bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reaction Time Crossover with an Interfering Task
Authors: Buenaventura Ronald S. , Sarkin Andrew J.
Published: August 2011

The present study investigated reaction time with and without tapping as an interfering task. 66 undergraduate students were instructed to press and hold a button when a stimulus disappeared from a computer screen, then release it as quickly as possible when it reappeared at the end of each preparatory interval, using the preferred hand. Lengths of preparatory intervals were either 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 25 sec. and occurred sometimes in a regular sequence of preparatory intervals of the same length and sometimes in an irregular randomly ordered sequence. Half of the participants were assigned to tap the tabletop with the forefinger of the nonpreferred hand throughout the task. A 2 × 6 × 2 analysis of variance showed significant effects for regularity, length of preparatory interval, and the interaction between regularity and length of preparatory interval. A significant main effect for tapping indicated that reaction times were slower in the tapping group. There were no significant interactions between tapping and other variables, indicating that the pattern of reaction times did not differ significantly between the two groups. Tapping produces a dual-task interference that increases reaction time similarly across different conditions.
Behavioral Components of Milk-Induced Activation in Neonatal Rat Pups
Authors: Specht Steven M. , Burright Richard G. , Spear Linda Patia
Published: August 2011

Neonatal rat pups exhibit a complex constellation of behaviors in response to a variety of salient stimuli such as the odor of milk or maternal saliva, stroking with a soft brush, electrical brain stimulation, and intraoral infusions of milk. Although psychobiologists have used the term “behavioral activation” to refer to such behavioral displays, the exact nature of “behavioral activation” and its underlying neural substrates have yet to be elucidated. This study was undertaken to characterize “behavioral activation” quantitatively to describe and define this apparently global pattern of response in terms of possible underlying components. Principal components analysis suggested that “behavioral activation” may be comprised of separable ingestive, exploratory, and locomotor behavioral “assemblies.”
Effects of Caffeine-and Sugar-Free Beverages on Psychomotor Performance
Authors: Meliska Charles J. , Lawson Christopher F.
Published: August 2011

Two cola beverages containing caffeine stimulated rope jumping more than beverages without caffeine; sugar content of the beverages did not appear to affect rope jumping by 36 college men.
Race-Specific versus General Stamps on African-American Women's Survey Return Rates
Authors: Price James H. , Easton Alyssa , Kandakai Tina , Oden Lorette
Published: August 2011

This study examined cancer survey return rates in relation to race-specific versus general stamps used on self-addressed stamped return envelopes. Of the 104 race-specific stamps sent 41 (39%) were returned. Of the 108 general stamps sent 41 (38%) were returned. Thus, race-specific stamps were not effective in increasing return rates in this sample of African-American women.
Psychology of Computer Use: XXXVI. Visual Discomfort and Different Types of Work at Videodisplay Terminals
Authors: Rechichi Caterina , De Mojà Carmelo A. , Scullica Luigi
Published: August 2011

The relationship between visual discomfort (or asthenopia) and different types of work using display units for 10,626 videodisplay terminal operators of the Italian Telecommunication Company was studied. Visual discomfort was evaluated as related to data entry, data checking, word processing, dialogue, enquiry, and various services. Chi-squared indicated that visual discomfort was not significantly related to any particular type of work for subjects with similar amounts of weekly time using videodisplay units. These findings are consistent with earlier results indicating that the main factor determining visual fatigue in VDT operators is the amount of time spent on the display units.
Measuring Linguistic Development in a Child Adopted from Romania
Authors: Hess Carla W. , Thompson Claudia F.
Published: August 2011

This study explored the clinical utility of two established linguistic measures with a developmentally delayed preschool child adopted from a Romanian orphanage.
Stimulus Complexity in Reminiscence Therapy and Scores on the Beck Depression Inventory of a Small Group of Nursing-Home Residents
Authors: Bass Barry A. , Greger Laura M.
Published: August 2011

A pilot study of the efficacy of groups given single and multistimulus reminiscence therapy versus no treatment controls gave no significant effect in reducing depression in 12 nursing-home residents 68.5 yr. of age. However, the data indicate that effectiveness of treatment was likely attenuated by including participants with dementia.
An Exploratory Examination of the Factors Influencing the Origination, Continuation, and Cessation of Identification with Sports Teams
Authors: Wann Daniel L. , Tucker Kathleen B. , Schrader Michael P.
Published: August 2011

While previous work had focused on the manner in which identification with a sports team influences the reactions of spectators, research had yet to identify those factors with the greatest amount of influence on identification. This article reports on an exploratory study designed to fill this void by identifying the factors involved in the origination, continuation, and cessation of sports-team identification. Responses indicated that a wide variety of factors were perceived by fans to be important in their identification. Specifically, the success of the team, geographical reasons, the players, and affiliative reasons were all quite important in the fans' identification.
Observations on Reflective Pedagogical Thinking by a Sample of Undergraduate Majors in Education
Authors: DiGiaimo Sandra L.
Published: August 2011

