bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directed Forgetting with Global Forget Instructions in An Implicit and Explicit Memory Test
Authors: Suzuki Ikuo
Published: August 2011

This study examined differences in directed forgetting effects between an implicit and an explicit memory test. 64 students (49 men, 15 women) were assigned to 4 (2 × 2) groups. In the middle of the study list, the group was given instruction to forget the presented item, whereas the control instruction group was not. Half of the subjects were given a Fragment Cued-recall test as an explicit memory test, and the other half were given a Fragment Completion test as an implicit memory test. Subjects learned an incidental learning task. Significant differences were found across conditions for instruction. The directed forgetting effect was observed on the explicit memory test ( p<.05) but not on the implicit memory test. These results are discussed in terms of inhibition of retrieval theory.
Effect of Task-Relevant Cues and State Anxiety on Motor Performance
Authors: Hardy Lew , Mullen Richard , Martin Nikki
Published: August 2011

12 experienced, female trampolinists participated in a field study designed to test the conscious processing hypothesis, which predicts that the combination of task-relevant knowledge and high state anxiety will impair motor performance. Results supported the hypothesis; however, an alternative attentional explanation of the data was also identified.
Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Variance of Exponent of Power Function Observed in Grip Strength Task
Authors: Kokubun Mitsuru , Okuzumi Hideyuki , Koike Toshihide , Haishi Koichi , Suzuki Hiroya
Published: August 2011

For grip strength there is a power function with an exponent of 1.7 between the subjective magnitude and the actual force exerted by a subject, but large variabilities among and within individuals were found. We focused on these variabilities and investigated the relationship between them by conducting a ratio production procedure requiring trials of maximum effort and half of maximum effort. For 30 adults we conducted four measurement trials, two on the same day, and the remaining two trials on a day or two later. The mean value of the exponent, the standard deviation, and the coefficient of variation of the four trials for each subject were calculated. The mean value of the exponent of the power function for all subjects was 1.6. This value approximated the value of 1.7 reported by Stevens and Mack. The values ranged from .50 to 5.39. The correlation between subjects' mean exponent value and standard deviation was .90, and the correlation between the mean value of the exponent and the coefficient of variation was .50. There was a close relationship between interpersonal and intrapersonal variance.
Modifications of Neuromuscular Activity and Improvement in Performance of a Novel Motor Skill
Authors: Aggelousis Nickos , Mavromatis George , Gourgoulis Vassilios , Pollatou Elisana , Malliou Vivian , Kioumourtzoglou Efthimis
Published: August 2011

The relationship between the modifications in the myoelectrical activity after practice and the performance enhancement was examined regarding a ballistic movement of the elbow. 41 subjects practiced a novel throwing skill, which involved the throw of a ball, performing elbow flexion. Surface electromyograms of four muscles in the elbow region were analyzed, aiming at identifying the changes in the timing and the intensity of muscle activation that may account for improved performance. A repeated-measures analysis of variance identified an improvement in performance scores after practice and a significant decrease in the EMG for the aganists and the primary antagonist. Moreover, a significant increase in the delay of the activity onset in the antagonists was observed after practice. The variations of the EMG for the biceps brachii and the anconeus were significantly related to improvement in performance. It was concluded that the modifications in the electrical activity of those two muscles were primarily responsible for the physical alterations associated with improved performance.
Hallucinatory Predisposition and Vividness of Auditory Imagery: Self-Report and Behavioral Indices
Authors: Aleman André , Böcker Koen B. E. , De Haan Edward H. F.
Published: August 2011

This study examined the relation between a subjective and a behavioral measure of the vividness of auditory imagery as well as the disposition towards hallucination in normal subjects. In addition to the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale, subjects (57 university students) completed the Betts questionnaire in which they rated the vividness of their experienced mental images and performed a behavioral task aimed at measuring auditory imagery. The task consisted of a perception and an imagery condition in which subjects had to indicate the odd one of three everyday sounds. Performance on the behavioral task did not correlate with the auditory or scores on the Visual subscale of the Betts. In addition, neither scores on the behavioral measure nor the Auditory subscale of the Betts correlated significantly with hallucinatory predisposition as rated on the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale. In contrast, the Visual subscale of the Betts did correlate with scores on the Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale, consistent with previous research. We conclude that there is no straightforward relationship between imagery vividness and hallucinatory experiences and that subjective and objective indices of imagery vividness measure different aspects of mental function.
Differential Vowel Duration Associated with Children's Word-Final Fricative Deletion
Authors: Plonsker Leslie S. , Petrosino Linda , Colcord Roger D.
Published: August 2011

