bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finger-Pressure Waveforms Measured on Clynes' Sentograph Distinguish among Emotions
Authors: Hama Haruyo , Tsuda Kenroku
Published: August 2011

We examined the transient finger-pressure when subjects were exposed to the schematic faces which depict “anger,” “joy,” “sadness,” and “no emotion,” and to two nonfacial stimuli. In Exp. 1, nine undergraduate women were asked to discriminate between those target stimuli and the nontarget stimuli by pressing on the finger rest of Clynes' Sentograph, without informing subjects that this experiment was to measure emotions. In Exp. 2, the same subjects were asked to express their feelings evoked by the schematic faces by pressing on the finger rest. Results indicate that, even on the discrimination task, the differentiation in the finger-pressure waveforms among emotions was observed. Such differentiation suggests the possibility of measuring the expression of emotions with finger pressure even when the subjects are not aware their emotions are being measured. The identifiable characteristics of the waveforms are the long duration for “sadness” and the strong intensity of pressure for “anger.”
Effect of Visuomotor Rehearsal with Videotaped Modeling on Racquetball Performance of Beginning Players
Authors: Gray Steven W.
Published: August 2011

This investigation was designed to assess the effect of visuomotor behavior rehearsal (VMBR) with videotaped modeling on racquetball performance of beginning players. 24 male students in beginning racquetball class were randomly assigned to either VMBR with videotape modeling or relaxation and imagery (no modeling) condition for a 2-wk. training period. All subjects were pre- and posttested on forehand and backhand racquetball skill tests. Analysis indicated an effect for forehand shooting, with those given visuomotor behavior rehearsal with videotaped model exhibiting better performance than the relaxation and imagery group, but no effect for backhand shooting.
A Construct Validation Study of the Human Figure Drawing Test
Authors: Fabry Julian J. , Bertinetti Joseph F.
Published: August 2011

To assess whether the Human Figure Drawing Test provides an assessment of nonverbal cognitive maturity, correlations for 31 youngsters who ranged in age from 6–0 to 10–10 on the Human Figure Drawing Test and the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised (WISC—R) were examined. Significant correlations were observed for each of the scales, but the value of .69 for drawings and WISC—R Performance IQs was significant, suggesting the assessment that these tests are largely nonverbal. Implications for the role of language were posited.
Physiological Reactivity in Acculturation: A Study of Female Japanese Students
Authors: Takenaka Koji , Zaichkowsky Leonard D.
Published: August 2011

Several investigations have indicated that length of residence can predict acculturation associated with stress. However, there have been no studies from a psychophysiological perspective to assess whether length of residence affects physiological reactivity. The purpose of this study was to compare reactivity to psychological stress in female Japanese students of long- and short-term residence at a large university in northeastern USA, after administering a stress questionnaire to examine stress in adjusting to their US academic lives. 12 subjects were randomly chosen for each group (short- and long-term residence) from an initial population of 90 students. The subjects were presented three stressors (English-reading, stress-imagination, and arithmetic) for 2 min. each, with a 6-min. recovery period following each stressor. A significant interaction appeared for groups over time on heart-rate reactivity While the long-term group had a linear component in heart rate across time for the tasks, the short-term group did not. Although the short-term group had higher skin temperature than the long-term group, only the short-term group had a tendency to increase skin temperature after the tasks. These data suggest that continued study of physiological reactivity to stress may be useful for developing techniques for coping with acculturative stress.
Free Recall of a Text Containing Isolated Paragraphs Only
Authors: Van Dam Gerrit , Brinkerink-Carlier Michèle
Published: August 2011

Free recall of a text containing only isolated paragraphs was shown to be facilitated when half of the paragraphs were each adapted in order to refer to a succeeding paragraph. Insertion of single referring cues within isolated paragraphs or self-generation of appropriate retrieval cues by the subjects also appeared to enhance recall.
Assessment of Students' Behavioral Interactions during on-task Classroom Activities
Authors: Morgan Harry
Published: August 2011

This study was designed to characterize the quality and quantity of interactions between students and significant others in the processing of new information during classroom activities. I wanted to test the hypothesis that black children, from moderate to low income urban environments, tend to have a more socially active cognitive style than their white peers in the performance of classroom tasks. Five different English classes, all 8th graders in a single junior high school (total of 114 black and white boys and girls), were observed in the same environment at different intervals to identify differences in the number of interactions between boys and girls, by racial groups. Classroom lessons and related activities were videotaped. The recorded activity was tabulated and rated by 3 trained observers. Black children more than white, and boys more than girls, initiated interactions with peers in the classroom in performing assigned tasks. This social interaction also showed that (1) 76% of the observed classroom time, subjects as a group were observed on-task and (2) pupils' interactions with their selected targets (classmates and their teacher) were 87% positive, and (3) relatively few interactions could be classified as disruptive.
Use of Aerobic Dance and Light Weights in Improving Selected Measures of Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility
Authors: Silvestri Lynette , Oescher Jeffrey
Published: August 2011