A descriptive analysis of the analytical writings of approximately 300 student teachers enrolled in the elementary education program at a state university identified 5 elements of reflective pedagogical thought. A frequency of elements in the analytical writings suggested that these students showed reflective thought more frequently than expected.
Influence of Background Music on Preschoolers' Behavior: A Naturalistic Approach
Authors: Godeli Maria Regina C. S. , Santana Paulo R. , Souza Vera H. P. , Marquetti Gisele P.
Published: August 2011

27 preschool children were observed naturally during classroom activities. Observations of behaviors of Social Interaction, Spatial Localization, and Posture categories were made under music (folk or rock and roll) and no music conditions. Music selections favored child-to-child social interaction.
Relationship between Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Gregorc Style Delineator
Authors: Harasym P. H. , Leong E. J. , Juschka B. B. , Lucier G. E. , Lorscheider F. L.
Published: August 2011

The relationship between the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Gregorc Style Delineator, and achievement was examined by administering these instruments to 259 first-year nursing students enrolled in an introductory human anatomy and physiology course. A principal component factor analysis using a varimax rotation of the scores from the two psychometric instruments, achievement examinations, and an over-all grade point average indicated that each learning style from the Gregorc Style Delineator corresponds to certain traits on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. An individual who had a preference for the learning style of Concrete Sequential tended to have the traits of sensing and judging on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, while an individual who used the learning style of Concrete Random tended to have the traits of intuition and perceiving on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. One who had a preference for the learning style of Abstract Sequential tended to use the trait of thinking while another who used the learning style of Abstract Random tended to have the trait of feeling. The factor analysis also indicates no relationship of any scores of the traits on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or learning styles of the Gregore Style Delineator with the examination scores achieved in the human anatomy and physiology course or to the students' over-all grade point average. However, factor analysis indicates that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator traits of Judging vs Perceiving collapsed into the Sensing vs Intuition scale, and that the Gregore Style Delineator consists of two bipolar scales that are different from those proposed by Gregorc.
Test Anxiety and Working Memory System
Authors: Ikeda Maki , Iwanaga Makoto , Seiwa Hidetoshi
Published: August 2011

The purpose was to examine the effect of test anxiety on deficits in the articulatory loop in the working memory system. We used a verbal memory task to occupy the articulatory loop and a spatial memory task to occupy the visuospatial scratch pad. 17 highly test-anxious and 19 low-anxiety subjects performed both tasks under an anxiety-inducing situation during which they were observed by a monitor camera. Percentage of correct responses and reaction times were measured as indices of task performance. Highly anxious subjects reported feeling worry and cognitive self-concern more than the low-anxiety group. Highly anxious subjects showed a longer mean reaction time on the verbal memory task than the low-anxiety group. On the spatial memory task there was no difference in quality of performance. This finding might suggest that anxiety such as worry and cognitive self-concern interferes with information processing in the articulatory loop of the working memory system.
Modifications of Electrogastrographic Activity during the Viewing of Brief Film Sequences
Authors: Baldaro Bruno , Battacchi Marco W. , Codispoti Maurizio , Tuozzi Giovanni , Trombini Giancarlo , Bolzani Roberto , Palomba Daniela
Published: August 2011

The experiment assessed the effects of two film sequences, a pleasant documentary and a distressful scene, on electrogastrographic (EGG), electromyographic (EMG), and heart-rate responses during digestion by 30 healthy students. The physiological measures were recorded before and during the projection of each film sequence. At the end of each viewing period, subjects completed a self-rating questionnaire on the emotional experience. Analysis yielded a significant increase in heart-rate and EMG values during the viewing of the film sequences and a significant decrease in amplitude of the 3 cycles per minute (cpm) wave of EGG during the unpleasant film. The type of film sequence had also a statistically significant effect on the self-ratings of emotional states.
Where in the World am I? Sex and Handedness Differences in Knowledge of Geography
Authors: Snyder Peter Jeffrey , Harris Lauren Julius
Published: August 2011

218 college students (96 men and 122 women, including nearly equal numbers of right-handers and left-handers) were administered a modified version of the “Gallup Geography Test.” Men outperformed women, and left-handed women outperformed right-handed women. We suggest that these results cannot be easily explained by any credible sociocultural model but are consistent with a neuropsychological model of sex and handedness differences in spatial ability advanced by Harsh-man, Hampson, and Berenbaum in 1983.
French Adaptation of the Ways of Coping Checklist
Authors: Bruchon-Schweitzer Marilou , Cousson Florence , Quintard Bruno , Nuissier Joëlle , Rascle Nicole
Published: August 2011

A short form (42 items) of the Ways of Coping Checklist was administered to 468 French men and women. A factor analysis of the responses yielded three factors, accounting for about 35% of the total variance, and named Problem-focused Coping, Emotion-focused Coping, and Social Support seeking. The first two dimensions are close to those generally described in the literature. Some interesting relationships of scores appeared between personality and coping, notably, between anxiety and emotion-focused coping.
Value of Self-Identification of Hearing Loss in a Screening Program for Older Adults
Authors: Dancer Jess , Jackson Leann
Published: August 2011