This study assessed whether 3 children, 5 to 6 years old, who deleted word-final fricatives preserve the voicing contrast for those fricatives by producing differential duration of the preceding vowel. The children's CV syllable productions were compared to their CV(C) syllable productions in which the final consonant was intended but actually deleted. Analysis indicated that all 3 children exhibited significantly longer vowel duration in CV syllables than in CV(C) syllables. This differential duration of the preceding vowel was shown in both isolation and carrier phrase conditions. Of the 3 children 2 preserved the voicing contrast by showing significantly longer vowels preceding voiced consonants as compared to voiceless consonants. One child did this in both isolation and carrier phrase conditions and the other child did this in isolation only. All 3 children manipulated vowel duration to signify the linguistic contrast, therefore these findings support a linguistic perspective of speech development which focuses on the acquisition and knowledge of the linguistic rules of the language. In addition, the large amount of variability in vowel duration for CV and CV(C) syllables and the marked variability in performance across children support a biological view of a developing vocal tract undergoing structural and physiological changes.
Mood Change through Physical Exercise in Nine- to Ten-Year-Old Children
Authors: Williamson Dinkie , Dewey Alison , Steinberg Hannah
Published: August 2011

The present study assessed the effect of two types of physical exercise on the self-reported mood of 64 9- and 10-yr.-old children who responded to a self-report mood measure after two different types of aerobic exercise of 15 min., and after a 15-min. video. Significant increases in positive mood and significant decreases in negative mood were found after each exercise treatment; however, positive mood decreased and negative mood increased following the video treatment. Interestingly, no significant difference in mean mood scores was found between the two exercise treatments. These data suggest that short bouts of physical exercise have psychological benefits for children.
Methodology in Subliminal Psychodynamic Activation: Basic Questions Remain Unanswered
Authors: Fudin Robert
Published: August 2011

Birgegard and Sohlberg recently implied that the interchange between them and Fudin in 1999 to 2000 resolved methodological issues in subliminal psychodynamic activation research. There remain, however, unresolved problems, both logical and empirical, which impair interpretations of findings in this area. These issues include questions concerning the value of the presentation of partial vs complete messages and the parameters involved in the information processing of such stimuli. The pursuit of solutions to these problems would be most efficacious if such research were brought more in line with experimental principles and established procedures used in the presentation of subliminal stimuli. In the absence of these efforts, research in subliminal psychodynamic activation will probably continue to tend toward circular reasoning and the production of ambiguous results that will never reach a wide audience.
Relations between the Motor and Cognitive Dimensions of Preschool Girls and Boys
Authors: Planinsec Jurij
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to compare relations between latent motor dimensions and cognitive abilities of preschool boys and girls ( N = 665, age: 5 to 6 years). The psychological part of the testing was implemented with the Test Razkol. For the assessment of motor abilities 28 tests were given. The associations of motor and cognitive variables were estimated by multiple regression analysis, which showed positive and significant associations between the latent motor variables and the cognitive variable for both boys and girls. On both sexes, the motor dimensions with the strongest associations with the cognitive abilities are those of coordination and the speed of movement. Despite some differences between boys and girls, they still have a lot in common since the most important latent motor dimensions prevailing in the connection between motor and cognitive dimensions are similar.
Food Sharing and Perceptions of the Status of a Relationship
Authors: Erwin Philip G. , Burke Annie , Purves David G.
Published: August 2011

This study examined how individuals may form an impression of the closeness of the relationship between two individuals based on an observation of them sharing food. An opportunity sample of 72 participants watched a video clip of young adults in same-sex or mixed-sex dyads eating a meal together. In the experimental conditions, each member of the dyad also offered or fed a morsel of food to the other person. Analysis showed that food sharing was seen as indicative of familiarity between the members of a dyad. Actually feeding the other person a morsel of food was seen as an indicator of intimacy in male dyads but not in mixed-sex or female dyads. Results are discussed in terms of expectations of intimacy in male and female relationships.
P300 Stimulus Sequence Effects in Children and Adults
Authors: Gill Orna , Polich John
Published: August 2011

Immediate memory capability for 12 children (8 years) and 12 adults (21 years) was assessed electrophysiologically by using P300 event-related brain potential (ERP) stimulus sequences. These were derived from an auditory discrimination paradigm in which participants detected target stimuli in a series of target (T) and standard (S) tones that were varied by randomly presenting one of four sequence patterns (SSSS, TTTT, TTTS, SSST). Short-term memory capability was assessed behaviorally by recall performance of a 20-word list. Children and adults showed virtually identical P300 amplitude sequence patterns, such that for both groups component size increased systematically as the discrepancy between standard and target stimuli in creased across sequence patterns. P300 latency evinced similar, albeit weaker, stimulus sequence effects, with children having longer component peak latencies. Memory recall performance was substantially weaker for the children than for adult participants, especially for recency effects. The findings suggest that immediate memory for stimulus sequences is fully developed in young children, although long-term memory is not.
Effects of Caffeine on Performance of Low Intensity Tasks
Authors: Scott William H. , Coyne Karen M. , Johnson Monique M. , Lausted Christopher G. , Sahota Manjit , Johnson Arthur T.
Published: August 2011