Many individuals have limited time to participate in conditioning programs so it is important that time spent exercising be used efficiently. When lack of time is a problem in a conditioning program, could the addition of weights be an effective solution? The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of 1-b. weights on various measures of strength, endurance and flexibility of college women who participated in a 10-wk. aerobic dance program. Two intact groups of 19 each, from two-day-a-week aerobic dance classes, were used as experimental groups. The aerobic only group followed the typical aerobic dance format while the aerobic with weights group performed the aerobic part of the program holding a 1-b. weight in each hand. Analysis of covariance using the pretest as a covariant except when assumptions were violated and appropriate alternative methods were used, significant differences were observed on four of the six variables on which the aerobic with weights group excelled.
Circadian Rhythm and Performance during a 24-Hour Relay Race
Authors: Krombholz Heinz
Published: August 2011

The performance of two participating teams ( ns = 18) in a 24-hr. relay race was analysed. The performance of both teams showed a clear decline during the course of the competition; however, the expected circadian variation of performance could only be found for one team. This finding may be attributable to the different levels of fitness of the two teams. Considerable interindividual differences were found with regards to the course of performance.
Development of Psychological and Physiological Sensitivity Indices to Stress Based on State Anxiety and Heart Rate
Authors: Nagane Mitsuo
Published: August 2011

This experiment was designed to compare sensitive and insensitive children under psychological stress during performance on a motor skill. A new index for sensitivity based on the psychological and physiological data (heart rate) was introduced. The subjects were 50 Japanese children. Although experimental groups received competitive instruction and were given the mirror-drawing task, a control group did not receive such instruction. The sensitive group made fewer errors than the insensitive group and the control group. These results suggest that the combined index is a more useful measure of psychological stress than a single index.
Interrater Reliability of the Koppitz Developmental Scoring Method in the Clinical Evaluation of the Single Case
Authors: Svensson Penelope W. , Hill Michael A.
Published: August 2011

Using the Koppitz method, Bender-Gestalt protocols of three patients (8–12 yr.), representing three commonly occurring disorders, and of one normal child were evaluated by 12 raters of varying experience with this system. Raters were asked to make provisional diagnoses based on Bender protocols alone, and these were compared with actual clinical diagnoses. Despite significant interrater reliability of Koppitz Total Developmental Scores and emotional indices, no significant agreement was found in subscores or in diagnoses made, although the effect of raters' experience was noted. Results suggest that the type of dysfunction present is a factor in raters' reliability. Results are seen, however, to support the potential of the Bender-Gestalt for use in relatively subtle diagnosis of children and highlight the differentiation of “organic” versus “developmental” factors as an area for further study.
Note on Aftereffect of Unidirectional Sound-Level Change with Different Durations of Test Stimulus
Authors: Reinhardt-Rutland A. H.
Published: August 2011

Prolonged listening to unidirectional change of sound level in a tone can cause a steady tone afterwards to change in apparent loudness in the opposite direction. Subjectively the present aftereffect appears strong immediately after removal of the adaptor, becoming much weaker within a second or so. To confirm this, the aftereffect was measured by nulling with different durations of test stimulus changing steadily in sound level. As predicted, rate of change of sound level was greater for the shorter test stimuli. This suggests that aftereffect measurement by nulling may be best achieved with short test stimuli However, responses to shorter test stimuli were generally more scattered.
Self-Reported Visual Function and Academic Success: Cattell Revisited
Authors: Cogan Rosemary , Staples Jane
Published: August 2011

To test the hypothesis that visual deficits might hamper college students' academic success, we examined the relationship between a reliable self-report measure of visual function and semester grades. The correlation between the Everyday Vision Questionnaire scores and the grades of 331 college students was .01, which replicates and extends the historical findings of Cattell and others.
Effects of Goal Specificity and Goal Difficulty upon Skill Acquisition of a Selected Shooting Task
Authors: Boyce B. Ann
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the effect of goal specificity and goal difficulty upon skill acquisition of a selected shooting task Utilizing a two-stage sampling technique, nine classes (90 subjects) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: specific difficult goals, specific moderate goals, and generalized “do your best” goals. Following a pretest trial under a “do your best” condition, subjects performed five skill acquisition trials on a kneeling task under their assigned conditions. A 3×2×5 (Goal Groups × Sex × Trials) multivariate analysis of covariance with repeated measures on the last factor and pretest performance as the covariate indicated that the group with a specific difficult goal was significantly superior to the “do your best” group. There was also a significant main effect for trials, however, none of interactions were significant. The results are discussed as they relate to existing investigations in industrial, laboratory, and physical education situations.
Attributions of Control and Vulnerability at the Beginning and End of a Karate Course
Authors: Madden Margaret E.
Published: August 2011

