bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy conflict, policy consistency, and interpersonal understanding
Authors: BREHMER BERNDT
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— A number of studies have shown that inconsistency in the subjects' policies is a major reason for disagreement in policy conflict. It has been hypothesized that the lack of consistency makes it hard for subjects to understand each other's policies. The present results provided evidence for this hypothesis by showing that subjects asked each other more questions about policy when their policies were less consistent in an experiment where policy consistency was manipulated by varying the predictability of the conflict task.
Temporal integration and perception duration
Authors: AURELL CARL G.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— A mathematical model is proposed for the relationship between the intensity of a stimulus as function of time and the intensity of the corresponding respcnse in the form of a conscious experience. The model is based on the assumption that the psychophysical power law is valid for the energy contained in a sliding time‐window. The width and shape of this time‐window will determine both the region of temporal integration and the perception duration. The consequences of this model are compared with some measurements in hearing and vision, found in the literature.
Stages in concept learning. II
Authors: STENILD MARIANE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— An active international theory of concept learning was further tested by varying the intentions and the activity of the subjects (40 children, 12–13 years old). The experimental results supported the description of the concept learning process as intentional and active in nature. Furthermore, the results suggested that the search for attributes can only be separated as a first stage in concept learning—before categorization takes place—under very narrow conditions.
No universality of cognitive structures? Two experiments with almost‐perfect one‐trial learning of translatable operators in a Ural‐Altaic and an Indo‐European language
Authors: STRØMNES FRODE J.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— One set of animated pictures showing the geometric relationships defined by 21 Swedish prepositions, and a second set showing the relationships defined by 12 Finnish case endings, were made. Strict criteria of simplicity, systematicity and minimum learning time were applied to this stimulus material. In two experiments, one with the Swedish and the other with the Finnish material the correctness of the stimulus material was tested by using a PA‐design. The visual stimulus was paired with either the operator it intended to depict, or with some other operator. A minimum of learning time was needed in the experimental conditions, and the control conditions also gave results in accordance with the predictions. Suggestive evidence as to a possible different encoding of time in Swedish and Finnish is reported.
Evidence for the latency‐time explanation of the Pulfrich phenomenon
Authors: KOLEHMAINEN KYÖSTI , KESKINEN E.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The explanation of the F'ulfrich stereophe‐nomenon has been based on the laws of stereoscopic depth and angular disparity, together with the assumption that the timing of the neural discharges from the retina of the Eltered eye is delayed. If this hypothesis is plausible the stereoscopic effect is at least reduced when the pendulum swings vertically in relation to the condition in which the path of the pendulum crosses the observer's line of sight horizontally, because the vertical disparity is ineffective as a depth cue. The results of the present experiment show that the Pulfrich phenomenon is reduced when the pendulum swings vertically.
Revised questionnaire on the sense of humor
Authors: SVEBAK SVEN
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— A Sense‐of‐Humor Questionnaire (SHQ), based on the proposed 3–dimensional theory of sense of humor, was given to male and female students in social and physical sciences to test its construct validity. There were positive and significant correlations between the laughter‐activating dimension (Mp) and each of the two laughter‐inhibiting dimensions (Lp, and Ep), the latter being zero correlated with each other. In a two‐way analysis of variance (sex X science), the main effects were a sex difference on the Lp‐ as well as Ep‐dimension, while no main effect was found on the Mp‐dimension. The Lp‐scores discriminated between men and women in the social sciences, and the Ep‐scores in the physical sciences. All results are in agreement with theory.
Selective attention and relevance‐irrelevance in recall
Authors: SCHIOLDBORG PER
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Recall of relevant and irrelevant items was examined under different types of set, where selection was procured either by a figural or a cognitive attribute of the items. Letters and digits were differentiated by their colour or position (S‐set), or by their mutual class (R‐set). Recall of irrelevant items proved consistently poorer with selection based on S‐set than on R‐set. the effect beeing enhanced, the greater the number of items involved. Response latency increased with number of items, being greatest under R‐set. The differentiation between relevant and irrelevant categories thus appeared more effective with selection procured by figural attributes, which suggests different levels of information processing of these categories under the two types of set.
Direct estimation: effect of methodological factors on scale tupe
Authors: MONTGOMERY HENRY
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— An experiment was performed to investigate the importance of methodological differences between magnitude estimation and category rating. It was found that the form of a scale varied with (a) the range of responses used by the subject and (b) with his freedom of choosing a highest number. Other factors investigated played a minor role. A narrow range and fixed upper scale value yielded the typical category scale, a wide range with no restriction on the highest value the typical magnitude scale. The same factors that determined the form of the scale also affected the Weber functions.