During auditory screening, 100 adults over age 65 were asked to self-identify the presence of a hearing loss. Most saying “no” to the presence of a loss passed the hearing and communication screening while those who said “yes” were more at risk for failure on both.
Self-Monitoring and Perception of Performance Norms of Sport Teams
Authors: Kim Myung-Soo , Cho In-Chul
Published: August 2011

An analysis was carried out of influence of self-monitoring on perception of performance norms, the attitudes shared among team members about how high a performance the group should achieve. High self-monitoring individuals have a higher mean perception of performance norms, whereas the low self-monitoring individuals have lower mean perception of norms.
Perceptual Responses to Deep Water Running and Treadmill Exercise
Authors: Brown Stanley P. , Chitwood Linda F. , Beason Kim R. , McLemore Deena R.
Published: August 2011

Perceived exertion during deep water running and treadmill exercise was measured to examine gender and mode-specific responses. Deep water running to VO2 peak was performed in 3-min. stages at leg speeds controlled by a metronome. Treadmill exercise was performed at matched leg speeds. VO2 and heart rate were continuously monitored by open circuit spirometry and radiotelemetry. Perceived exertion was measured using Borg's 6–20 point scale. Statistical analyses were performed using multiple linear regression with dummy coded discrete variables. Ratings of perceived exertion were significantly higher during deep water running when exercising at equal leg speeds. Mean rated perceived exertion at each stage of the test for either exercise mode was not significantly different between men and women.
Aspartame's Effects on Behavioral Thermoregulation in Albino Rats
Authors: Vitulli William F. , McAleer Janet E. , Rockwell Andrea C. , Granade Charles R. , Parman Deborah L. , Benoit Caprice , Quinn Joseph M.
Published: August 2011

Aspartame (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) was administered intraperitoneally to 9 Sprague-Dawley rats partitioned into 2 studies (4 in Study 1 and 5 for a replication in Study 2) over a two-year period using a within-subjects, repeated-measures reversal design Behavioral thermoregulation was assessed in a cold Skinner Box using 5-sec. exposures of microwave radiation [Specific Absorption Rate = 0.34 Watts/kg/(mW/cm2)] as reinforcing stimuli under a fixed-interval 2-min. schedule of positive reinforcement. Two factorial analyses of variance [5 (doses) × 8 (hours)] indicated that the main effect for the doses of aspartame (2, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg, and saline control) was not significant; yet, the interaction (dose × hours) was significant (p<.05). Tentatively, aspartame should not cause an uncomfortable rise in body temperature (as sugar can do) when consumed in common substances such as soft drinks, yogurt, tea, coffee, etc., in doses commensurate with “hedonic” sweetness.
Effects of Masked Repetition Priming and Orthographic Neighborhood in Visual Recognition of Words
Authors: Perea Manuel , Gotor Arcadio
Published: August 2011

The role of orthographic neighborhood (neighborhood size and neighborhood frequency) in visual-word recognition was analyzed using the masked repetition-priming paradigm. Specifically, we varied stimulus-onset asynchrony (33, 50, and 67 msec.) and type of prime (identical, unrelated, unprimed) in a lexical-decision task. Analyses show additive effects of repetition and stimulus-onset asynchrony. Further, the unrelated condition overestimated the repetition effects relative to an unprimed condition. Facilitatory effects of neighborhood size and inhibitory effects of neighborhood frequency were also found. The results are interpreted in terms of current models of visual-word recognition.
Assessment of Understanding by People Manifesting Mental Retardation: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Coles E. M. , Freitas T. T. , Tweed R.
Published: August 2011

An analysis of the psychological aspects of the legal concept of competency/fitness to stand trial draws attention to the central role of understanding. The rationale of certain basic requirements for the construct validity of a psychometric test of understanding in people with mental retardation is presented, and a test that meets those requirements is described.
Role of Intelligence Tests in Speech/Language Referrals
Authors: Sparks Richard , Ganschow Leonore , Thomas Alex
Published: August 2011