41 students completed surveys at the beginning and end of karate courses. After the classes, students felt they were in better physical condition, were less depressed, and felt they had greater control over avoiding being attacked and over preventing serious injury if they were attacked than beforehand. They felt less vulnerable to having bad things happen and to being attacked and less likely to be injured in an attack. Women's and men's perceptions differed on some variables. This study confirms that semester-long karate courses can alter students' perceptions but suggests that instructors should be aware of gender differences regarding the effects of such training.
Listeners' Familiarity and Perception of an Idiosyncratic Phonologic Pattern
Authors: Powell Thomas W. , Elbert Mary , Forrest Karen
Published: August 2011

Idiosyncratic production of [1] for target /i/ (for example, production of the word “less” for “yes”) was observed in a phonologically impaired preschooler. Recordings of his apparently homonymous productions of minimal pairs contrasting /j/ and /l/ were presented in random order to the child's mother and to five adult listeners who were unfamiliar with the child. No difference was seen across the listeners in their ability to identify target /l/ words. The child's mother, however, correctly identified /j/ targets more frequently than did unfamiliar listeners suggesting that familiarity enhances one's ability to decode idiosyncratic phonologic error patterns.
Short-Term Memory for Tactile and Temporal Stimuli in a Shared-Attention Recall Task
Authors: Bowers Robin L. , Mollenhauer Matthew S. , Luxford Jill
Published: August 2011

The present study examined short-term memory for tactile and temporal stimuli. Subjects were required to touch three-dimensional sample objects of different shapes and textures, presented for three durations: short, medium, or long. After the sample duration elapsed, a retention interval (5 sec.—20 sec.) occurred followed by a recall test for one of the sample dimensions of shape, texture, or time, across trials. Analysis showed that accuracy for shape and texture was high throughout testing (95–99%), but memory for perceived duration was relatively poor (60%). Further analysis indicated that poor recall on the time dimension was isolated to the medium and long samples; accuracy for short durations was consistently high (90%). In addition, a reliable response bias emerged; subjects recalled durations shorter than the actual duration presented. The results were discussed in terms of two lines of research, one indicating that haptic short-term memory is strong relative to other memory systems, and the other suggesting that the choose-short bias occurs across species.
Thinking with Numbers: An Informal Look
Authors: Trinkaus John , Chow Mun-Bing
Published: August 2011

In response to a single question requiring simple arithmetic and consideration of a constraint 60% of 435 freshmen performed the correct calculation and 36% obtained the correct solution. More of the college students responded adequately than the 13-yr.-olds of a larger prior sample, but in both groups large percentages failed to appreciate the constraint and so did not give a correct solution.
Sensation Seeking and Self-Reported Criminality among Student-Athletes
Authors: Young Thomas J.
Published: August 2011

The present study was conducted to assess whether student-athletes self-report more criminal activities than other students and whether there is a relation between sensation seeking and criminal behavior. In comparison to the control sample of 38, 34 student-athletes scored significantly higher on Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale, Form V, and on a modified version of Canter's Self-report Deviance Checklist. Sensation seeking was not related to self-reported criminality among the control group, but among student-athletes moderately high correlations were found. These findings might suggest another dimension of the theory of sensation seeking among athletes.
Effect of Input Devices on Eye-Hand Coordination in Young Children
Authors: Naido Rashida , Salkind Neil J.
Published: August 2011

While preschoolers' practice for 4 10- to 15-min. periods each week for 6 wk. on a computerized maze using a mouse increased scores over those of a control group, there was no generalization to a paper-and-pencil task. Pre- and posttest scores on the Frostig Test of Visual Perception differed significantly, although boys and girls scored similarly.
A Study of Humor and the Right Hemisphere
Authors: Johnson A. Michael
Published: August 2011

65 male and 65 female subjects rated 32 jokes for funniness and solved 14 visually displayed mental-rotation problems. Subjects with faster mental-rotation times tended to rate the jokes as funnier, which is consistent with previous evidence implicating the right hemisphere in the processing of humor. The hypothesis that right-hemisphere processing speed or problem-solving ability are the common factors in mental rotation and humor processing is discussed. Furthermore, sex differences suggest that gender-differentiating preferences for type of humor and mental-rotation abilities may involve basic cognitive functions.
The Function of Self-Touchings, Posture Shifts, and Motor Discharges in Children from 3 to 6 Years of Age
Authors: Rögels P. L. J. M. , Roelen E. , Van Meel J. M.
Published: August 2011

The function of self-touchings, posture shifts, and discharges was studied by comparing videotapes of 48 normal children aged 3 to 6 yr. performing on two tasks, watching cartoons and telling about these cartoons. We scored the occurrence of self-touchings, posture shifts and discharges by 5-sec. intervals on both tasks. We could not find developmental changes between 3 and 6 yr. of age, but significant differences in the numbers of movements between watching and telling appeared. Children moved much more during telling than during watching cartoons. This was interpreted as a reflection of task-specific attention in watching and telling. The attention-regulating function of the behavior was further shown by an outburst of movements during the first 10 sec. after the start of watching each cartoon. Self-touchings, posture shifts, and discharges seem to be part of the ‘orienting reflex.’
Students' Perceptions of Presidential Candidates George Bush and Michael Dukakis
Authors: Gelineau Elaine P. , Merenda Peter F. , Shapurian Reza
Published: August 2011