Cross‐modal effects of subliminal verbal stimuli
Authors: HENLEY SUE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— In a cross‐modal version of an experiment by Smith et al. (1959), the effects of subliminal auditory cue words upon judgements of a supraliminal visual stimulus (a neutral face), were examined. Support was found for the hypothesis that material in an unattended channel is fully analysed for meaning, and may be integrated with material in an attended channel when it is relevant to the ongoing task. Contrary to expectations, the effects of the subliminal cues were found to carry over to trials on which the face was presented without concurrent auditory stimulation, thus providing support for the Poetzl phenomenon.
Note on detection of cue intercorrelation in multiple‐cue probability learning
Authors: ARMELIUS KERSTIN , ARMELIUS BENGT‐ÅKE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— After completion of learning tasks with two different levels of cue intercorrelation (ru=0.00 and 0.80) the detection of cue intercorrelation was tested with either a reproduction or a recognition method in a 2×2 factorial design. The reproduction method yielded an almost perfect matching between the reproduced intercorrelations and the intercorrelations of the tasks, while the recognition method resulted in systematically lower subjective intercorrelations. For the recognition method the subjective intercorrelation was found to vary with the criterion of recognition, so that the stricter the criterion, the higher the subjective intercorrelation.
The effects of alcohol and variable amount of cognitive stress on the estimation of time
Authors: LINDMAN RALF , TAXELL HELENA
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The estimated durations of 4 standard intervals, 3, 5, 7, and 9 sec, and of the total experimental period, 11.5 min, were studied (a) in the absence of stress, during the rising and falling blood alcohol level phases, and (b) in situations involving variables stress (maximum, control, and anti‐stress). Alcohol was found to lead to underestimation (a verbal estimate smaller than a given standard) in the absence of stress, but did not affect the estimates when stress was involved. A pronounced central effect was found under maximal stress which was not affected by alcohol. Ss under stress tended to overestimate the length of the experiment when compared to Ss under anti‐stress. The Ss rated their current mood on 16 variables, but no significant effects could be related to their time estimates.
The convergent validity of four indices of cognitive complexity in person perception A multi‐index multimethod and factor analytical approach
Authors: KUUSINEN JORMA , NYSTEDT LARS
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— An application of the Campbell and Fiske multimethod‐multitrait analysis and factor analysis was used to study the convergent validity of the following indices of cognitive complexity: Bieri's Index, Vannoy's Interaction Variance Measure, Number of Factors, and First Factor Percentage. In the analysis the individual constructs elicited by Reptest were contrasted with two sets of provided constructs, namely Semantic Differential and Personality Differential scales. The subjects were 36 psychology students. The results indicated that the convergent validity of the indices over construct type was low and that the construct type had an effect upon the intercorrelations of different indices of cognitive complexity.
Self‐reported arousal Factorial complexity as a function of the subject's arousal level
Authors: BOHLIN GUNILLA , KJELLBERG ANDERS
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The factorial stability of a previously constructed six‐factor check‐list for self‐reported arousal was studied in three different situations which were conceived of as inducing different levels of arousal, viz. in the evening before going to bed, at a lecture, and at an examination. The analyses showed that the six factors obtained in the Lecture group were reduced to five in the Examination group and to four in the Evening group. This reduction was due to a combination of the items from pairs of the original factors into one factor. Significant differences between the three groups were obtained in all factors but one. The results were regarded as support for the usefulness of the six‐factor instrument, the implication being that one or two of the factors in some situations might be redundant. The relevance of the results for a previously proposed model of arousal was discussed.
A follow‐up study of young cerebral palsied patients Some psychological, educational and vocational aspects
Authors: NIELSEN HELLE H.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— In a follow‐up study of 39 non‐oligophrenic spastic adolescents and young adults it was found that 85% attended normal schools, the rest went to schools for physically or mentally handicapped. If retarded children with learning difficulties were left out of account, there were no more than 10% regular problem cases, an incidence which is very close to what is found among ordinary, non‐handicapped Danish school children.‐With regard to vocational career, nearly 80% were estimated to be able to obtain and remain in open employment. About one third had experienced rather pronounced vocational problems either because of physical weakness and slowness, or because of personality disturbances or intellectual retardation. Females appeared generally more content with and successful in their jobs than the males. There was an overrepresentation of clients with a mild physical handicap in the problem group, indicating that it may be difficult to occupy such a “marginal” position with its easy accs to comparison and competition with the socalled normal standards.‐A close relationship was found between the data from the original psychological evaluation and the course of schooling. In contrast, there was a low agreement between the childhood reports and the follow‐up employment data.
