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Table of Content

    01 October 2023Volume 11 Issue 10 Previous Issue   
    Bayesian Mixed-effects Models: A Primer with brms
    PAN Wanke, WEN Xiujuan, JIN Haiyang
    Psychology: Techniques and Application. 2023, 11 (10):  577-598. 
    Abstract ( 449 )   PDF(pc) (1886KB) ( 2316 )   Save

    Compared to the traditional statistical methods, Bayesian linear mixed-effects modeling (BLMM) has a great number of advantages in dealing with the hierarchical structures underlying datasets and providing more intuitive statistical results. These advantages together popularize BLMM in psychological and other field research. However, there is still a lack of tutorials on the practical applications of BLMM in psychology studies in Chinese. Therefore, we first briefly introduced the basic concepts and rationales of BLMM. Then we employed a simulated dataset to demonstrate how to understand fixed effects and random effects, and how to use the popular brms R package to specify models for BLMM based on the experimental design. We additionally covered the procedure of pre-specifying priors with prior predictive checks, and the steps of performing hypothesis testing using the Bayes Factor. BLMM, with its extensions such as Generalized BLMM, has great flexibility and capability, they can and should be applied in various psychology research.

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    The Principle of Bayesian Structural Equation Model and Its Application in Psychology
    QIAO Xinyu, FENG Yonglin, PAN Junhao
    Psychology: Techniques and Application. 2023, 11 (10):  599-619. 
    Abstract ( 328 )   PDF(pc) (2167KB) ( 3893 )   Save

    Bayesian structural equation model offers a methodology to incorporate researcher’s theories and prior beliefs by utilizing informative priors for parameters with strict restrictions, such as assuming no cross-loadings. This model combines the benefits of structural equation model, which accounts for measurement error, with the advantages of Bayesian estimation method, which integrates prior information. It is easier to deal with small samples and complex models. Furthermore, it provides advantages by relaxing strict assumptions found in traditional structural equation models, such as those regarding cross-loading parameters and the diagonal residual covariance matrix. Nevertheless, the utilization of the Bayesian structural equation model in the field of psychology in China remains relatively limited. The primary objective of this study is to introduce the principles, utilization of priors, assessment of model convergence, model evaluation, and other pertinent aspects of the Bayesian structural equation model. Additionally, it illustrates the application of the Bayesian structural equation model in addressing potential cross-loading parameters using the Mplus software, accompanied by an example. The ultimate aim is to enhance researchers’ understanding of the Bayesian structural equation model and its potential for resolving practical research problems.

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    The Influence of Parenting Styles on Children's Emotional Ability: A Meta-analysis Evidence from Chinese Samples
    MA Yueyi, DAN Fei, LI Wenhui
    Psychology: Techniques and Application. 2023, 11 (10):  620-632. 
    Abstract ( 414 )   PDF(pc) (1418KB) ( 1220 )   Save

    The present meta-analysis systematically investigated the relationship between Chinese parenting styles and children's emotional ability and its moderating factors. Through filtering, 22 studies were involved in the research, including 90 independent effect sizes and 7884 subjects. The results showed that positive parenting styles were significantly positively correlated with children's emotional ability, and negative parenting styles were significantly negatively correlated with children's emotional ability. The influence of parenting styles on children's emotional ability was in the following order: emotional understanding, emotional regulation and emotional expression. In addition, the relationship between positive parenting styles and children's emotional ability was moderated by children’s gender. In contrast, the relationship between negative parenting styles and children's emotional ability was moderated by parenting roles and measuring methods. These findings revealed the crucial role of parenting styles in shaping children's emotional ability and offered empirical evidence for the development of children's emotional ability.

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    Rejecting or Embracing Empathy Preferences? Cultural Differences in the Moral Cognition of Equitable Empathy
    CHEN Zixuan, LI Yuyue, YANG Yujie, LI Guanshen, YAN Zhiqiang
    Psychology: Techniques and Application. 2023, 11 (10):  633-640. 
    Abstract ( 249 )   PDF(pc) (1308KB) ( 934 )   Save

    The moral value of in-group biases of empathy has been a topic of debate among researchers. Some studies from Western cultures have found that equal empathy has the most moral value. However, the moral cognition of individuals is closely related to the culture in which they live. To examine whether participants’ moral cognition of equitable empathy is consistent between Chinese and Western cultures, this study used a story context task, recruited participants in Chinese culture, and compared the data with those from Western cultures. Results found that culture had an effect on the moral cognition of equitable empathy. Specifically, participants in Western cultures perceived equal empathy for both a close and a distant individual as the most moral, while participants in Chinese cultures perceived both empathy but stronger empathy for those who are close to them as the most moral. The findings provide a new perspective on the development of moral care in contemporary Chinese youth.

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