of well-being after basic personality traits have been controlled for. Finally the results also add to our understanding of how personality traits, as well as, Hope and PGI independently contribute to the setting of goals.

La présente thèse avait pour but d’analyser les problèmes conjugaux, les mandats et les objectifs thérapeutiques des couples qui consultent en thérapie conjugale en milieu naturel. Cette thèse a été rédigée sous la forme de deux articles. Le premier article visait à dresser un portrait des problèmes conjugaux rapportés par les conjoints à l’aide d’une question ouverte. Les problèmes conjugaux de 108 couples débutant une thérapie conjugale ont d’abord été catégorisés. Les résultats ont montré que les problèmes conjugaux les plus fréquemment rapportés étaient liés à la communication, à la distance émotionnelle, à des problèmes spécifiques de la relation et à la sexualité. En comparant les couples selon le mandat thérapeutique, il a été trouvé que les couples en mandat de résolution de l’ambivalence rapportent davantage de problèmes liés à l’engagement/sécurité et à l’infidélité/flirting que les couples en mandat d’amélioration de la relation. Ces résultats ont démontré l’importance de l’utilisation du construit des mandats thérapeutiques et la nécessité d’étudier davantage l’ambivalence des couples. Le deuxième article visait à examiner les propriétés psychométriques de la mesure individualisée Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) dans l’évaluation du changement des couples en thérapie conjugale en milieu naturel. L’atteinte des objectifs thérapeutiques de 100 couples ayant complété une thérapie conjugale a été évaluée. Une catégorisation des objectifs thérapeutiques a également été proposée. Les résultats obtenus soutiennent l’efficacité de la thérapie conjugale en milieu naturel. Le pronostic du thérapeute quant au déroulement de la thérapie ainsi que le motif de fin de thérapie et la stabilité conjugale ont été identifiés comme étant liés à l’atteinte des objectifs. En comparant les couples selon le mandat thérapeutique, il a été trouvé que les couples en mandat d’amélioration de la relation ont davantage d’objectifs thérapeutiques liés à la communication, à la résolution de problèmes et à l’acceptation des différences que les couples en mandat de résolution de l’ambivalence. Les résultats appuient la validité et l’utilité de la mesure GAS pour la recherche et la pratique clinique. En somme, cette thèse a contribué à l’avancement des connaissances en apportant un appui empirique au construit des mandats thérapeutiques et comporte des implications tant au niveau de la clinique qu’au niveau méthodologique et théorique. / The aim of this dissertation was to study the relationship problems, treatment goals and therapeutic mandates of couples consulting in couple therapy in a naturalistic setting. This dissertation includes two original articles. Using a relationship problems coding system on a sample of 108 couples seeking therapy, the first study identified that the most common relationship problems were related to communication, emotional affection or distance, specific areas of the current relationship, and lack of physical affection or sex. Comparisons of therapeutic mandates revealed that commitment or security problems and infidelity or flirting problems were more common among couples pursuing an ambivalence resolution mandate than among couples pursuing an alleviation of distress mandate. These results demonstrated the importance of identifying distinct therapeutic mandates in couple therapy and the need for further research about ambivalent couples. The second study aimed to evaluate change in couples that consulted in a naturalistic therapy setting using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). A categorization of treatment goals in couple therapy was proposed. Treatment goals and therapeutic mandates of 100 couples were categorized using standardized coding schemas. The results showed large pre-post changes in couples distress and severity of relationship problems. Therapists’ expectations about the therapy process, treatment completion and separation were related to couples’ goal attainment. Comparisons of therapeutic mandates revealed that couples pursuing an alleviation of distress mandate had more goals related to communication, problem-solving and acceptance of differences than couples pursuing an ambivalence resolution mandate. This study contributed to the field by providing preliminary data regarding the clinical utility of GAS in assessing change following couple therapy. Types of treatment goals set in naturalistic settings were presented and the results emphasized the need for further research on therapeutic mandates. In summary, this dissertation provided support to the construct of therapeutic mandates and presented clinical, methodological and theoretical implications.

