Impressions of using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory as an outcome measure: Lessons learnt for future clinical researchers (innovative practice)

The Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory was a tool originally developed for use in research to measure agitation and subsequently used in clinical settings. It was the primary outcome measure for a randomised controlled trial which evaluated the effects and feasibility of a physiotherapist-led physical exercise intervention on agitation and physical performance of individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. The study produced weak results in regards to the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory due to small sample size and perceived issues with the use of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. Therefore, the focus of this paper is consideration of the identified issues by the research team: learnt effect and Hawthorn effect, misunderstanding of behaviours and inaccurate recall and observation. It is important that tools originally developed for research are still valid and reliable in the clinical setting.

Use of Technology to Motivate Students

A middle school teacher proposed that since students these days are more at ease with technology due to the excessive use of technology gadgets in their lives, why not make the best use of technology by way of electronic whiteboards to engage students? This brought about some changes in this inner city school which had failed the state Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) report more than once. However, was the sudden surge in student motivation the result of the novelty effect or the Hawthorn effect? And might that surge in student motivation soon fade away?