This study examined the relation of the WISC–R Verbal IQ with measures of oral and written language among 190 students referred to a private educational clinic over a 5-yr. period. Correlations of Verbal IQ with scores on measures of oral language, written language, receptive language, reading comprehension, and basic reading skills were calculated for the total sample and by Grades 1–3, 4–7, and 8–11. Standard regression coefficients were used to estimate the proportion of variance explained by these five measures. Significant correlations were found for Verbal IQ with the measures, ranging from .36 (Basic Reading Skills) to .69 (Receptive Vocabulary). Multiple regression indicated that 59% of the variance was explained by the five measures and that three—Oral Language, Receptive Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension—contributed significantly to Verbal IQ. Correlations across grades showed inconsistent differences by grade for Verbal IQ with language variables. Implications for speech-language referral practices are discussed.
A Multidisciplinary Investigation of the Relation of State Sport Confidence with Preference and Velocity of Swimming Starts
Authors: Mills Brett D. , Gehlsen Gale
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the relations of state sport confidence with preference of swimming start, i.e., pike or flat, and vertical velocity for male and female NCAA Division I swimmers. Ten male and 10 female swimmers who had a minimum of five years competitive swimming experience participated. Men generated greater vertical velocity on both the pike and flat starts. Analyses of variance indicated a relationship for gender with the most confident swimming start and vertical velocity for the pike and flat starts. In addition, a significant interaction between gender, preferred swimming start, and most confident swimming start was found Discriminant function analysis using gender as the grouping variable and the dependent variables of vertical velocity and state sport confidence indicated that gender was an indicator of swimmers' performance and state sport confidence on the pike and flat starts.
Viewing Music Videotapes during Exercise and Ratings of Perceived Exertion
Authors: Abadie B. R. , Chance M. K. , O'Nan D. , Lay C.
Published: August 2011

30 men 18 to 25 years of age participated in two treatments presented in counterbalanced order. They exercised for 6 min. on a Monarch cycle ergometer at a workload of 122.5 W while viewing and listening to music videotapes or exercised in a quiet environment. External stimuli in the viewing and listening to music videotapes did not distract subjects from assessing their exertion during exercise.
Asymmetries of Facial Motility during the Dissimulation of Emotion
Authors: Clarici Andrea , Melon Francesca , Braun Susanne , Bava Antonio
Published: August 2011

The asymmetries of facial expression were estimated in a sample of 14 experimental subjects with the Facial Action Coding System during voluntary control of facial mimicry while viewing videotapes. The subjects were instructed to express facially the emotion experienced or to dissimulate their true emotion with a facial expression opposite (incongruous) to what they actually felt. Only during dissimulation did facial mimicry show an asymmetric distribution toward the lower left side of the face.
Grip Strength and Intertrial Rest
Authors: Dunwoody Lynn , Tittmar Heinz G. , McClean Winston S.
Published: August 2011

This experiment illustrates that the 1991 Montazer and Thomas conclusion that grip strength declines over time is incomplete. 15 men performed 4 grip-strength trials with imertrial rests of 120 sec. Analysis showed that performance did not decrease over the 4 trials, on the contrary, the pattern was that of a learning curve, with a significant difference across the 4 trials, i.e., on Trial 1 grip strength was lower than on successive trials. Such a result points to the importance of ‘warming-up’ the muscle to obtain optimum functioning. Also, subjects should be familiar with the task and the equipment to reduce the chance of a Type I error. Implications for research are discussed.
The Total-Time Hypothesis and the Acquisition of Connected Discourse as a Function of Mode of Presentation, Presentation Rate, and Intelligence
Authors: Riley Larry R. , Riley Nancy J.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the applicability of the total-time hypothesis in learning connected discourse as a function of two separate modes of presentation, two different presentation rates, and two significantly different levels of adult intelligence. The eight paragraphs of the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (Form A) served as the connected discourse. Statistical analyses showed the total-time hypothesis to be definitely applicable to the learning of the connected discourse. Substantial doubt regarding the wisdom of using compressed speech technology as an educational panacea was evident.
Electromyography and Chronic Pain: Do Current Electromyographic Diagnostic Techniques Discriminate against Injured Female Workers?
Authors: Biedermann H. J. , Hemingway Monica A.
Published: August 2011

EMG recordings, typically obtained in biofeedback training sessions, tend to underestimate actual muscle activity in overweight and female pain patients. If unadjusted, these measures will likely result in erroneous diagnostic conclusions.
A Validity Study of the Social Skills Rating System-Teacher Version with Disabled and Nondisabled Preschool Children
Authors: Lyon Mark A. , Albertus Candy , Birkinbine Jennifer , Naibi Jacquelin
Published: August 2011

This study examined the differences among social skills and problem behaviors of disabled ( n = 22) and nondisabled ( n = 27) preschoolers on Social Skills Rating System–Teacher Version. Significant differences were found between the two groups on all measures of social skills and all but one measure (internalizing problems) of problem behaviors. Also, correlations with a measure of social competence and S teachers' ratings strongly supported the validity of this measure of social skills for preschool children. Implications for designing early intervention programs are discussed.
Evaluation of a Simulation of Human Performance on Random-Digit Generation: Measures of Concept and Redundancy
Authors: Spatt J.
Published: August 2011

Ginsburg and Karpiuk in 1995 introduced an algorithm that simulates human performance in tasks of generating random digits. We have compared sequences produced by this algorithm with human performance and truly random sequences. It is shown that the algorithm can be used to simulate human performance according to the measures on which it had been constructed. However, other peculiarities of human performance are not captured by the algorithm. The results are discussed with regard to current theories of human random-digit generation.
Amount of Psychological Stress Reported by High School Volleyball Officials
Authors: Stewart Michael J. , Ellery Peter J.
Published: August 2011