Some cognitive models of political party sympathy based on Swedish attitude data
Authors: LINDÉN MICHAEL
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The problem of this study was to formulate and test party sympathy models bearing upon the Swedish political party system. As subjects served representatives of the five largest Swedish political parties. Two basic assumptions‐postulating interindividually shared cognitions of the political attitude system and postulating party sympathy to be based on political attitude consensus‐were differently modelled and tested by a Euclidean distance approach to factor‐analytically defined political attitude dimensions and related party and subject positions. Reported empirical validities, actual vs. predicted party sympathy, indicate the dominating relevance of a “capitalism‐socialism” dimension but also point to the relevance of further dimensions. Because of indicated consistency with rather generally recognized political cleavages a model of ordered simple choices‐for differentiation between the “bourgeois” parties probably modified‐is suggested the most relevant reflection of cognitive structures and processes involved in political party sympathy.
Effects of surround/test field luminance ratio on induced colour
Authors: BERGSTRÖM STEN STURE , DEREFELDT GUNILLA
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— According to Kirschmann's third law the induced colour is at its maximum when the inducing and induced fields are of equal luminance. Later studies (Kinney, 1962) show the induced colour to be most pronounced at a luminance ratio (inducing/induced) of about 4/1. In the present study the amount of colour induced into an achromatic test field was determined for one inducing colour, red, by letting observers judge the colour strength of the induced field. The test (or induced) field luminance was varied to give luminance ratios between 0.5/1 and 2/1. The results show that both colour strength and blackness increase as the luminance ratio is increased. The fact that the test field was judged even to have maximum chromatic colour strength and maximum blackness at the same time is discussed in relation to the method used and in relation to earlier studies on the “mode of appearance” of colours and the bidimensionality of achromatic colours.
Encoding strategy and retroactive interference in short‐term memory
Authors: JOHANSSON BO S.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The effect of encoding strategy upon retroactive interference in STM was studied. The subjects were presented two trigrams for retention with the Brown‐Peterson method. In half the cases they were to recall both trigrams, in half to recall only the first. The results showed higher recall with the associative than with the rehearsal strategy. An increase in level of retroactive interference was found to increase number of retroactive interference errors in the rehearsal strategy condition and number of omissions in the associative strategy condition. The results were interpreted in terms of the memory trace integration hypothesis.
Achievement motivation and problem solving
Authors: VOLLMER FRED , KAUFMANN GEIR
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The relationships between achievement motivation and problem solving were discussed. It was suggested that problem solving may be differentially related to achievement motivation in high and low ability groups. In a group of 46 male students, scoring high on a test of intellectual flexibility, a positive relationship was found between a projective measure of fear of failure and solution of the Hatrack Problem. In a group of 49 male subjects with low flexibility scores, fear of failure was negatively related to problem solving. The results were taken to indicate that the ability measure represented general self confidence and expectancy. Thus subjects with high self confidence might attempt to avoid failure by trying hard to succeed, while a more probable strategy for subjects with low expectancy would be to exert little effort. A test of this hypothesis was made by analyzing a measure of overt activity in the Hatrack situation across high/low motivational and ability groups. Whereas in the high ability group subjects with high fear of failure showed a high level of activity, high fear of failure subjects in the low ability group showed a low level of activity, thus supporting the hypothesis.
Vollmer on Allport‐some short comments
Authors: ALLWOOD CARL‐MARTIN , WIKSTRÖM TORBJÖRN
Published: May 2008

In an earlier issue of this journal, Fred Vollmer criticizes Allport's rejection of operational definitions (Vollmer, 1974), He states that it is useless to postulate an internal structure behind or within the observations made of personality. These observations constitute personality. Thus psychologists should only study the observed phenomena and operational definitions are important tools in this endeavour. In this reply we want to show that his views are confused and try to point out the roots of this confusion.
Connotations and cognitive conflict: A comment on the Kuhlman, Miller and Gungor results
Authors: BREHMER BERNDT
Published: May 2008

In a recent study, Kuhlman et al. (1973) investigated the effects of differences in connotations on cognitive conflict in an experiment following Hammond's (1965) “lens model” interpersonal conflict (IPC) paradigm. The conflict task was a political decisions task which required the subjects to infer the future level of democratic institutions in a country from two cues: (1) The amount of state control over the individual (2) and the extent to which government was determined by elections. The subjects rated the concepts of “state control” and “elections” on four evaluative scales of the semantic differential. From these ratings, connotatively different pairs and connotatively similar pairs were created. In addition, the degree of denotative differences was varied in the experiment. Denotatively different pairs were created by training one of the subjects in each pair to use only the state‐control cue and the other subject to use only the elections cue. Denotatively similar pairs were created by training the subjects in each pair to use the same cue.

