The Kirton Adaption - Innovation Inventory: A re-examination of the factor structure

Although the Kirton Adaption - Innovation Inventory (KAI) has almost always been used as a single scale purporting to measure a dimension of cognitive style, the KAI Manual characterizes three factors. This paper provides further confirmatory evidence of the structure of the three-factor model and of the high reliability coefficients of the three subscales. However, it questions whether three factors are sufficient and examines four- and five-factor models. Evidence is provided that the ‘O’ subscale in the orthodox three-factor model contains two conceptual elements, a major component concerned with idea generation and a minor component concerned with preference for stability/change. A four-factor model of KAI is proposed and an argument is advanced which leads to concern about the idea generation element of the ‘O’ subscale as a measure purely of cognitive style. Some implications for the development of the KAI are outlined.     

Role stress,physical symptomatology,and turnover intentions: A causal analysis of three alternative specifications

Causal relationships involving role stressors, physical symptomatology, and turnover intentions were examined within three alternative specifications. These specifications stemmed from Beehr and Newman's (1978) and Schuler's (1982) models of role stress and Locke's (1976) theory of job satisfaction. The results, derived from LISREL VI analyses, indicate that a revised Schuler model is the most plausible specification. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for understanding role stress and employee withdrawal.     

The Impact of Brown-Headed Cowbird Parasitism on Populations of the White-Crowned Sparrow

Brown-headed Cowbirds, Molothrus ater , are brood parasites on many species of North American Passerines. Cowbird parasitism is frequently cited as a contributing factor in the decline of United States passerine populations, based on three lines of evidence. First, range expansion and population increases by Cowbirds in this century are dramatic and well documented. Second, increasing rates of parasitism have been discovered in a variety of host species populations. Finally, direct negative effects of parasitism on certain vulnerable species notably Kirtland's Warbler, Dendroica kirtlandii , have been demonstrated. It remains unproven, however, that Cowbirds have significant negative effects on more abundant and widely-distributed hosts.
We report here on the impact of Cowbird parasitism on populations of Nuttall's White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli , in the San Francisco Bay Area. This widespread songbird is now subject to a 40–50% rate of parasitism in San Francisco, an increase from 5% only 15 years ago. Using known mortality and fecundity values, we calculate that this population of White-crowns cannot maintain its numbers when the parasitism rate exceeds approximately 20%. Present levels of parasitism thus appear to threaten the longevity survival of this adaptable Songbird in the San Francisco Bay Area.