All volleyball officials registered with a state high school activities association in a midwestern state were surveyed at the end of the volleyball season to assess their self-reported, psychological stress. Of 470 officials contacted, 353 (75%) responded by filling out a simple 5-point rating scale. The mean rating of stress was 2.3 ( SD=.6) (between “very little” and “a moderate amount”) which is similar to past findings for certified, amateur baseball and Softball umpires.
The Effect of Preference for Three Different Types of Music on Magnitude Estimation-Scaling Behavior in Young Adults
Authors: Zaums Karen , Fucci Donald , Banks Molly , Petrosino Linda , Wilcox Corry
Published: August 2011

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of preference for three different types of music on magnitude estimation-scaling behavior in young adults. Three groups of college students, 10 who liked rock music, 10 who liked big band music, and 10 who liked classical music were tested. Subjects were instructed to assign numerical values to a random series of nine suprathreshold intensity levels of 10-sec. samples of rock music, big band music, and classical music. Analysis indicated that subjects who liked rock music scaled that stimulus differently from those subjects who liked big band and classical music. Subjects who liked big band music scaled that stimulus differently from those subjects who liked rock music and classical music. All subjects scaled classical music similarly regardless of their musical preferences. Results are discussed in reference to the literature concerned with personality and preference as well as spectrographic analyses of the three different types of music used in this study.
The Growing-Louder Effect in Short Diotic Stimuli
Authors: Reinhardt-Rutland Anthony H. , Ehrenstein Walter H.
Published: August 2011

Previous evidence from short monotic stimuli shows that a steady stimulus is perceived as growing louder; to be perceived as steady, the intensity of the stimulus must decrease. In the present study, 10 subjects heard a sequence of diotic tonal stimuli. Each stimulus lasted 1.5 sec. and increased, decreased, or remained steady in intensity; initial intensity was 40 dB SPL and carrier frequency was 1 kHz. Subjects made forced binary responses of “growing louder” or “growing softer” to each stimulus. Confirming the evidence from monotic stimuli, the mean value of changing intensity eliciting equal numbers of both responses was negative. Possible explanations for this growing-louder effect reside in (a) the percussive nature of many natural sounds and (b) selective responding to approaching sound-sources.
The Slope Method for Prescribing Exercise with Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Authors: Dunbar Christopher C. , Bursztyn Diego A.
Published: August 2011

The Borg Ratings of Perceived Exertion scale (RPE) has been shown to be a valuable tool for prescribing exercise; however, use of RPE-based exercise prescriptions in field settings has often been problematic because RPE data derived from maximal exercise testing are needed. We describe a simple method for obtaining target RPEs for exercise training from submaximal exercise data. Target RPEs for 50%, 60%, 70%, and 85% VO2peak exercise intensities obtained using the new method did not differ significantly from those obtained using data from a maximal graded exercise test. The mean difference was less than one RPE unit and was not significant (p<.05). Therefore, the Slope Method appears to be valid for developing RPE-based exercise prescriptions.
The Geographic Variation of Suicide Rates by Solid and Liquid Substances
Authors: Lester David
Published: August 2011

Suicide rates by solids and liquids in the 48 contiguous states in 1980 were associated with percentage of people born in-state and longitude as was the total suicide rate and the suicide rate by firearms. The implications of these findings were discussed.
An Analysis of Students' Reasons for Studying Martial Arts
Authors: Twemlow Stuart W. , Lerma Barbara H. , Twemlow Stephen W.
Published: August 2011

Responses to a questionnaire study of initial reasons to study martial arts by 170 students in a school of martial arts are described. Although self-defense and physical fitness motives were prominently claimed, further analyses of more subtle existential and psychological issues are warranted.
Speech Concerns of Hard-of-Hearing Adults
Authors: Gilbertson Margie , Fusilier Betty , Murch Susan , Dancer Jess
Published: August 2011

Speech concerns of adults with hearing loss were identified in a sample of 75 members of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People. A majority of subjects had noticed changes in their speech and were interested in speech conservation services.
Three-Point Method of Prescribing Exercise with Ratings of Perceived Exertion is Valid for Cardiac Patients
Authors: Dunbar Christopher C. , Edwards William W. , Glickman-Weiss E. L. , Conley Patricia , Quiroz Antonio
Published: August 2011

It is often difficult to use heart rate to prescribe exercise for cardiac patients due to the effects of medications and procedures such as cardiac transplantation. Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is the preferred method of regulating exercise intensity in these situations. An RPE-based exercise prescription has previously depended on perceptual data from a maximal Graded Exercise Test (GXT). Recently, using 13 healthy subjects, we validated a Three-point RPE for prescribing exercise using RPE which can be used when ratings from a GXT are not available. Currently, we examined the accuracy of this method for developing target RPEs for patients in Phase II cardiac rehabilitation. Such target RPEs did not differ from those obtained using standard procedures. We conclude that the Three-point Method is valid for preparing RPE-based exercise prescriptions for Phase II cardiac rehabilitation patients.
Stereokinetic Interaction Effects Involving Static and Slowly Moving Identical Figures
Authors: Piggins David , Wilson John A. , Robinson James O.
Published: August 2011