The present investigation was conducted to assess the public personalities of two presidential candidates—George Bush and Michael Dukakis. Subjects were 693 students in introductory psychology and marketing courses at Southeastern Massachusetts University, the Community College of Rhode Island, and Bryant College in Rhode Island. Perceptions were obtained through administration of the Activity Vector Analysis (AVA), a checklist of 87 behaviorally descriptive adjectives used primarily in self-concept analysis in business and industry. Two identical clusters were observed in subjects' perceptions of Bush and Dukakis (AVA Pattern Shape 6419). Candidates were viewed unfavorably with respect to a factor that measures foresight and planning ability. Neither Bush nor Dukakis was viewed to possess the latent ability to manifest a very high level of moral responsibility towards others. Leadership qualities were likewise not suggested.
Perceptual Agreement as an Aggregation Criterion: An Empirical Study of a Debate in Climate Research
Authors: Moussavi Farzad , Cronan Timothy P. , Jones Thomas W.
Published: August 2011

Reported here is an examination of a debate which has been labeled “shadowboxing in the dark.” An empirically testable aspect of the debate is whether, within a unit of analysis where the members' psychological climate scores are similar, the aggregate climate score will have enhanced predictive power, that is, whether the more similar are the members' perceptions of their work environment, the better the aggregate climate score of the unit will predict members' attitudes or behaviors. The relationship of mean climate and members' satisfaction was not enhanced by the perceptual similarity among unit members.
Some Comments on Götestam's (1990) “Lefthandedness among Students of Architecture and Music”
Authors: Peterson John M.
Published: August 2011

After pointing out some potential author's biases, the populations from which the samples are drawn, handedness in music, and the criteria for handedness are discussed.
Vocational Neuropsychological Requirements of U.S. Occupations
Authors: Lees-Haley Paul R.
Published: August 2011

Aptitude levels required to perform occupations listed in the U.S. Department of Labor Dictionary of Occupational Titles are indicated. Numbers and percentages of jobs requiring each level of each aptitude are presented in a tabular format. These data can be useful in assisting vocational neuropsychologists in evaluating brain-injury disability cases.
Perception of Unilateral Weightbearing during Unilateral and Bilateral Upright Stance
Authors: Schaefer Lori , Bohannon Richard W.
Published: August 2011

To compare the effect of stance (unilateral vs bilateral) and of weightbearing target (25%, 50%, 75%) on error in weightbearing perception, two groups, unilateral and bilateral, of 30 comparable subjects were tested. Weightbearing was measured while subjects stood on digital scales; bilateral stance was accomplished using two scales, and unilateral stance was accomplished using a walker and a single scale. The subject's error in perceiving weightbearing at each target level was assessed by taking the absolute value of the target percent weightbearing minus the mean actual percent weightbearing. The mean errors at the 25, 50 and 75% targets were 6.5, 3.2, 17.6% for the unilateral group and 3.1, 1.4, 3.8% for the bilateral group. A two-way analysis of variance indicated the magnitude of error differed between groups and target levels, with a greater over-all error displayed by the unilateral weightbearing group. Our results suggest that adults are less accurate in judging weightbearing while standing on one, rather than on two, lower extremities. Clinicians should not expect patients to follow accurately instructions to weightbear at a specific percentage of full weight, particularly when using an assistive device to adjust weightbearing.
A Proposed Model for the Measurement of Population Density
Authors: O'Brien Frank
Published: August 2011

A mathematical model is proposed to measure population density using a formula called the population density index ( PDI). The population density index model includes a measure of interperson distance and is scaled for geometric area. The population density model measures population density with greater precision and flexibility than the conventional population density model. The population density index model is designed for small-scale projects involving as few as two and as many as one hundred density points. The derivation of the model is presented, along with an example of its use in a research project at the Naval Underwater Systems Center.
Microgenetic Patterns of Adaptation on the Stroop Task by Patients with Bronchial Asthma and Duodenal Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Rubino I. Alex , Grasso Silvia , Pezzarossa Bianca
Published: August 2011

Microgenetic patterns of adaptation on the Stroop task were assessed by means of the Serial Color-Word Test given 21 patients with bronchial asthma and 20 with duodenal peptic ulcer, who were compared with 41 normal controls matched for sex, age, and education. Two measures were calculated on each of the five trials of the test, one of linear change and one of nonlinear change in reading times. As predicted, patients presented more frequently patterns characterized by high nonlinear change and less frequently stabilized patterns (low linear and nonlinear change of reading speed). Linear and nonlinear change were then calculated on the five linear change scores and the five nonlinear change scores; again patients presented more frequently patterns characterized by high nonlinear change on both the linear change scores and nonlinear change scores and less frequently stabilized patterns. These findings indicate strong similarities between the adaptation patterns of patients with ulcer and asthma and the microgenetic patterns previously known to characterize neurotic and psychotic patients. Furthermore, scores on the Serial Color-Word Test also differentiated between ulcer and asthma groups.
Effect of Orientation on Visual and Vibrotactile Letter Identification
Authors: Shimizu Yutaka , Frost Barrie J.
Published: August 2011