31 college age men and women who consume less than three caffeinated beverages per week agreed to participate as subjects in research on the effects of acute caffeine intake on low intensity task performance. All subjects performed two randomly administered test conditions: (1) caffeine (5 mg/kg) and (2) placebo on separate visits following an initial 1-hr. orientation visit. Subjects were administered the beverage 30 min. prior to performing 12 separate tests assessing basic mathematics, simple response, logical reasoning, hand-eye coordination, and spatial and assembly skills. The Spielberger State Anxiety test was administered immediately after consuming the test beverage and once again at posttest. Analysis showed that caffeine did not significantly affect performance on all tests with the exception of the peripheral awareness (hand-eye coordination) test on which performance was higher after ingesting caffeine. The placebo treatment produced no effect on state anxiety, which contrasted with a significant rise in anxiety after caffeine consumption. State anxiety values were significantly greater after caffeine treatment relative to the placebo at pretest, and this difference persisted at posttest. These results demonstrated that the dose of caffeine increased scores on state anxiety for individuals who consumed less than three caffeinated beverages weekly but had very little effect on performance of low intensity tasks, except for a hand-eye coordination test involving peripheral awareness. Perhaps longer continuous performance of more demanding tasks would be more sensitive.
Effectiveness of Taping and Bracing in Balance
Authors: Barkoukis Vassilis , Sykaras Evaggelos , Costa Frosoula , Tsorbatzoudis Haralambos
Published: August 2011

Taping and bracing are thought to be effective methods in restricting the ankle's joint motion and assisting prevention of injuries. Research evidence suggests that taping and bracing enhance both the mechanical support and the proprioception of the ankle However, there is little research concerning the influence of taping and bracing on sport performance. Research has mainly examined tasks with demands on the frontal plane. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of taping and bracing on the performance of a task with demands on the frontal plane. A sample of 30 physical education students ( Mage =21.9 yr.) performed a balance task requiring estimation of balance and both right and left deviations. The subjects performed the balance task on four different conditions, with tape, with Swede-O (a lace-up, boot style stabilizer), with Aircast (an inflatable cast), and without any stabilizer. There were no significant differences among the conditions. These findings indicate that taping and bracing do not have negative effects on balance in the frontal plane. This study created concerns regarding the appropriate stabilizer for different tasks, bilateral coordination after the application of a stabilizer, and the influence of psychological factors on prevention of injury.
Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the Reciprocal IA Inhibitory Interneurones in the Human Wrist
Authors: Kato Takashi , Kasai Tatsuya , Maehara Toshihiko
Published: August 2011

In humans, which neural volleys strongly activate the reciprocal Ia inhibitory interneurones have not been clarified via the corticospinal tract or from the muscle spindles. We examined the inhibition from the corticospinal tract and antagonist group Ia fibres to alpha motoneurone pools using the combined method of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the standard H-reflex technique. The test stimulus for the forearm H-reflex and the conditioning stimulus to antagonist muscle afferents were applied to the median and radial nerves, respectively. The transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied noninvasively over the left motor cortex. The radial nerve conditioning strongly suppressed the H-reflex rather than the transcranial magnetic stimulation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced inhibition was disinhibited by the conditioning stimulus applied to the median nerve. To estimate the Subliminal inhibition produced by the transcranial magnetic stimulation, we used the following method: the radial nerve conditioning was altered among several different intensities, while transcranial magnetic stimulation intensity was fixed at that for which transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced inhibition was observable. A minor subliminal inhibition was observed. These results suggest that the corticospinal excitatory inputs to reciprocal Ia inhibitory interneurones in the human wrist are very weak relative to those of the originating group I muscle afferents.
Relationship between Reported Motives for Exercise and Age of Women Attending a Community Fitness Facility
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: August 2011

38 new, women exercisers completed the 1989 Personal Incentives for Exercise Questionnaire-Version 4 by Duda and Tappe to estimate the correlation between age and various motives for exercise. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and scores on the subscales of Health Benefits, Appearance, and Affiliation. A significant negative relationship was found between age and scores on the Mental Benefits subscale ( r = −.51, p<.01). After replication, findings may tailor exercise promotion methods.
Problems in Developing Functional Handwriting
Authors: Karlsdottir Ragnheidur , Stefansson Thorarinn
Published: August 2011