Here a new depth effect evoked by the spatial and temporal interaction in 2-D of a slowly moving circle (optimally at 0.6 rads/sec.) with an identical static circle is reported. Typically, respondents report that with increasing adjacency, commencing with separations of a few diameters, the moving circle appears in a different plane of depth to the static circle, it then usually appears to “dip” onto the static circle and after complete coincidence with it to rise away from it. This effect, together with a number of associated descriptions are commented upon, in addition to observations when viewing overlapped static circles and overlapped circles in motion, this latter stimulus condition evoking the stereokinetic effect. The authors have previously suggested that contour “sliding,” which simulates motion parallax, is the key to understanding stereokinesis. The stimulus conditions giving rise to this new effect directly simulate the motion parallax information present in a retinal image.
Processes in Perception: Psychological Transformations of Highly Structured Stimulus Material
Authors: Lachman Sheldon J.
Published: August 2011

To investigate psychological determinants of the fact that perception is often nonveridical, stimulus items (mostly groups of letters) were presented tachistoscopically to 100 subjects. A 50-msec. exposure maximized opportunity for misperception. A substantial proportion of subjects misperceived, and as many as 88% reported identical misperceptions of various stimulus items. Many of the misperceptions were regularizations of the stimulus in the direction of the more familiar, i.e., transformations in the direction of a similar physical stimulus frequently encountered in the past. Results are explained in terms of principles of (1) perceptual insertion (UNIVERITY became UNIVERSITY), (2) perceptual deletion (HOSPPITAL became HOSPITAL), (3) perceptual transposition (WAHSINGTON became WASHINGTON), and (4) perceptual modification (UNCONSCIOUS became UNCONSCIOUS). These processes are believed to operate in ordinary everyday observation.
Effects of Practice on Identification of Multidimensional Stimuli
Authors: Shieh Kong-King , Lai Chien-Jung
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the effects of practice on the identification of multidimensional stimuli. Subjects were instructed to perform a two-dimensional identification task. The stimuli could be identified either physically or connotatively. There were two orders of reporting the two dimensions of a stimulus. Analysis showed that method of identification and order of report significantly affected speed of identification. Physical identification was faster than identification of meaning. An appropriate order of report shortened response times, and increased practice reduced response times. Practice in multidimensional identification seemed to follow the same laws and trends of unidimensional performance. The effects of practice on multidimensional identification could be represented by straight lines if response times were plotted against the logarithm of the number of trials as noted in unidimensional performance. Further, practice attenuated initial differences in response times between physical identification and identification of meaning.
Environmental Risk Perception, Activism and World-Mindedness among Samples of British and U.S. College Students
Authors: Der-Karabetian Aghop , Stephenson Kathy , Poggi Tiffany
Published: August 2011

Hypotheses were tested that greater perception of environmental risk and stronger world-minded value orientation are associated with more pro-environmental behavior among samples of British ( n = 96) and U.S. ( n = 119) college students. Risk perception was assessed in terms of emotional and cognitive aspects. Behavior was assessed in terms of present action and commitment to future action. The hypotheses were generally supported for both samples, with emotionality in risk perception tending to be more strongly related to pro-environmental behavior. Greater perceptions of risk and activism were also related to stronger world-mindedness. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of emotionality in pro-environmental activism and an hypothesis about superordinate goals.
Type of Physical Activity, Variables Describing Participation in Physical Activity, and Self-Perceived Fitness
Authors: Drummond Jan L.
Published: August 2011

This study examined the association between self-perceived fitness and the type of physical activity and variables describing participation in physical activity by 91 university students. Type of physical activity and variables describing participation were significantly related to self-perceived fitness in the total group ( r = .43) and women ( r = .52), but nonsignificant for men. Self-reported anaerobic activity was a significant independent predictor of self-perceived fitness in the total group ( r = .29) and for women ( r = .42) but not for men as was frequency of physical activity in the total group ( r = .33) and for women ( r = .35) but not for men.
Cognitive Performance after Strenuous Physical Exercise
Authors: Hogervorst Eef , Riedel Wim , Jeukendrup Asker , Jolles Jelle
Published: August 2011

Stimulating as well as detrimental effects of exercise on cognitive functioning have been reported. In the present study, 15 endurance-trained athletes (aged 18 to 42 years) performed a bicycle ergometer endurance test at 75% of their maximal work capacity (Wmax). Psychomotor and cognitive tests were administered before and immediately after exercise. These consisted of simple reaction time (RT), 3-choice RT and Stimulus-Response (S-R) incompatible RT tasks, a finger-tapping task, and the Stroop test. Simple RT tasks, but also the more complex S-R in compatible RT, and Color Word Interference in the Stroop test showed an increase in speed of performance after exercise relative to baseline. An enhanced activation was probably responsible for this better performance on psychomotor and cognitive tests. Since performance on the most complex task, the Interference subtest of the Stroop, was especially improved after exercise, the expectancy of the subjects of a potential positive effect of exercise was thought to have been responsible.
Diary of Events in a Thoroughly Unhaunted House
Authors: Houran James , Lange Rense
Published: August 2011