The effect of stimulus orientation of letters presented either visually or vibrotactually was examined to obtain basic information on sensory substitution using the tactile sense. The reaction time (RT) to identify the letters F and R presented in normal or mirror-image form at four orientations each was measured. In addition, conditions of 0° and 270° of head rotation from vertical and arm rotation from the midline axis were employed. Data from 5 trained subjects showed that vibrotactile RTs were always longer than visual RTs. Stimulus rotation away from normal orientation increased visual RTs significantly but not vibrotactile RTs. Visual orientation effect then seemed to be determined by the body-coordinate system but not the vibrotactile orientation. Although further studies are warranted, from the results of this experiment, any convenient and constant stimulus orientation could be used with a wearable vibrotactile display system to exploit passive touch.
Preliminary Findings regarding Effects of Photographic and Stimulus Variables on Preferences for Environmental Scenes
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: August 2011

Research was conducted on the relative effects on people's preferences of photographic parallax distortion, building height, and judged complexity of facades for high rise buildings. The results suggest substantial intersubject agreement in the preferences, that parallax distortion was not related to the preferences, and that components of the buildings themselves were related to the preferences.
Motor-Motor Adaptation to Speech: Further Investigations
Authors: Shuster Linda I.
Published: August 2011

The two experiments described in this paper were designed to investigate further the phenomenon called motor-motor adaptation. In the first investigation, subjects were adapted while noise was presented through headphones, which prevented them from hearing themselves. In the second experiment, subjects repeated an isolated vowel, as well as a consonant-vowel syllable which contained a stop consonant. The findings indicated that motor-motor adaptation is not a product of perceptual adaptation, and it is not a result of subjects producing longer voice onset times after adaptation to a voiced consonant rather than shorter voice onset times after adaptation to a voiceless consonant.
Meta-Analysis for Solomon Four-Group Designs Reconsidered: A Reply to Sawilowsky and Markman
Authors: Braver Sanford L. , Braver Mary C. Walton
Published: August 2011

Responses to prior criticism and a recommendation regarding when a meta-analysis should be carried out are presented.
Element Preexposure, Neophobia, and Conditioned Aversion to a Compound Flavor Stimulus
Authors: Misanin James R. , Hinderliter Charles F.
Published: August 2011

Preexposure to one or two elements of a compound flavor stimulus greatly reduced a neophobic reaction to the compound but did not attenuate conditioned flavor aversion in rats. Results indicated that (1) a preexposure effect on conditioned aversion to a flavor compound is not likely to be obtained if subjects initially show a strong neophobic reaction to the elements and (2) the level of neophobia at the time of conditioning has little influence on conditioned flavor aversion.
The Diagnostic Value of Cerebellar-Vestibular Tests in Detecting Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Disorder
Authors: Levinson Harold N.
Published: August 2011

Neurological and optokinetic measures of cerebellar-vestibular (CV) dysfunctioning were shown to be of significant diagnostic value in differentiating between learning disabled subjects and controls matched for chronological age, sex, handedness, IQ, and background ( ns = 35). Although traditionally used electronystagmographic positional and caloric parameters were not similarly discriminating, quantitative measures of vertical nystagmus in various eyes-closed positions appeared to have diagnostic potential and were related significantly to such CV-determined neurological signs as positive monopedal Romberg. As a substantial majority of learning disabled (82.9%) evidenced ADD-like symptoms and since learning disabled subsamples with and without Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) shared similar coexisting symptoms and CV signs, it appeared probable that learning disabilities and ADD were reflections of the same underlying CV determinants.
Development of a Diagnostic Instrument for Evaluating Tennis Serving Performance
Authors: Rose Debra J. , Heath Edward M. , Megale Donald M
Published: August 2011

A learning-sequence rating form for the slice tennis serve was developed and validated. Six skill components were identified and served as the basis for evaluation. Movement characteristics for observable learning stages were also described. The videotaped serving actions of 81 tennis players of different ability were then evaluated independently by trained raters using the rating form developed. A measure of the rating form's reliability was obtained using the intraclass correlation method (R) described by Baumgartner and Jackson in 1987. Content-related evidence for validity was also obtained. Intraclass reliability coefficients ranged from .70 to .96 across the six skill components identified in the final rating form. The tennis serve rating form provides researchers and coaches a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating tennis serving performance at various stages of learning.
Reaction Time and Index of Difficulty in Target-Striking Tasks with Changes in Direction
Authors: Fischman Mark G. , Mucci W. Gregory
Published: August 2011