La présente thèse avait pour but d’analyser les problèmes conjugaux, les mandats et les objectifs thérapeutiques des couples qui consultent en thérapie conjugale en milieu naturel. Cette thèse a été rédigée sous la forme de deux articles. Le premier article visait à dresser un portrait des problèmes conjugaux rapportés par les conjoints à l’aide d’une question ouverte. Les problèmes conjugaux de 108 couples débutant une thérapie conjugale ont d’abord été catégorisés. Les résultats ont montré que les problèmes conjugaux les plus fréquemment rapportés étaient liés à la communication, à la distance émotionnelle, à des problèmes spécifiques de la relation et à la sexualité. En comparant les couples selon le mandat thérapeutique, il a été trouvé que les couples en mandat de résolution de l’ambivalence rapportent davantage de problèmes liés à l’engagement/sécurité et à l’infidélité/flirting que les couples en mandat d’amélioration de la relation. Ces résultats ont démontré l’importance de l’utilisation du construit des mandats thérapeutiques et la nécessité d’étudier davantage l’ambivalence des couples. Le deuxième article visait à examiner les propriétés psychométriques de la mesure individualisée Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) dans l’évaluation du changement des couples en thérapie conjugale en milieu naturel. L’atteinte des objectifs thérapeutiques de 100 couples ayant complété une thérapie conjugale a été évaluée. Une catégorisation des objectifs thérapeutiques a également été proposée. Les résultats obtenus soutiennent l’efficacité de la thérapie conjugale en milieu naturel. Le pronostic du thérapeute quant au déroulement de la thérapie ainsi que le motif de fin de thérapie et la stabilité conjugale ont été identifiés comme étant liés à l’atteinte des objectifs. En comparant les couples selon le mandat thérapeutique, il a été trouvé que les couples en mandat d’amélioration de la relation ont davantage d’objectifs thérapeutiques liés à la communication, à la résolution de problèmes et à l’acceptation des différences que les couples en mandat de résolution de l’ambivalence. Les résultats appuient la validité et l’utilité de la mesure GAS pour la recherche et la pratique clinique. En somme, cette thèse a contribué à l’avancement des connaissances en apportant un appui empirique au construit des mandats thérapeutiques et comporte des implications tant au niveau de la clinique qu’au niveau méthodologique et théorique. / The aim of this dissertation was to study the relationship problems, treatment goals and therapeutic mandates of couples consulting in couple therapy in a naturalistic setting. This dissertation includes two original articles. Using a relationship problems coding system on a sample of 108 couples seeking therapy, the first study identified that the most common relationship problems were related to communication, emotional affection or distance, specific areas of the current relationship, and lack of physical affection or sex. Comparisons of therapeutic mandates revealed that commitment or security problems and infidelity or flirting problems were more common among couples pursuing an ambivalence resolution mandate than among couples pursuing an alleviation of distress mandate. These results demonstrated the importance of identifying distinct therapeutic mandates in couple therapy and the need for further research about ambivalent couples. The second study aimed to evaluate change in couples that consulted in a naturalistic therapy setting using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). A categorization of treatment goals in couple therapy was proposed. Treatment goals and therapeutic mandates of 100 couples were categorized using standardized coding schemas. The results showed large pre-post changes in couples distress and severity of relationship problems. Therapists’ expectations about the therapy process, treatment completion and separation were related to couples’ goal attainment. Comparisons of therapeutic mandates revealed that couples pursuing an alleviation of distress mandate had more goals related to communication, problem-solving and acceptance of differences than couples pursuing an ambivalence resolution mandate. This study contributed to the field by providing preliminary data regarding the clinical utility of GAS in assessing change following couple therapy. Types of treatment goals set in naturalistic settings were presented and the results emphasized the need for further research on therapeutic mandates. In summary, this dissertation provided support to the construct of therapeutic mandates and presented clinical, methodological and theoretical implications.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Minimal attention has been devoted to examining the dimensionality of self-control. The present study tested a multidimensional model of self-control in which dimensions were based on the nature of the behavior required (i.e., persistence, initiation, cessation, or prevention). A total of 336 undergraduates completed measures of self-control and psychological well-being. Seventy-four of these participants completed behavioral self-control tasks representing the proposed subtypes. Participants’ GPAs were obtained from the Registrar. Stop self-control was inversely related to previously-validated measures of persistence (β = -.61, p = .010) and prevention (β = -.56, p = .040) self-control and demonstrated differential predictive ability of persistence and prevention compared to the other proposed subtypes. Initiation self-control was inversely related to life satisfaction (β = -.35, p = .012) and demonstrated differential predictive ability of life satisfaction compared to stop self-control. These results were interpreted with caution due to inadequate power and questionable validity of several of the behavioral self-control tasks. Both handgrip persistence (r = -.25, p = .033) and blinking prevention (r = -.29, p = .023) were associated with depression. These pairwise correlations were not significantly different from each other, suggesting that no conceptual distinction should be made between persistence and prevention self-control. Confirmatory factor analyses of self-report data revealed that items clustered based on domain rather than on type of behavior required for self-control exertion. Thus, the structure of self-control remains unclear. Limitations of the present study and implications for future research are discussed.

This dissertation explores governance of national sports organizations (NSOs) in the Czech Republic and thus reflects contemporary course of events in the Czech sport. The aim of the dissertation is to explore governance of Czech NSOs with special focus on governance structure and transparency. Particularly, the dissertation examines compliance of Czech NSOs with codes of good governance and determines relations between governance structure, transparency and effectiveness of Czech NSOs. Mixed method approach was used in equal status sequential design (QUANT -> QUAL) Firstly, content analysis of websites of 67 Czech NSOs was conducted. The analysis allowed to determine the level of transparency and also provided variables for quantitative part of the study. Purposive sampling was used to choose nine NSOs where subsequent interviews with a CEO or a head of the board were done. And finally, quantitative data survey was conducted in 67 NSOs using phone interviews and e-mail survey. The quantitative data were processed using MS Excel and SPSS and, hypotheses were tested using standard statistical tests. The results are presented in three chapters. First, applicability of five elementary approaches to effectiveness is presented and combination of goal attainment and system resource approach is implemented. Second, governance structure of NSOs is analysed revealing substantially higher variability of governance models in comparison with theoretical presumptions. Moreover, a new framework of governance structure classification was developed. Third, transparency was identified as the most notable principal. Results reveal very low level of the transparency within Czech NSOs and explore the sources and impact of low transparency. For instance, more transparent NSOs are more effective using system resource approach. Overall, the dissertation provides a new deep insight into Czech NSOs governance and brings numerous recommendations for Czech NSOs.