Two subjects were asked to keep a 30-day journal of occurrences in their residence which are traditionally associated with hauntings and poltergeist-like phenomena. It was expected that the instructions would increase the frequency of perception of unusual or rarely occurring events in their residence, resulting in an attentional and “perceptual contagion effect.” As expected, several features of the percipients' observations closely resembled those found in previously reported poltergeist episodes. Most importantly, the distribution of perceived occurrences closely resembled the predicted logistic curve, suggesting that hauntings involve a perceptual process where initial observations “infect” later ones.
Judged Political Extroversion-Introversion and Perceived Competence of U.S. Presidents
Authors: Young Thomas J. , French Laurence A.
Published: August 2011

Politically extroverted U.S. Presidents ( n = 20) were more likely to be ranked as “above average” in the Murray-Blessing Poll than those judged as politically introverted ( n = 15) and is consistent with previous research on dominance and perceived leadership.
Audiences' Perceptions of Sources' Credibility in a Television Interview Setting
Authors: Engstrom Erika
Published: August 2011

This experiment examined the differences between older and younger men and women's evaluations of differently dressed sources' credibility. 165 subjects viewed simulated interviews for television in which male and female sources dressed either conservatively or casually. Subjects then rated them according to semantic-differential scales which measured targets' competence, character, and dynamism. Subjects were categorized by age and sex. Over-all, younger women (those between the ages of 18 and 34 years) gave high ratings of competence, character, and dynamism to all sources regardless of clothing style, while older women (those 35 years and older) gave the lowest ratings. This was especially noted for their evaluations of female sources. Men, regardless of age rated all sources similarly.
Eyeblinks in Formation of Impressions
Authors: Omori Yasuko , Miyata Yo
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of frequency of one's eyeblinks on creating a personal impression. The subjects, 102 males and 127 females, ages 15 to 60 years, rated on a 7-point semantic differential scale a rarely blinking person or a frequently blinking person described on a question-sheet. A factor analysis of the ratings yielded three factors, interpreted as Nervousness, Unfriendliness, and Lack of intelligence. The frequently blinking person was rated as more nervous and less intelligent than the rarely blinking person. Present results provided evidence that frequency of eyeblinks may play an important role on the formation of impressions. Further implications of the findings are discussed.
The Efficient Range of Velocities for Inducing Depth Perception by Motion Parallax
Authors: Hayashibe Keikichi
Published: August 2011

The range of velocities over which depth perception can be simulated by motion parallax, was studied experimentally. Perception of apparent depth was induced using method of simulated motion parallax. In the condition of ‘observer parallax,’ the range of angular velocity over which apparent depth accompanied by motion was perceived was 0.0048 to 0.048 rad/sec., while velocities for which robust perception of apparent depth was obtained were restricted to the range 0.0010 to 0.0024 rad/sec., and no perceived reversals of depth occurred over this range. No distinct range for robust perception of apparent depth could be found in the condition of ‘stimulus parallax.’ In the case of velocity ratios of 1:1.1 and 1:1.3, the velocity that produced the most robust perception of apparent depth was 0.0024 rad/sec., and inhibition of perceived depth reversals occurred at 0.0010 rad/sec. Under conditions of opposing relative motion, the velocity range over which robust perception of apparent depth was observed was 0.0005 to 0.0010 rad/sec., slightly lower than when both motions were in the same direction.
Ratings of Perceived Exertion by a Group of Women: Does Type A Behavior Act as a Modifier?
Authors: Hassmén Peter , Koivula Nathalie
Published: August 2011

It has previously been suggested that individuals displaying the Type A behavior pattern underestimate their perceived exertion during physical exercise. Most research pertaining to these results has been performed with male participants. In the present study, 70 women (mean age 26.8 yr.) varying in scores on the Bortner scale participated in a standardized cycle ergometer test performed individually in a laboratory setting. Analysis showed small but nonsignificant differences in ratings by participants. This held over the whole range from light to heavy exercise intensity. Less than 1% of the explained variance in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) could be traced back to the scores for behavior of the individuals. Thus, contrary to some prior reports of RPE suppression associated with the Type A behavior pattern, the results present instead a null finding. Possible causes for the equivocal results are the environment (laboratory vs field), the question whether a laboratory test performed individually is perceived as challenging enough to trigger the competitive urge, type of exercise, the individual's sex, the measure used for assessing Type A behavior pattern, and whether gender-based schematic/aschematic processing is involved.
Free Voluntary Reading and Writing Competence in Taiwanese High School Students
Authors: Lee Sy-Ying , Krashen Stephen
Published: August 2011