Reaction time (RT) for two three-segment target-striking responses involving changes in direction of movement was studied as a function of differences in their additive index … index of difficulty (A-ID). In one condition the A-ID was 9.96 and in the other, 6.76. For 16 right-handed university students, mean RT was significantly faster for the condition in which the index was 6.76. Movement times were consistent with Fitts' Law. The data support Sidaway, Christina, and Shea's 1988 prediction that for target-striking movements with changes of direction, RT is a function of the cumulative series of movement constraints.
Psychology of the Scientist: LXIII. Perceiving Scattergrams: Is Visual Line Fitting Related to Estimation of the Correlation Coefficient?
Authors: Collyer Charles E. , Stanley Kerrie A. , Bowater Caroline
Published: August 2011

Visual line fitting and direct estimation of the correlation coefficient were carried out by 50 subjects using computer-generated scattergrams as stimuli. In visual line fitting, slopes of visual lines were generally greater than the corresponding regression slopes, in agreement with the hypothesis that visual lines are placed so as to bisect the cloud of displayed points at the cloud's major axis rather than to approximate a regression line. Subjects tended to underestimate the correlation coefficient, scaling their judgments of linear structure somewhat more as if they were judging the coefficient of determination. With the actual degree of linear structure partialed out, there were no strong relationships between measures of visual line fitting and measures of estimation. While both of these tasks offer quickly-obtained correlates of linear structure in scattergrams, users should be aware of their biases. We suggest that visual lines do not approximate regression lines very well and estimates of correlation do not approximate the correlation coefficient very well, because the perceptual processes involved perform operations other than regression and correlation. In the present data, these operations appeared to be independent of each other.
Development of Internal Body Image from Childhood to Early Adolescence
Authors: Amann-Gainotti Merete , Antenore Clementina
Published: August 2011

The study aimed at providing a psychogenetic characterization of the developmental patterns through which the graphic representations of the inside of the body progress, and at testing the developmental hypothesis of a progressive integration of genital parts into the internal body image. The drawings of the inside of the body by 360 children of both sexes and of age 5 to 10 yr., and by 213 early adolescents, boys and girls of ages 11 to 14 yr., were analyzed on the basis of a series of qualitative and quantitative criteria. The relationship between age and type of drawing corresponds to expectations in children and appears less linear for early adolescents. Further, data support the developmental process of integration of genitals into the body image and show differential aspects in boys and girls.
Coping and Job Performance
Authors: Wright Thomas A.
Published: August 2011

An organizational field study comprising 42 subjects examined the relationship between growth-oriented coping and subsequent job performance. Growth orientation was measured using the 7-item growth scale obtained from the Lazarus Ways of Coping Checklist. The hypothesized relationship between growth orientation and job performance was confirmed. Individuals obtaining high evaluations of managerial performance emphasized growth-oriented strategies in their behaviors. Further research directions are introduced.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Possible Relation to Vestibular Function
Authors: Farrimond T.
Published: August 2011

Some infants seem to be born with a degree of respiratory centre immaturity which in combination with other problems such as illness, head colds, exposure to cold, air or smoke, may result in cessation of breathing. Vestibular stimulation by rocking has been shown to be beneficial for premature babies in reducing apnea. There also appear to be other benefits, resulting in more rapid maturation of the nerve cells of the cerebellum which is still developing during the first six months of life. The suggestion is made that crib deaths may be reduced by the use of automatically rocking cribs, particularly during the night when most deaths occur.
Physical Attractiveness, Sex-Typed Characteristics, and Gender: Are Beauty and Masculinity Linked?
Authors: Downs A. Chris
Published: August 2011

This study examined the relationships among sex-typed characteristics, attitudes toward women, self-esteem, and both subjective and objective ratings of physical attractiveness. 100 female and 100 male undergraduates were rated on two indices of attractiveness by 6 judges while subjects completed self-ratings and responded to the Personal Attributes Questionnaire, the Texas Social Behavior Inventory, and the Attitudes Toward Women Scale. Analysis showed men and masculine individuals had higher subjective attractiveness, and masculine individuals had higher objective attractiveness. Unrealistic self-perceptions of attractiveness for some individuals may reflect lack of cultural ideals linking attractiveness with men and masculinity.
Stereotypical Beliefs about Appearance: Implications for Retailing and Consumer Issues
Authors: Jasper Cynthia R. , Klassen Michael L.
Published: August 2011

This research was designed to identify current stereotypical beliefs about obese men and women, assess subjects' desire to work with individuals described as “normal” weight as opposed to obese, examine subjects' perceptions of their own body size, inquire about subjects' personal desire to gain and lose weight, and identify subjects' diet and consumption behavior. The data indicate sex differences in subjects' perceptions of bodily appearance, desire to work with obese people, perceptions of their own weight, desire to lose rather than gain weight, and consumption and diet behavior.
Hemisphericity Style, Sex, and Torque: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Roig Miguel
Published: August 2011