The development of handwriting quality and speed of 407 primary school children was followed from Grade 1 to Grade 5 in a longitudinal experiment. Performance was analyzed to enquire into the extent and bases for handwriting dysfunction. 27% of the children were classified as dysfunctional at the end of Grade I. At the end of Grade 5 only 13% were so classified. Most children have adequate perception and motor abilities to develop functional handwriting. Dysfunction of handwriting speed can usually be traced to dysfunction of its quality. Dysfunction of quality can be traced to insufficient individualization in the primary instruction in handwriting which leads to a mismatch between the time allocated to teach certain letters to certain children and the time required for these children to learn the form of these letters.
Ratings of Pleasantness and Intensity for Beverages Served in Containers Congruent and Incongruent with Expectancy
Authors: Raudenbush Bryan , Meyer Brian , Eppich William , Corley Nathan , Petterson Stephanie
Published: August 2011

Pleasantness and intensity ratings of beverages served in containers congruent and incongruent with expectancy were assessed. Past research has shown that the violation of food expectancies, e.g., color, taste, temperature, leads to more negative evaluations of food. Thus, it was hypothesized that beverages sampled from a container incongruent with expectancy, e.g., beer from a coffee cup, would be rated less favorably than the same beverage sampled from a container congruent with expectancy, e.g., beer from a beer bottle. 61 participants evaluated three beverages (beer, orange juice, and hot chocolate) in three containers (bottle, glass, and cup) using 11-point racing scales for pleasantness and intensity. Analysis indicated beverages were rated as significantly more pleasant in containers congruent with expectancy, as well as rated more intense when presented in bottles. These results further address the effects of violating expectations on producing negative hedonic evaluations.
Peculiar Aspects of Reading and Writing Performances in Patients with Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy
Authors: Moretti Rita , Torre Paola , Antonello Rodolfo M. , Carraro Nicola , Zambito-Marsala Sandro , Ukmar Ma Ja , Capus Livio , Gioulis Manuela , Cazzato Giuseppe , Bava Antonio
Published: August 2011

Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) is a still debated condition, of which motor disruption is the most common feature. A high incidence of associated mood disorders may exist, but there are few studies on concomitant cognitive impairment. Our aim was to assess whether there is reading and writing disruption in olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). 6 patients were administered different reading and writing tasks. Scores were then compared to those obtained by healthy volunteers. There was an evident impairment in reading and writing execution in out patients compared to those of the control group. On the contrary, no difference could be found in abstraction, problem-solving, and memory tasks. We discuss the results, debating the role of the cerebellum in the conscious process of cognition or in ocular movement control (necessary for reading and writing fluidity and effective execution) and in the dynamic activation of all the cerebral cortex mediated by the diffuse projection to the reticular system.
Testing the Modifiability of the State Sport Confidence Inventory
Authors: Short Sandra E. , Vadocz Eva A.
Published: August 2011

Completing the State Sport Confidence Inventory requires participants to compare themselves with the most confident athlete they know. Inconsistency is inherent in participants' choices that may result in unsystematic variance across such responses. This study tested the modifiability of the inventory by removing the “comparison” component from the instructions and from each of the 13 questions. Using data from 31 female figure skaters ( M age=16.1 yr., SD = 1.0), the original and modified versions were compared. Adequate reliabilities were found for both measures (both rs= .94), but a paired sample t test indicated significant differences between mean scores on the two versions. The total score and all of the item scores were higher for the modified version than the original, and coefficients of determination showed variance shared by the modified and original items ranged only from 9 to 59% per item. These results suggest that the modified version was not an adequate representation of the original Inventory.
Cortical Representation of Swallowing: A Modified Dual Task Paradigm
Authors: Daniels Stephanie K. , Corey David M. , Barnes Cristen L. , Faucheaux Nikki M. , Priestly Daniel H. , Foundas Anne L.
Published: August 2011

It is unclear whether the cortical representation of swallowing is lateralized to the left cerebral hemisphere, right hemisphere, or bilaterally represented. As dysphagia is common in acute stroke, it is important to elucidate swallowing lateralization to facilitate earlier detection of stroke patients who may be at greater risk for dysphagia and aspiration. In this study, a modified dual task paradigm was designed to study laterality of swallowing in a group of 14 healthy, young, right-handed, male adults. The subjects were studied at baseline and with interference. Baseline conditions, performed separately, were continuous swallowing, finger tapping using the right and left index fingers, and word repetition. Interference tasks, including tapping with the right index finger, tapping with the left index finger, and word repetition, were completed with and without swallowing. Finger-tapping rate was measured, and x-ray samples of the swallowing task were taped to measure swallowing rate and volume swallowed. At baseline, the rate of tapping the right index finger was significantly faster than that of the left index finger. There was a significant decline in the tapping rates of both left and right index fingers with swallowing interference. The volume per swallow was significantly reduced during the interfering language task of silent repetition. These results offer partial support for a bilateral representation of swallowing as well as suggest an important left hemispheric contribution to swallowing. However, it cannot be concluded that the left hemisphere is more important than the right, as a comparable right hemisphere task was not studied.
Debilitative and Facilitative Perceptions of Trait Anxiety among Students in a College Golf Class
Authors: Cunningham George B. , Ashley Frank B.
Published: August 2011