A positive but very modest relationship was found between measures of free voluntary reading and a measure of writing ability for 318 high school students in Taiwan.
Assessing Students' Understanding and Application of Principles in Classrooms
Authors: Weller L. David
Published: August 2011

Two school systems randomly assigned two classes each of Grades 3 to 12 students to learn the principles and tools. Taught students ( n = 1220) evidenced statistically significantly higher posttest scores than control students ( n = 4480) for Grades 3–12 after a year's instruction. Higher posttest scores for one system on the application of the principles and tools were attributed to time spent on instruction.
Reliability of a Free-Format Values Inventory
Authors: Glencross Michael J.
Published: August 2011

A free-format inventory of Life and Work Values, designed in Zimbabwe as a wide-spectrum instrument suitable for exploratory investigations in a variety of groups, was used to collect data from a sample of 926 education students in South Africa. Analysis showed that the inventory had high internal consistency across all groups sampled.
The “Jump” Effect
Authors: Gyulai Elisabetta
Published: August 2011

The jump effect occurs when an object, for example, a small square, moves on a homogeneous background at a constant velocity along its path except for a short section wherein the velocity suddenly changes to a higher value. In correspondence with this increase, observers may report that the object appears to jump. The experiments reported here explored the velocity conditions which determine the occurrence of this perceptual jump. A difference of at least 15 cm/sec. between the two velocities of the object was necessary for the effect to occur with probability 0.5. With slightly lower frequency, the effect also occurred when the object increased its velocity to a higher constant value in a short part of its path and then stopped. For the phenomenal jump to occur in all the different conditions used, there had to be an optimal length of the path in which the object increased its velocity. Finally, both velocities, before and after this increase, influenced the jump, although each with different weight.
Ipsilateral and Contralateral Skill Acquisition following Random Practice of Unilateral Mirror-Drawing
Authors: Marks Ray
Published: August 2011

The present mirror-drawing experiment was conducted over four months on one healthy female (R.H.) to elucidate the nature of the ipsilateral and contralateral learning curves for 12 sessions of unimanual training of the nonpreferred hand using a random practice schedule. Analysis indicated greater initial improvement for the practising nonpreferred hand with further improvements for both hands in number of errors and time to complete a single transfer test trial. A 4-mo. retention test showed the improvements were greater for the preferred (untrained) hand. Star-tracing records completed for both hands were quite similar to those recorded using the mirror after practice. This may reflect central processing and long-term potentiation influential even after practice ceased.
The Control Question Test in Polygraphic Examinations with Actual Controls for Truth
Authors: Bradley M. T. , MacLaren V. V. , Black M. E.
Published: August 2011

Subjects who were guilty of a mock crime, innocent and informed of the details of the crime or innocent, and uninformed of the details were examined on the polygraph with a modified version of a Control Question Test, which normally contains questions which are incriminating, ambiguous, and likely to be answered with a lie. We challenged the necessity of using incriminating, ambiguous control questions which may demand a lie as an answer. Instead, we created and tested control questions that were unambiguous and answered truthfully. The results, with the modified questions, showed correct identification of 86% of the guilty subjects and 83 to 89% of the innocent subjects.
Neural Network Simulation of Visual Inspection of Graphs of Single-Subject Interventions
Authors: Gilpin Andrew R.
Published: August 2011

Judgments of the effectiveness of single-subject behavioral interventions are often based on visual examination of graphs of response data, but previous research indicates that such judgments are often unreliable and flawed. Here it is proposed that artificial neural networks could be developed to simulate the judgments of expert judges. A prototype of such a network was designed and trained in the present study, and its use in novel experiments matched the estimates of the expert whose judgments were simulated significantly better than did a prediction equation developed using a multiple regression approach.
Children's Word Learning Using Three Modes of Instruction
Authors: Terrell Sandra L. , Daniloff Raymond
Published: August 2011

This study compared the effectiveness of computer video display tube, videotape, and live adult reading modes of instruction in teaching children vocabulary. The same pictured story was implemented in three modes, computer VDT display of still story pictures in color with an accompanying sound track, videotape presentation of the fully animated story, and a picture book whose pictures and narrative matched those of the VDT-computer mode. 78 normal preschool children were presented the story in one of three modes of instruction. The novel words to be learned were embedded in the story as nouns, verbs, and affective state adjectives. Postexposure tests of word recognition showed a small but significant advantage for live voice reading for two of three recognition tests. The VDT and videotape modes did not differ from each other in effectiveness.
Analysis of Multivariate Matched-Paired Data: A Fortran 77 Program
Authors: Berry Kenneth J. , Mielke Paul W.
Published: August 2011

The FORTRAN program MVMPT is described which computes Hotelling's multivariate matched-pair T2 test and three permutation tests described by Miellte, et al. in 1996: an exact multivariate matched-pair permutation test, a non-asymptotic multivariate matched-pair permutation test, and the Hotelling multivariate matched-pair T2 permutation test.