A sample of 139 male and 218 female college students were given the Preference Questionnaire and a torque test to assess (a) whether subjects who prefer a left hemisphericity style would show a higher incidence of torque than those who prefer a right hemisphericity style and (b) whether men would yield a higher incidence of torque than women. The first hypothesis received limited support. Men with a left hemisphericity style yielded a higher incidence of torque than men with a right style, however, the difference was only marginally significant.
Scaling of Response Scale Adverbs among Black-American Adults
Authors: Baranowski Tom , Tsong Yi , Brodwick Marilyn
Published: August 2011

Although some attention has been given to the scale characteristics of modifying adverbs in Likert scales, the existing work has been concerned primarily with majority group members. Toward the goal of identifying valid labels for use on Likert scales with black-American respondents, 105 black-American adults scaled each of 27 adverbs (e.g., very, most) on four different adjectives (e.g., important). Four criteria for a set of ideal adverbs were identified for univalent scales. No set of four adverbs, however, met the criteria. Differences in the mean ratings of eight of the adverbs were found by sex group and across the four adjectives modified. The adverbs were not scored at the extremes of the continuum, despite our asking the respondents to rate the adverbs used to define the end points of the continuum. High variances were found across all adverbs. Further research must address the respondents' perceptual frame in the use of such scales.
Simulation in Hypnosis Research: The “Hidden” Role of Attribution of Meaning
Authors: Fourie David P.
Published: August 2011

The role played by attribution of meaning in research involving simulation is examined. Acknowledgement of this role, lacking to date, queries the traditional use of simulation but also opens up interesting research questions.
The Multiplicity of Dreams: Cognitive-Affective Correlates of Lucid, Archetypal, and Nightmare Dreaming
Authors: Spadafora Aurelia , Hunt Harry T.
Published: August 2011

This preliminary research is the firs: to compare lucid, nightmare, and archetypal-mythological dreams on dimensions important in previous research on each. A first study of 100 subjects showed all three forms significantly correlated with each other and with estimates of dream recall. In a second study, 41 subjects were selected from the above on the basis of relative specialization in each dream form, with a control group equally high on dream recall. Here, the lucid and archetypal dreamers tended to separate themselves from nightmare sufferers on the basis of high imaginativeness, proclivity to waking mystical experience, spatial/analytic skills, and physical balance. It appears that the intensification of dreaming is expressed positively or negatively, depending on variations in these cognitive dimensions.
Women's Physical Size, Body-Cathexis, and Shopping for Apparel
Authors: Shim Soyeon , Kotsiopulos Gone
Published: August 2011

The purposes of the study were to investigate (1) differences in body-cathexis, satisfaction with apparel shopping, and shopping orientations among petite, average, and tall/large-size female apparel shoppers and (2) the relationship of body-cathexis with satisfaction with apparel shopping and shopping orientations. Data from a national random sample of 482 female consumers were analyzed by one-way analyses of variance. These three groups differed in (1) total body-cathexis and body-cathexis on five body parts (height, facial features, face, leg length, and arms), (2) three items of apparel shopping attributes (size range available, number of stores, and general fit of clothing), and (3) two shopping orientations (confident shopper and catalog shopper). Body-cathexis was slightly correlated with “satisfaction with general fit of clothing” but was not correlated with any shopping-orientation variables. Managerial implications based on the findings are discussed.
Optimum Level of Visual Contrast Sensitivity for Reading Comprehension
Authors: Carmean Stephen L. , Regeth Rebecca A.
Published: August 2011

Reading comprehension scores were curvilinearly related to a visual contrast sensitivity measure of 155 elementary school children. Moderate contrast sensitivity for fine detail appeared to be optimal for reading; both low and high sensitivity were associated with lower reading comprehension.
Cognitive Style and Nonsport Imagery in Elite ICE Hockey Performance
Authors: Davis Henry
Published: August 2011

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine whether a cognitive style of developing imagery of success and action outside the sport context relates to point production by elite ice hockey athletes. The subjects were 31 NHL players tested on achievement and action-imagery tasks. Multiple regression showed that the imagery variables significantly predicted goals and assists across five outcomes which spanned three seasons. These results are discussed with respect to a cognitive style construct relevant to current theories about the relationships between imagery and athletic performance.
Diagnostic and Intellectual Implications of the Fragmented Rorschach W:D Ratio
Authors: Wagner Edwin E. , Frye Deanna
Published: August 2011

A “fragmented” Rorschach W:D ratio, where D exceeds W by 3:1 or more, occurred in about one-tenth of an outpatient clinical population ( n = 938). Subjects showing this imbalance tended to be diagnosed as organic or schizophrenic and to have a differentially higher WAIS Similarities score. Implications of these findings were discussed.
Effect of Participation in Taekwondo on College Women's Self-Concept
Authors: Finkenberg Mel E.
Published: August 2011