This study examined the debilitative and facilitative perceptions of trait anxiety among 94 students enrolled in a college golf class. Analyses indicated no differences in performance between those classified as debilitating interpreters, i.e., those with negative perceptions of trait anxiety, versus those classified as facilitating interpreters, i.e., those with positive perceptions of trait anxiety. Also, no differences were found in perceived intensity and direction of trait anxiety as a function of performance. Results differ from previous research on direction of trait anxiety among elite and high level performers so direction of perceptions may be correlated with competition or skill of the performer.
Sex-Role Stereotyping for Selected Sport and Physical Activities across Age Groups
Authors: Meaney Karen S. , Dornier Lanie A. , Owens Mary S.
Published: August 2011

This investigation was designed to assess sex-role stereotyping across age groups. Participants ( N = 668) were girls and boys, students from Grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 at local public schools. All participants completed the Sport and Physical Activities Questionnaire on which were displayed pictures of 31 sport and physical activities. Participants were instructed to designate each activity as a boys' activity, a girls' activity, or a boys' and girls' activity. Chi-square analysis showed age-related differences in distribution of stereotyping of the activities. Over age groups there were more discrepancies between boys' and girls' ratings of activities as sex-specific. These findings suggest that sex-role stereotyping of sports and physical activities becomes more predominant across age groups.
Changes in Sleep Patterns during Simulated Nitrox Saturation Diving to 20 and 30 Meters
Authors: Nagashima Hidetoshi , Matsumoto Kazuya , Seo Yoo Jin , Mohri Motohiko , Naraki Nobuo , Matsuoka Shigeaki
Published: August 2011

This study assessed the effect of a nitrogen-oxygen (N2-O2) saturation diving environment on nocturnal sleep and the differences in sleep on diving depth. We measured and recorded the standard polysomnograph and heart rate for a total of 459 nights on 27 divers who performed the N2-O2 saturation simulation dive at 20- and 30-m equivalent depths as well as their subjective feelings of fatigue. From the last half of the period on the bottom to the postdive period of both saturation diving depths, our main findings included a prolongation of sleep latency, shortened total sleep time, a decreased sleep efficiency index, and increased feelings of fatigue. During the bottom period and decompression period, the total number of awakenings and the awakenings from rapid eyes movement (REM) sleep increased. This was slightly greater at the 30-m equivalent depth. From these facts, we assumed that the deterioration of sleep at the 20- and 30-m nitrox saturation dives was predominantly relative to being restricted in a closed environment for a long time and the lack of physical activity of the divers. No recovery of sleep was observed in the postdive period. A difference in the effects on sleep by the dive depth was not found.
College-Age Males' Ability to Produce the Acoustic Properties of an Aging Voice
Authors: Manning Robert Kevin , Fucci Donald , Dean Richard
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine college-age males' ability to produce the acoustic properties of the normally aging voice when reading. The 17 subjects ( M age = 21.13 yr., SD = 1.0) selected for this study were undergraduates who were placed into a single group. The procedure involved recording the subjects while reading The Rainbow Passage aloud. The first reading was in the subject's natural speaking voice. During the second reading, the reader imitated the voice of a normally aging 70-yr.-old man. Fundamental frequency and temporal measures were analyzed for each voice sample. Mean scores for each measure were compared for the natural speaking-voice production and the production when imitating the voice of a normally aging 70-yr.-old man. Analysis showed that temporal measures appear to have the most significant influence on subjects' production when imitating the normally aging voice as seen in the overall increase in all temporal measures.
Predictive Effectiveness of Mood Measures
Authors: Lane Andrew M. , Lane Helen J.
Published: August 2011

The present study compared the predictive effectiveness of mood states and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule models of mood. 38 junior high school students completed the Brunel University Mood Scale to assess anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigor and the PANAS 5 min. before a fitness test. Performance was self-referenced by comparing fitness test scores with a previous best score assessed four weeks earlier. Participants who equaled or bettered their previous best score were classified as Successful. Those who did not match their previous score were classified as Unsuccessful. Discriminant function analysis indicated that 31 participants (81.6%) could be correctly classified as Successful or Unsuccessful based on preperformance Brunel Mood scores. Discriminant function coefficients indicated that Confusion, Fatigue, and Vigor contributed significantly to the discrimination. For the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, discriminant function analysis indicated that 26 participants (68.4%) could be correctly classified as Successful or Unsuccessful, with Negative Affect and Positive Affect contributing significantly to the discrimination. Summarizing negative mood into a single factor may lead to a substantial loss of information. Research on mood and performance relationships should use the mood dimensions assessed in the Brunel University Mood Scale rather than the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.
Effect of Added Mass on Human Unipedal Hopping
Authors: Austin Gary P. , Garrett Gladys E. , Tiberio David
Published: August 2011