After the training, the subjects in each pair went through 20 conflict trials. On each of these trials, they were given a card depicting the level of state control and the level of elections for a country. The subjects (I) studied this card, (2) announced their individual judgments of the criterion, (3) discussed the case until they could reach a joint judgment, acceptable to both of them, after which (4) they were informed of the correct answer and went on to the next trial. For further details on the procedure, the reader is referred to the original paper by Kuhl‐man et al. (1973).
Perceptual projects:A theory of veridicality and distortion in perception
Authors: POULSEN ARNE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The split between objective and subjective information, characterizing dualistic theories of perception, is argued to have caused contradictions around the problems of veridicality of perception and the attention‐attracting power of stimulus properties. The theory of threshold‐regulation in categorical perception is criticized and an alternative model is suggested, where the main distinctions are between the “knowing how” and the “knowing that” of perception, between exteriorization and interiorization, and between the perceptual project and the perceptual foundation. It is demonstrated that concepts used in the analysis of dialogical communication are useful in the theory of perception to explain phenomena such as curiosity, boredom, and pathological perception.
The behaviour of children during a first encounter
Authors: JORMAKKA LEA
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The behaviour of unacquainted children in a two‐child play situation was compared with the behaviour of well acquainted children. Observations were made through a one‐way‐screen, mainly in accord with categories adopted from ethological child studies. Tape‐recorded speech was coded into 27 content categories. Choice of activity and content of play seemed to be determined mostly by the children's sex, whereas nonverbal acts and also some aspects of speech showed considerable differences between strangers and acquaintances. Looking at the other's face, gaze avoidance, immobility, and automanipulation were more frequent among unacquainted children, and walking was less frequent among them. Longer initial silence, smaller total verbal output, and scarcity of suggestions, orders, and negative reactions were characteristic of unacquainted children at the initial stage of meeting. Personal talk (telling about oneself and asking quesrions about the other) was more common among unacquainted children, especially girls.
Conditioning of electrodermal responses through vicarious instigation and through perceived threat to a performer
Authors: HYGGE STAFFAN , ÖHMAN ARNE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— In order to demonstrate vicarious classical conditioning, and to investigate the necessity of vicarious instigation for vicarious conditioning of skin conductance responses, two groups of 32 students each observed a performer (P) allegedly trying to solve easy and difficult number series displayed for both the P and the observers (Os). Difficult problems served as CS+ and easy ones as CS‐for os in both groups; indicated shock to the P as unconditioned stimulus (UCS) for one group, and perceived threat of shock to P as UCS for the other. Within the two groups half of the os were instructed to empathize with the P, whereas the other half was instructed just to watch her movements. The results demonstrated vicarious instigation and conditioning for the group having indicated shock as UCS, and conditioning without instigation for the group having perceived threat of shock as UCS. Since results for the conditioned response and the vicariously instigated response go beyond earlier interpretations, a theoretical elaboration in the cognitive direction is argued for.
Patterns of imitation in mentally retarded children
Authors: QUILTY ROBERT F. , SOLOWSKI RITVA , MALINIEMI SINIKKA
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— In this report, the interchange theory of imitation was extended to mentally retarded children. Retardates were expected to observe and copy adults, using external cues and internal controls as aids. In Experiment I external cues were studied. Twenty‐four speaking and 24 non‐speaking retardates were paired with adults who gave half the children instructions to copy and the other half additional verbal and gestural cues. Non‐speaking retardates receiving frequent cues attended and copied better than those getting initial instructions, gestural cues being equally or more effective than verbal ones. Speaking retardates getting repeated cues finished copying sooner than those getting only instructions, verbal and gestural cues being equally effective. In Experiment II internal controls over appropriate imitation were studied. Twenty‐two retardates were trained to sit, observe and copy their teachers in a two‐month program. Training was evaluated in situations where copying or playing was signalled. Overall, children attended and copied more in the appropriate situation. However, sitting, attention, and copying increased non‐specifically in both situations, and initial situational differences in copying were not observed after treatment. The interchange theory was revised, and implications for attention‐deficit and verbal self‐control theories were discussed. Notions of “generalized imitation” were criticized.
Effects of short‐term preparation on unexpected film stress
Authors: NIEMELÄ PIRKKO
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— A hypothesis concerning the process of suppressing expected film stress was based on data from a previous study and tested in the present study. It was predicted that the “astonishment‘ responses brought about by an unexpectedly early confrontation would be reduced by a foreperiod, or time interval inserted before the film. This made it possible for the subject to refocus his attention on the film content. Predicted reduction in skin cohductance responses and increased anticipation times for stressful film scenes were obtained for foreperiods of both a 7 min and a 1 1/2 min duration. An attempt to experimentally manipulate the amount of concentration on the film content during a 7 min foreperiod did not affect the preparation process.