A sample of 51 women enrolled in Taekwondo classes and 49 women enrolled in 4 sections of general health courses were administered the Tennessee Self-concept Scale to assess the effect of participation in Taekwondo on self-concept. Using analysis of covariance, with pretest scores as the covariate, significant differences were found on total self-concept and on subscale scores in physical, personal, social, identity, and satisfaction. Nonsignificant differences were found on moral-ethical, family, behavior, and self-criticism scales.
Line-Drawing Test across Ages
Authors: Shimoyama Ichiro , Ninchoji Toshiaki , Uemura Kenichi , Nishizawa Shigeru , Yokoyama Tetsuo , Ryu Hiroshi
Published: August 2011

A line-drawing test was standardized for normal subjects to examine effects of normal aging. For this purpose, the results of the test for 168 normal volunteers were quantified using a digitizer and a microcomputer across ages from 9 to 78 yr. Three sets of parallel vertical lines were presented to every subject, the distances between the parallel vertical lines (5. 10, and 15 cm) differed in the three sets. A subject drew an horizontal line starting exactly on the left vertical line and stopped exactly on the right one, and the computer could detect minute inaccuracy at the start and at the stop, which inaccuracy was expressed in mm. In this study, effects of four parameters were evaluated, i.e., ages, sex, distances from the paired vertical lines, and order of trials; all were nonsignificant. The normal range of the deviations was within 2.1 mm (average + 2 SD).
Language of Instruction and Approach to Learning: A Nepalese Investigation
Authors: Watkins David , Regmi Murari
Published: August 2011

The possible influence of the use of English as the language of instruction on the approach of 342 Nepalese university students to learning is investigated. English was little used outside the formal classroom. However, analysis indicated no significant relationship between these students' confidence in use of English for academic purposes and the approach to learning which they adopt.
Suicide in Mainland China by Sex, Urban/Rural Location, and Age: Preliminary Data
Authors: Lester David
Published: August 2011

Data available from certain areas of Mainland China show higher suicide rates for females than for males in both rural and urban locales. Rates for rural areas were higher than for urban areas.
Association between Whirling Responses on Psychological Tests and Suicidal Preoccupation
Authors: Lester David , Decker Jerry , Eisenberg R. Jacquilyn , Ecker Christine , Guerriero Judy , Mielish Christina
Published: August 2011

Using a different test (number of spinning phrases chosen and the Beck Depression Inventory) and sample (201 undergraduates), data confirmed an observation by Thomas and Duzynski, as chosen spinning phrases were correlated with prior suicidal ideation. However, the numbers of phrases were not correlated with depression scores.
Effect of Luminance on the Perception of Temporal Order of Flashing Lights
Authors: Luria S. M.
Published: August 2011

The temporal interval between flashing lights required to perceive nonsimultaneity increases with decreasing luminance. This explanation appears to lie in the reported changes in the activity of the transient cells in the visual system with changes in luminance.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Performance Based on Location and Size of Neuroanatomical Lesion in Vietnam Veterans with Penetrating Head Injury
Authors: Grafman Jordan , Jonas Bruce , Salazar Andres
Published: August 2011

We examined Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance in a large group of brain-damaged patients and controls. No differences were found between patients with frontal lesions only and those with nonfrontal lesions. Patients with left dorsofrontal and anterior temporal lobe lesions committed the most perseverative errors. More analyses regarding requirements for information processing on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test are needed.
Participation in College Sports: Motivational Differences
Authors: Martindale Edward , Devlin Ann Sloan , Vyse Stuart A.
Published: August 2011

A modified version of Kenyon's Attitude Toward Physical Activity Inventory evaluated the sports motivation of 85 college sports participants, 48 men and 37 women, across three levels of participation (varsity, club/intramural, and recreational). A within-subjects analysis of subjects' ratings of the 12 dimensions showed the most important variables to be health and fitness, improvement and achievement. A principal components analysis on the 12 dimensions yielded three factors labeled “competition,” “individual goals,” and “social goals.” A 2 (gender) by 3 (group) analysis of these factors showed that the recreational group's rating of competition was significantly lower than those by the other two groups, and the varsity group's rating of social goals significantly higher than that of the recreational group, with no other significant differences.
Rapid Sequential Processing in Dyslexic and Ordinary Readers
Authors: Bell Trevor K.
Published: August 2011

42 dyslexic and 42 ordinary readers were given a rapid sequential short-term memory task using materials adapted from the Illinois Test of Psycho-linguistic Abilities Visual Sequential Memory subtest. Dyslexic readers performed at a similar level to ordinary readers. In Study 2, the same readers were given a 10-piece form board to complete as quickly as possible. Dyslexic readers were significantly slower on this task. Since short-term memory was not a feature of the second task, it was reasoned that short-term memory problems were unlikely to be a feature of dyslexics' performances on rapid sequential processing tasks.