Although hopping is considered a children's activity, it can be used to provide insight into the neuromuscular and biomechanical performance of adults. This study investigated whether mass added during unipedal hopping altered the vertical stiffness, hopping period, and angular kinematics of the lower extremity of adults. Measures of two-dimensional kinematics and vertical force were made from 10 healthy men during hopping at a preferred period under three conditions: Body Mass, Body Mass + 10%, and Body Mass + 20%. Adding mass significantly increased hopping period and hip flexion without significantly affecting vertical stiffness, ankle dorsiflexion, or knee flexion. Overall, the findings agreed with predictions based on a simple-mass spring model. The results indicate unique kinetic and kinematic responses to increased mass during hopping may have potential application in neuromuscular assessment and training for the lower extremities.
Nicotine Deprivation Effects on the Dissociated Components of Simple Reaction Time
Authors: Marzilli Thomas S. , Hutcherson Amanda B.
Published: August 2011

The effect of smoking abstinence on the dissociated components of a simple reaction-time response was investigated. 7 subjects completed two experimental sessions conducted one week apart. Each experimental session was comprised of two tests. The first test consisted of abstinent baseline measures, while the second test was administered after smoking either an investigator-supplied nicotinised or denicotinised cigarette. A within-subjects design was utilized which permitted each subject to be their own control. Interestingly, the smoking of either experimenter-controlled cigarette (nicotinised or denicotinised) reliably decreased the subjects' desire to smoke. More importantly, however, was that only the nicotinised cigarette had any influence on simple reaction time. Moreover, this decrease in reaction time was isolated within the premotor or cognitive processes. In fact, there was no evidence that the smoking of a nicotinised cigarette had any effect on the motor-time component of this task. These findings are relevant for two reasons, (1) performance decrements due to smoking abstinence were independent of the urge or craving to smoke and (2) nicotine affects cognitive and motor processes of a simple reaction-time task differently.
Intratest and Intertest Means and Reliability of the MMPI–168 for University Students and Patients Referred for Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Persinger M. A. , Tiller S. G.
Published: August 2011

68 first-year university students and 37 patients, after a 1-mo. or a 2-yr. interval, respectively, were re-administered the MMPI–168 (the first 168 items of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory). The mean of the test-retest correlation coefficients between the first and second administrations for the 13 scales (3 validity, 10 clinical) was about .62 for the students and the patients. The mean absolute change in standardized scores for the scales between the two administrations for both groups was only 0.2 of a standard deviation. Compared to the students, however, the patients who had been referred for neuropsychological assessments displayed elevated (>2 SD) mean scores for several of the scales during both administrations. These results indicate that the MMPI-168 profiles of the patients did not change appreciably even though several years had elapsed since the injuries. The correlation coefficients between means of the scaled scores between the first and second administrations for the students and patients were .91 and .95, respectively.
Increased Visual Dependence in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Azulay Jean Philippe , Mesure Serge , Amblard Bernard , Pouget Jean
Published: August 2011

The present study tested the hypothesis that there is increased visual dependence perceptually in patients with Parkinson's disease. We also evaluated whether the visual control of posture and locomotion was related to perceptual visual field dependence. 21 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 22 age-matched normal subjects were compared on judgment of the visual vertical using the Rod-and-Frame test with visual perturbations in the frontal plane with a tilted frame. Patients had significantly larger errors than controls in the estimation of the subjective vertical. In the same experiment, we performed a posture and a gait analysis in both groups. Posturographic evaluation did not indicate significant differences in unsteadiness between patients and controls. Gait analysis indicated a typical pattern of reduced velocity, shortened stride length, and normal step width. A significant correlation of .89 was found only in the Parkinsonian group between their errors in estimating subjective visual vertical and the Romberg quotient evaluating visual contribution to postural control. No specific locomotor pattern was correlated with visual dependence. Considering our results and previous reports on the visual control of posture, we conclude that patients with Parkinson's disease showed a significantly increased dependence upon visual information both perceptually and motorically, with an increased perceptual visual dependence in the patients being predictive of an equivalent visual dependence or visual control of posture and equilibrium.
Visual Degradation in Boston Naming Test Performance
Authors: Ferraro F. Richard , Bang Bobbi Jo , Scheuler Kristen
Published: August 2011

The 60 pictures of the Boston Naming Test were degraded via a mask to be either “easy,” “medium,” or “hard” to process visually. The visual mask was created by cutting a 2-in. x 2-in. square from a security mailing envelope and progressively reducing the size 25% on a copy machine. Three groups of 50 undergraduates each were randomly assigned to one of these three degradation conditions, and the number of correct identifications made was measured. We expected that as degradation increased (from easy to medium to hard), Boston Naming Test performance would decrease. A one-way analysis of variance indicated that group scores differed. With “easy” degradation more pictures were identified in comparison with performance in the “hard” degradation condition, but no other differences were significant. Results were discussed from the perspective of how unknown situational variables may affect performance on psychological tests.
Relation between Sport Activity and Mental Rotation: Comparison of Three Groups of Subjects
Authors: Ozel Sylvie , Larue Jacques , Molinaro Corinne
Published: August 2011