Assessment of visual acuity in preschool children
Authors: SMØRVIK DAG , BOSNES OLE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Problems in testing visual acuity of preschool children were discussed with regard to choice of optotype and test distance, illumination, instruction and response indicator, and the motivational aspect of the test situation. A test situation conforming to these requirements for measuring visual acuity was arranged for testing of preschool children, using a discrimination learning paradigm with simultaneous presentation of the cues. The test figures were two Landolt Cs of equal size but one with the gap filled in, thus forming a circle. Small toys were used as rewards for choosing the Landolt C. Of 27 children, 2–6 years of age, 25 achieved a visual acuity level corresponding to a Snellen value of 20/20. The results thus indicate a better visual acuity for preschool children than is commonly believed.
Hemispheric dominance, dichotic listening and lateral eye movement behaviour
Authors: NIELSEN HENRY , SØRENSEN JENS HARDY
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Because lateral corrective eye movements have been shown to influence the results of the dichotic listening test, it was supposed that differences in the scoring on this test by right and left eye movers could be found. Only in the entire group of 22 right handed subjects and in the subgroup of 8 right eye movers a significant right ear superiority was found. In the left mover group (14 subjects) right ear superiority in dichotic listening was not significant. These results are interpreted in terms of possible interhemispheric differences in the level of “activity”, facilitating or hampering perception of verbal material in the contralateral ear.
Müller's doctrine of specific nerve energies: A reevaluation in view of perceptual development
Authors: LIAN ARILD
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Some principles underlying Müller's doctrine are presented. This doctrine is briefly evaluated in view of modem research in sensory and perceptual psychology, whereupon its relationship to problems of perceptual development is examined. Two positions concerning developmental changes of intersensory relationships are presented. According to the first position, development starts with a well integrated supra‐modal system and proceeds by a gradual differentiation of the separate modalities. According to the second, the senses constitute relatively independent functions by the infant, while integration of these functions takes place when the child grows. It is shown that studies supporting either of the two positions have been based on different behaviour systems, and that these studies, therefore, need not contradict each other. Consequently it is suggested that sensory functions should be defined in relation to particular forms of behaviour, and that forms of organism‐environment interactions should serve as frames of reference for classifications of the senses.
The concept of dichotomous correlation
Authors: GRAY CLIFTON W.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Intuitive correlation was studied in a 2‐by‐2 paradigm so as to obtain both quantitative data from prediction behavior and qualitative data from inquiries about the concept. Subjects were relieved of information processing and memory demands. Their prediction behavior but not their understanding of the concept of dichotomous correlation was improved over previous experiments.
Meanings as data and human technology
Authors: KVALE STEINAR
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The conception of data as a solid rock bottom of a psychological science is questioned. Several ambiguities of the concept of psychological data are pointed out, particularly in the use of “meanings as data”. Hermeneutical and phenomenological approaches to understanding the meaning of behavior are presented, and a temporal and social structure of understanding is outlined. This structure is shown to give an adequate description of some central methods of observing behavior. A meaning basis of psychological data, thus documented, is then argued to be the Achilles' heel of the positivist conception of psychology as a strictly natural science. Finally, by regarding psychological data within the context of technology, the transformation of the meaning of behavior into data is considered the raison d‘être for psychology as a human technology.
The relation of vicarious to direct instigation and conditioning of electrodermal responses
Authors: HYGGE STAFF AN , OHMAN ARNE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Three groups with 16 Ss each and run in pairs, participated in a differential, successive components, long interstimulus interval conditioning paradigm with the skin conductance response as dependent variable. For the problem solving group the task was described as guessing which of two lamps (CS2s) would follow after two different tones (CS1s). In the observer group they were further informed that the other subject in the pair, the model, would receive shocks at CS+ offset, which actually was the case for the model group. Skin conductance responses were scored in five intervals during and after the non‐overlapping presentation of the two CSs with a duration of 8 sec each. The results indicated no differentiation in any interval for the problem‐solvers, and parallel instigation to shock and threat of shock, and conditioning in the observer and model groups, with the exception of conditioning in the 1st interval for observers only. The results were interpreted as parallel instigation and conditioning between vicarious and direct learning, the reported difference being due only to different UCS‐intensities causing a blocking of first‐order conditioning in the model but not in the observer group.
