Effectiveness during ball screens in elite basketball games

Ball screens are one of the most frequently used tactical behaviour in elite basketball games. The aim of the present study was to identify their predictors of success related to time, space, players, and tasks performed. The sample was composed of 818 ball screens corresponding to 20 close games (mean differences in score of 3.1 ± 0.8 points) randomly selected from the playoff games of the Spanish Basketball League (2008–2011). Classification tree analysis (CHAID) was used to analyse which variable or combination of variables, better predicts effectiveness during ball screens. The main results allowed identifying interactions with dribbler actions after the screen and the orientation of the screen on the ball. The results showed no interaction with game quarter and quarter minute temporal-related variables in both analyses. The present findings allow improving coaches’ strategic plans that involve selecting the most appropriate offensive approach when performing ball screens.     

EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF ON‐TASK IN A BOX AS A CLASS‐WIDE INTERVENTION

The present study evaluated the effects of the On‐Task in a Box intervention on student on‐task behavior when used as a class‐wide intervention. The intervention package includes self‐monitoring, video modeling, and reinforcement contingency components. A multiple baseline design across three elementary classrooms was used to determine the effects of the intervention on student behavior. Results indicated immediate increases in on‐task behavior in all classrooms. Calculation of nonoverlap of all pairs’ effect sizes indicated strong intervention and maintenance effects on on‐task behavior of students in all classrooms. Social validity data were also collected, which indicated adequate validity of the intervention. Results of the study suggest that the intervention package may be effective for improving class‐wide levels of on‐task behavior.     

(UN)Disciplining the Scholar Activist: Policing the Boundaries of Political Engagement

ALEXANDER HAMILTON'S PAPERS ON PUBLIC CREDIT, COMMERCE AND FINANCE. Edited by Samuel McKee, Jr., with an Introduction by J. Harvie Williams. New York: The Liberal Arts Press, 1957; pp. xiv +304. Cloth $3.50; paper $1.25.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON READER: A COMPILATION OF MATERIALS BY AND COMMENTING ON HAMILTON. Selected and edited by Margaret Esther Hall. New York: Oceana Publications, 1957; pp. 257. Cloth $3.50; paper $1.00.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON IN THE AMERICAN TRADITION. By Louis M. Hacker. New York: McGraw‐Hill, 1957; pp. xi+273. $4.75.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON: YOUTH TO MATURITY 1755–1788. By Broadus Mitchell. New York: Macmillan, 1957; pp. xvi+675. $8.75.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND THE FOUNDING OF THE NATION. Edited by Richard B. Morris. New York: The Dial Press, 1957; pp. xxi+617. $7.50.

THE BASIC IDEAS OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON. Edited by Richard B. Morris. New York: Pocket Books, Inc., 1957; pp. xxvii+ 451. $0.35.     

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Modelling-Oriented Workshops for Engineering Undergraduates in the Field of Thermally Activated Phenomena

Research in Science Education - Two 20-h modelling-based workshops focused on the explanation of thermally activated phenomena were held at the University of Palermo, Italy, during the Academic...     

The process toward commitment to running—The role of different motives,involvement, and coaching

The purpose of this investigation was twofold: (a) to explore and describe the relationships between different facets of motivation, involvement, and commitment to running, and (b) to test whether recreational coached runners differ from non-coached runners in their motivation, involvement, and commitment to running. Drawing on the psychological continuum model (PCM), a model was proposed to test relationships among motives, attitudinal and behavioral involvement, and commitment to running as a leisure activity. Results showed that two (enjoyment and health) out of five motives were significant indicators of attitudinal involvement. Attitudinal involvement was a significant predictor of behavioral involvement, which in turn was a significant predictor of commitment. Coached runners differed from non-coached runners in all tested variables. The structural relationships among the variables varied based on the tested group. Implications for theory and practice are presented.     

THE CLASSROOM PASSWORD: A CLASS‐WIDE INTERVENTION TO INCREASE ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT

The present study investigated the effectiveness of a novel class‐wide intervention, the Classroom Password, for increasing the academic engaged behavior of middle school students. The effectiveness of an independent group contingency was evaluated using a concurrent multiple baseline design across three seventh‐ and eighth‐grade classrooms. Results indicated that the intervention was effective across all three classrooms in increasing students’ academic engagement, or on‐task behavior, as evidenced by visual analysis and moderate to large effect sizes. Decreases in disruptive behavior were also observed across all three classrooms. Off‐task behavior was not substantially affected in any of the three classrooms. The intervention received mixed ratings by the classroom teachers regarding its social validity. Results of the present study suggest that the Classroom Password may be an effective class‐wide intervention for increasing the academically engaged behavior and decreasing the disruptive behavior of middle school students during instructional time.