The aim was to observe the relation between sport activity and performance on a mental image-transformation task. A classical mental rotation task using abstract stimuli was administered to three groups: (a) gymnasts who used mental and physical rotations in their practice, (b) athletes whose activities required very little motor rotation, and (c) nonathletes. Both sport groups performed similarly and obtained significantly shorter response times than those of the nonathletes. We suggest that the regular practice of spatial activities, such as sports, could be related to the spatial capacities of the participants.
Effects of Slow-Release Caffeine and a Nap on Driving Simulator Performance after Partial Sleep Deprivation
Authors: De Valck Elke , De Groot Esther , Cluydts Raymond
Published: August 2011

A driving simulator was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a 30-min. nap and 300-mg slow-release caffeine as countermeasures to drivers' sleepiness induced by partial sleep deprivation. 12 participants were allowed 4.5 hr. time in bed at the laboratory. Driving performance then was measured twice—at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m.—by a 45-min. driving task on a simulator. Subjective sleepiness/alertness and mood were assessed four times on the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and the Profile of Mood States. Driving performance was assessed as Lane Drifting, Speed Deviation, and Accident Liability. A 30-min. nap opportunity and 300 mg of slow-release caffeine both were successful in counteracting drivers' sleepiness. The remedial effect of slow-release caffeine lasted longer than that of the nap, that is, it was also effective in the afternoon session. This suggests that slow-release caffeine represents a valuable countermeasure that, in the case of partial sleep deprivation, is preferred to a nap when sleepiness has to be counteracted for a longer time.
Inhibition of Return Using Discrimination of Location
Authors: Tsuchida Noriaki
Published: August 2011

The present study investigated “inhibition of return” which refers to increased response latency when the target in a location discrimination task appears in the same location on consecutive trials. Location discrimination tasks were performed by 28 university students (19–21 years of age) in two experiments. In Exp. 1 the task was to press a left or right button in response to a stimulus displayed on a computer screen. The first condition manipulated stimulus-response compatibility which resulted in changing the inhibition of return. Inhibition of return was stronger when the condition was stimulus-response incompatibility. This result shows that inhibition of return functions strongly under incompatible conditions. A second condition required performance of dual tasks in Exp. 2. Again, changes in inhibition of return were seen. These results show that inhibition of return functions strongly under both dual task and incompatible conditions. Inhibition of return was interpreted as functioning strongly when the task was more difficult.
A 3-Year Longitudinal Study of Self-Concept and Classroom Behavior of Grade 1 Retained Pupils
Authors: Cadieux Alain
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between repeating Grade 1, self-concept scores, and classroom behavior. In Canada, a large number of pupils repeat grades. The literature on repeating a grade suggests that this practice has no benefit on academic achievement or social behavior and practically none on self-concept. Data from a 3-yr. longitudinal study indicate that Grade 1 repetition has no clear relation with self-concept scores and classroom behavior, even when remedial teaching provided during or after the repeated grade is taken into account. It appears classroom behavior problems are related to other factors which existed prior to grade repetition. Furthermore, self-concept tends to be related to achievement rather than grade repetition.
Motivational Climate and Perceived Competence in Anxiety and Tennis Performance
Authors: Yoo Jin
Published: August 2011

This study was done to verify a prediction in achievement goal-orientation theory in a Korean physical education setting. It was hypothesized that the interactions of situationally induced motivational climates (Task and Ego) and perceived competence would differentially influence anxiety and performance in tennis classes. 60 undergraduate men were assigned to a Task-involving and an Ego-involving program in tennis classes for 6 wk. Their perceptions of motivation climates and tennis competence were measured after the first 3 wk., and anxiety responses (cognitive and somatic) and tennis skill performance were evaluated every week over the second 3 wk. of the class. Analysis showed in Task-involving condition students decreased anxiety responses and increased tennis performance, whereas Ego-involving students who had low perception of their tennis competence maintained their anxiety responses and decreased their tennis performance. These results support the hypotheses and the predictions of goal-orientation theory and suggested practical application of the goal-orientation theory in Korea could be explored.
Variations in Mood State as a Function of a Football Season
Authors: Newby Robert W. , Simpson Steve
Published: August 2011

Scores on the Profile of Mood States were collected from football players at a small university each week prior to a Saturday football contest. The scores were analyzed to assess whether mood varied as a function of the outcome of the previous week's game. Although the subjects' overall mood state was not influenced by the outcome of the games, scores on Tension, Vigor, Fatigue, and Confusion varied. Fatigue and Confusion were related to the outcomes of the games and gave partial support to the hypothesis that the players' mood would vary according to the outcome of the games played.
Perceptual Judgements of others' Tasting Experiences: Are They Enjoying Their Food?
Authors: Burt D. Michael , Payne Keith R. , Perrett David I.
Published: August 2011