Structural representations of person perception A comparison between own and provided constructs
Authors: NYSTEDT LARS , KUUSINEN JORMA , EKEHAMMAR BO
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The dimensions of perceiving other people were compared from two types of data, one representing a person's individual constructs and indexed by two different rating methods (Reptest technique and Similarity Ratings), the other constructs provided by the experimenter, also measured by two methods (Semantic Differential and Personality Differential). Thirty‐one female psychology students, rated fifteen role figures by using the four methods. Indices of factorial and cluster similarity of roles showed that the different rating methods yielded highly similar role structures. Each congruent factor and cluster could also be characterized by identical trait properties, but there were also important differences between the methods. Especially family roles formed factors and clusters that were not similar in the four sets of data. The results are discussed within the context of Kelly's personal construct theory.
On the use of the symmetrical square root in G analysis
Authors: HOLLEY JASPER W. , KLINE PAUL
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Describes a method for computing the symmetrical square root (SSR) for two‐dimensional models in G analysis: Demonstrates the application of the SSR in the rotation of factors, using delegate scores as marker variables. Provides illustrative examples, using hypothetical data.
An application of a discriminant analysis, based on the weighted H‐index—a reanalysis
Authors: VEGELIUS JAN , JONSSON HENRIK
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— A discriminant‐analysis method for dichotomized data, based on the weighted H‐index as the similarity measure between two persons, is introduced. The weight assigned each item is a strictly increasing function of the absolute value of its D‐estimate. Here, only power functions are used. The method which is called the WHIDD‐analysis, is applied to some clinical data (Jonsson, 1975). The power of 3 produces a correct classification of all 32 persons in the validation group.
Determinants of evaluation of team performance
Authors: ISO‐AHOLA SEPPO
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting the evaluation of the achievement behavior of a group. Subjects were asked to play the role of team members who have to convey their feedback to the whole team right after the performance. 214 subjects (males and females, high and low achievers) evaluated the achievement behavior of a group, a sports team. They were given knowledge of the group's performance outcomes (5 outcomes from clear win to clear loss), of the group's ability (yes or no) and of the effort (yes or no) expended by the group members. These factors yielded the 20 situations judged by each subject. In addition, half of the subjects evaluated a team performing under conditions of high competition and half under conditions of low competition. The results revealed that effort and outcome form major determinants of achievement judgments, but effects of these determinants depend on the joint influences of effort, outcome and ability. Need for achievement level of subjects and the type of situation did not affect achievement judgments. Overall, females were more rewarding among themselves than males in their own groups.
Learning to use functional rules in inference tasks
Authors: BREHMER BERNDT , SVENSSON CHRISTER
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Earlier studies have established that subjects perform less well in inference tasks with nonlinear rules than in tasks with linear rules, and that one source of the lower level of performance in nonlinear tasks is that the subjects cannot utilize a nonlinear rule as well as they utilize a linear rule. The three experiments in this paper investigate whether utilization of a nonlinear rule can be improved by training. The results show that there is some improvement with training, but the improvement could not be attributed to feedback, or to the learning of specific cue and criterion values. Cognitive feedback did not produce higher performance than ordinary outcome feedback.
Residual function in cortically blind hemifields
Authors: TORJUSSEN TORE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Identification of figures presented in, outside and across hemianopic areas was tested on three brain injured patients by using a tachistoscope technique. It was found that the portion of a stimulus falling in the intact hemifield may facilitate the detection of a contralateral portion in the cortically blind hemifield, otherwise neglected when presented alone. This is in agreement with observations from an afterimage study (Tojussen, 1977), also suggesting that interhemispheric interactions in man are organized with a mirrorsymmetric topography. It is proposed that some previous observations of completion of bilaterally symmetrical patterns across hemianopic areas may be explained in terms of analogous interactions.
A multidimensional scaling and semantic differential technique study of the perception of environmental settings
Authors: GÄRLING TOMMY
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Multidimensional scaling is compared with the semantic differential technique (SDT) as methods for dimensional analysis of the perception of environmental settings. In one experiment employing as stimuli SDT scales used in previous experiments a General Evaluation, a Social Status, a Potency, a Closedness, and an Affection factor were found for both methods. A Unity and a Complexity factor merged into a single factor, an Originality factor was only found for multidimensional scaling. In a second experiment employing as stimuli perspective drawings of urban and suburban settings, the results differed in that the General Evaluation, the Social Status, the Closedness, and the Unity/Complexity factors were found for the SDT, and only the first two for multidimensional scaling. Further experiments with other stimuli and methods of representation are needed in order to draw firm conclusions regarding the correspondence between SDT and multidimensional scaling results within the area under consideration.