Motivated by previous work suggesting that infants make stereotypic facial reactions to different tastes, we assessed communicative signals that might enable an adult to interpret the strength, taste, and hedonic value of a liquid flavour another adult is consuming. Four subjects (tasters) were overtly videoed consuming drinks that varied in strength (low, medium, and high concentrations), taste (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty), and hedonic value (taster-rated enjoyment). 26 observers assessed the strength, taste, and taster's enjoyment of the drink from video clips of the tasters. Observers perceived the hedonic value of the drinks to the taster and the drinks' strength based on the tasters' reactions but were generally poor at assessing the specific taste of the drink. For all tastes except the bitter ones, observers might have based their judgements of taste on how much the taster appeared to enjoy the drink. These findings are discussed in terms of communication of food's value.
Changes across Age Groups in Self-Choice Elaboration and Incidental Memory
Authors: Toyota Hiroshi , Tatsumi Tomoko
Published: August 2011

This study investigated differences in the self-choice elaboration and an experimenter-provided elaboration on incidental memory of 7- to 12-yr.-olds. In a self-choice elaboration condition 34 second and 25 sixth graders were asked to choose one of the two sentence frames into which each target could fit more congruously, whereas in an experimenter-provided elaboration they were asked to judge the congruity of each target to each frame. In free recall, sixth graders recalled targets in bizarre sentence frames better than second graders for self-choice elaboration condition. An age difference was not found for the experimenter-provided elaboration. In cued recall self-choice elaboration led to better performance of sixth graders for recalling targets than an experimenter-provided elaboration in both bizarre and common sentence frames. However, the different types of elaboration did not alter the recall of second graders. These results were interpreted as showing that the effectiveness of a self-choice elaboration depends on the subjects' age and the type of sentence.
Practice Schedule and Acquisition, Retention, and Transfer of a Throwing Task in 6-YR.-Old Children
Authors: Vera Juan Granda , Montilla Mariano Medina
Published: August 2011

Earlier studies have raised questions about the usefulness of variable and random practice in learning motor tasks so this study was designed to investigate the effects of contextual interference in young children, and specifically to evaluate the effectiveness of variable or random practice structure in 6-yr.-old boys and girls. Participants on a variable practice schedule showed better performances than those on a blocked schedule. The differences between the two groups were significant in the acquisition, retention, and transfer phases. These results support the hypothesis that contextual interference enhances skill learning. Because the study involved groups of young children in the setting of their normally scheduled physical education class, the practical applications of the results are evident.
Word Familiarity Influences Word-Stem Completion in Amnesic Patients
Authors: Motomura Naoyasu
Published: August 2011

The effect of word familiarity to word-stem completion priming in amnesic patients was studied. A smaller priming effect of low familiarity of words in amnesic patients indicated that the process of lexical access may be involved in word-stem completion in amnesic patients.
Garment Sizes in Perception of Body Size
Authors: Fan Jintu , Newton Edward , Lau Lilian , Liu Fu
Published: August 2011

This paper reports an experimental investigation of the effect of garment size on perceived body size. The perceived body sizes of three Chinese men (thin, medium, and obese build) wearing different sizes of white T-shirts were assessed using Thompson and Gray's 1995 Nine-figural Scale in 1 (thinnest) to 9 (obese) grade and a newly-proposed method. Within the limit of commercially available T-shirt sizes, for thin and medium persons, perceived body sizes are bigger when wearing T-shirts of larger sizes. For an obese person, however, wearing a large size T-shirt tends to make him look thinner. The study also showed that the newly proposed comparative method is more reliable in comparing body size perception but without measuring the magnitude of the change in body-size grade. The figural scale and the comparative method can be complementary.
Psychometric Data on the Group Embedded Figures Test for Turkish Undergraduate Students
Authors: Cakan Mehtap
Published: August 2011

Normative data of the Group Embedded Figures Test for a sample of Turkish undergraduate students was provided. Participants were 534 undergraduates from the Departments of Education of two universities in Turkey. Effects of sex and socioeconomic status on the students' cognitive style performance were investigated. Performance and distribution characteristics of the Turkish sample and American adults as reported in the manual of the original test were compared. A Turkish version was developed. Item analyses, reliability, and practice effects were assessed. No sex difference, except in Section 2, was found. Socioeconomic status also was not significantly related to cognitive style performance. Norms reported for American adults in the manual were significantly different from those of the present Turkish adults. These findings suggest that use in different cultures, especially in those other than western cultures, requires caution. Scores obtained from these cultures should be carefully interpreted.