Psychological understanding in 6–12 year old children
Authors: WAERN YVONNE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Psychological understanding in 150 children, 6, 8, and 12 years old, was studied by the following tasks: (1) Single affective perspective‐taking, where the child had to name the emotion evoked in the main person by a described situation; (2) Double affective perspective‐taking, where the child had to name the emotion ascrib‐able to another person interacting with the main person, i.e. shift perspectives; (3) The child had to explain another person's behavior without any cues whatsoever; (4) The child had to explain another person's behavior and cues were provided. With very few exceptions, occurring mostly in the youngest group, the children answered with appropriate emotions in both the single and the double affective perspective‐taking tasks. Explanations obtained in the task without cues were categorized according to criteria derived from Piaget's descriptions of cognitive development. The developmental differences found correspond well to differences in children's conceptions of the physical world. In the task with cues, the older children were found to take more cues into account and to be able to combine these more adequately than the younger.
Sex role concepts in eight‐ and twelve‐year olds
Authors: FALKENBERG SUSANNE , RAHM TOMAS , WAERN YVONNE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Children's perception of sex roles was sought, taking Piaget's cognitive developmental theory and the role theory of Sarbin as points of departure. It was proposed that sex role perception could be described on two levels. The first level entailed a sex role enactment based upon superficial understanding, whereas the second level involved a sex role taking based upon a deeper understanding.

The measuring device consisted of a standardized interview of 20 narratives, 10 covering the first level 10 the second level. Each narrative described the objectively observable behavior (level 1) or the supposedly constant personality characteristics (level 2) of a typical boy or girl. The subjects, 8‐ and 12‐year olds, listened to each story and then were asked whether a typical boy, girl, or both would have performed the behavior or expressed the personality quality. The results suggest that both 8‐and 12‐year‐old children understand the superficial as well as the deep aspects of sex roles. However, the younger children accept the sex role differences, whereas the older children are starting to question them. There was also evidence of a developmental difference in experiencing sex roles between boys and girls. The 8‐year‐old girls in the study most strongly recognized the sex role differences and therefore were the most rigid in their sex role conceptions. The 12‐year‐old girls were the most liberal group in their approach to sex roles. The boys fell in‐between, with small developmental differences.
Effects of team outcome on children's self‐perception: Little League baseball
Authors: ISO‐AHOLA SEPPO
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— To determine how children use various attributional categories in making judgments about themselves as a function of team performance outcomes, answers were sought to the questions of how invariant children's perceptions of their characteristics are, and how they expect social agents to judge them under the various outcome conditions of team performance. Subjects were 300 Little League baseball players. Team failure did not decrease the players' judgments of their own internal qualities (ability and effort) but did decrease their judgments of those of the team. In addition, the players judged themselves and expected social agents (coach and spectators) to judge them as being unlucky and having a difficult task following team failure. Theoretical implications of the results were discussed.
Response format and factor structure in mood adjective check lists
Authors: SVENSSON ERLAND
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Different response formats designed for mood measurement were analyzed and compared. The interest was focused upon the effects of (a) symmetry versus asymmetry and (b) inclusion versus exclusion of a “cannot decide”‐category on intercorrelation between variables and thus, factor structure. It was found that the proportions of positive and negative responses were equivalent in the symmetric format but also in the asymmetric if the “cannot decide”‐category was included. Generally it was found that the asymmetric format with the “cannot decide”‐category resulted in a drop of both positive and negative correlations. Data emanating from the different formats were factor analyzed and it was found that the symmetric format caused marked bipolar factors which absorbed more of common variance than those of the other formats. It was established that the symmetric format best reflected an external criterion concerning rated degree of dissimilarity between variables.
Note on the golden section
Authors: SVENSSON LEIF T.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Lines of different lengths were offered to subjects. One half of ten lines were presented horizontally; the other vertically. It was found that two groups of subjects, graduate and undergraduate psychologists and art students at the average produced a ratio close to the ratio the “golden section”, which is a controversy in aesthetics.
When apple definitions become orange realities in banana theories: Epistemological and psychophysiological considerations on Lindahl's analysis of vicarious instigation research
Authors: ÖHMAN ARNE , HYGGE STAFFAN
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Lindahl's (1977) analysis of research on vicarious instigation and conditioning is examined. It is argued that her paper fails to contribute to the field because of a series of fundamental misconceptions. First, empirical and theoretical levels are confused in the definition of constructs. Second, scientific status and usefulness in understanding everyday life phenomena are confused in the assessment of the contribution of vicarious processes research. Third, an idiosyncratic definition of emotion is presented as the only possible one, and research on vicarious instigation, which has an alternative view of emotion, is criticized for not dealing with issues raised by this definition. Fourth, Lindahl has misunderstood the role of psychophysiological data, and the conceptual status of the term “emotion”. Fifth, her paper falls short on several specitic points, including serious misunderstandings of basic aspects of classical conditioning, and a confusion of functionally and structurally defined descriptive terms. Finally, we suggest some problems in research on vicarious instigation and conditioning that would benefit from a critical analysis.
The serial position effect and different error types in anticipation learning
Authors: HEIM JAN , REIN JAN G.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Minor modifications of the usual serial anticipation procedure did not affect the well‐known Serial Position Effect (SPE), while the errors, i.e. Intra‐list‐Intrusions (ILI) and Failure‐TeRespond (FTR), showed deviations from the usual distributions. It was therefore concluded that the SPE should not be analysed in terms of different error types, ILI and FTR. Transfer‐to‐position measured by means of a number‐syllable paired association (PA) task, and a free‐recall test of the original serial anticipation list measured after the termination of the PA‐task showed a skewed and a symmetrical trend respectively. It was suggested that response‐learning accounted for the symmetrical component of the SPE while association‐to‐position, contrary to prevailing views, was responsible for the skewed component.
Subjective probabilities and values of socio‐economic events at different degrees of uncertainty
Authors: SEVÓN GUJE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The relationship between values (negative] positive) and subjective probabilities was studied. Stimuli consisted of unique socio‐economic events represented in the political discussion in Finland. Uncertainty was measured as hesitation in estimating probabilities, The results indicated different relationships between values and probability estimates at different degrees of uncertainty. At certainty the relation was u‐shaped, at some uncertainty the variables were nearly uncorrelated, and at uncertainty an linear relationship between values and subjective probabilities was found.
A comparison between the Grid Test of Schizophrenic Thought Disorder and diagnostic psychologicaI testing
Authors: JOENSEN EYDUN , LUND YRSA , RICHARDT CLAUS
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Bannister and Fransella's Grid Test of Schizophrenic Thought Disorder based on Personal Construct Theory and the concept of “loosened construing”, as measurable in the scores of Intensity and Consistency between intercorrelations, has been applied to a Scandinavian sample of psychiatric patients. The validity of the test was illustrated, and a significant difference was found between a group of schizophrenics and schizophrenic borderline states and a group without schizophrenic thought disorders. The Grid Test scores were found to agree with thought disorder manifestations as evaluated in qualitative terms on the basis of cognitive and projective tests, but they did not differentiate between developmental levels of thinking corresponding to con‐creteness in organic impairment versus diffuseness in schizophrenia. Thus, the concept of “loosened construing” as applied in this thought disorder test seems too unspecific.
Common and relative components of reflected light as information about the illumination, colour, and three‐dimensional form of objects
Authors: BERGSTROM STEN STURE
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— A model for perceptual analysis of the proximal stimulus into common and residual components, earlier described in a series of papers by Johansson and his co‐workers for motion and space perception, is applied to colour perception. Though still premature, this application seems to make colour constancy a natural result of the analysis in the same way as size and form constancy is solved by Johansson's vector analysis in the frame of reference of projective geometry. Applications of the model to Land's Mondrian experiments, to simultaneous contrast, and to the Cornsweet‐OBrien effect are outlined. The information from variations and invariances in reflected light (besides the geometrical projection) is discussed with reference to Gibson's ecological optics.
Motion organization in “stop action” sequences
Authors: HOCHBERG JULIAN , FALLON PETER , BROOKS VIRGINIA
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— Do the contents of our successive glances combine by virtue of motion segregation (Johansson) effects? Some explanations of the effects (for example, that they result from uncompensated pursuit eye movements, or that they occur only with continuous stimulus movement) would oppose that proposal. The effects can be obtained with discontinuous stimulus displacements (500 msec jumps), even with a fixation point and visible surroundings. The proposal that glances combine as a result of motion segregation remains viable, therefore, but segregation effects themselves may need reformulation as relational schemas.
Minimal conditions for the perception of rotary motion
Authors: BRAUNSTEIN MYRON L.
Published: May 2008

Abstract.— The necessity of simultaneous length and direction changes for the perception of rotary motion in depth was studied using patterns of one to four segments of a horizontal line. The patterns changed in length only, according to one of four waveforms: A sinusoidal waveform, with both the left and right half of the pattern changing at the same rate (simulating a parallel projection of rotary motion); a sinusoidal waveform, with asymmetric left‐right changes (simulating a polar projection of rotary motion); a linear waveform, the same for both the left and right halves (a simple expansion and contraction); and a linear waveform on which the asymmetries of a polar projection were superimposed. Most reports described rotary motion in depth. Both the linearity and the right‐left symmetry of the waveforms affected the proportion of rotary motion responses, with the proportions greater for the sinusoidal waveforms and for the asymmetrical waveforms.