bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Isokinetic Peak Force and Power in Adults with Partial and Total Blindness
Authors: Horvat Michael , Nocera Joe , Ray Christopher , Croce Ron
Published: September 2010

For many populations the ability to move efficiently is compromised by an impaired muscular functioning. Strength development is necessary to overcome the effects of gravity to maintain posture and generate movement responses for mobility. The strength and power capabilities of individuals with total blindness ( n=12) were compared to those with partial vision ( n=12) to evaluate effects of vision on performance. Results indicate that (1) no significant differences were apparent between total blindness and partial vision, (2) significant sex differences were evident in each group, and (3) better performance was apparent at lower velocities. It was concluded that physical performance in individuals with blindness and partial vision are equally deficient.
Yielding Behavior of Israeli Drivers: Interaction of Age and Sex
Authors: Rosenbloom Tova , Nemrodov Dan , Eliyahu Adar Ben
Published: September 2010

The main objective of the present study was to explore the yielding behavior of Israeli drivers. A series of observations were carried out at a busy crosswalk during rush hour to determine the association between demographic factors, i.e., the sex and age of both pedestrians and drivers and the rate of compliance with yielding regulations. The rate of yielding observed did not exceed 53%. Drivers within the 26–50 age range, excluding other age groups, tended to exhibit a higher yielding rate towards the members of their own age group.
Significance of Definition and Classification of a Gesture for Study of Spontaneous Gesture: Comment on Chieffi and Ricci's Study
Authors: Mizuguchi Takashi
Published: September 2010

In research on gesture production, including Chieffi and Ricci's 2005 study, the focus has been on the connection between gesture and speech. To investigate spontaneous gestures, the most important points have been the definition and classification of gesture. These points may directly influence the result and its interpretation.
Discriminative Game-Related Statistics between Basketball Starters and Nonstarters When Related to Team Quality and Game Outcome
Authors: Sampaio Jaime , Ibáñez Sergio , Lorenzo Alberto , Gómez Miguel
Published: September 2010

The aim of the present paper was to examine the differences in game-related statistics between basketball players who are selected for the starting five of the team (starters) and those who are not (nonstarters) when related to game outcome (winning and losing) and team quality (best teams, teams classified for the playoffs; and worst teams, teams who miss playoff classification). Archival data were gathered for all 2002–2003 regular season games from the Portuguese Professional League ( N = 156). Discriminant analysis was used to identify the game-related statistics that differentiate between starters and nonstarters and interpreted by the examination of the structure coefficients (SC). When the best teams won the games, results described differences between starters and nonstarters with an emphasis on defensive rebounds (SC = .32), assists (SC = .32) and committed fouls (SC = –.68). When the worst teams won the games, results described differences between starters and nonstarters with an emphasis on 2-point field goals successful (SC = .47) and unsuccessful (SC = .48), defensive rebounds (SC = .39), successful free throws (SC = .32), and committed fouls (SC = –.55). An also important finding was that, in best teams, the nonstarters' performance was worse in the games that the team lost, whereas in worst teams, it was the starters' performance that was worse in the games that the team lost.
Screening of Intellectual Maturity: Exploring South African Preschoolers' Scores on the Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test and Teachers' Assessment
Authors: Loxton Helene , Mostert Jemona , Moffatt Diane
Published: September 2010

The present study explored the relationship between South African preschool children's intelligence scores achieved on the Goodenough-Harris Drawing Test (GHD), and the accuracy of teachers' ratings of the human-figure drawings and teachers' general perceptions of children's intellectual maturity. The GHD was administered individually to 30 boys and 30 girls between the ages of 4 and 6 years ( M = 4.5, SD = 0.7) from a multicultural (Black, Colored, and White) preschool near the Cape, South Africa. The three class teachers of these preschoolers provided the ratings and perceptions of each child's intellectual maturity. Results indicated that the teachers' assessments of children's intellectual maturity were fairly similar to the formal measures of children's intellectual maturity using human figure drawings and their own perceptions. It appears that teacher ratings of drawings could be relied upon as a means of assessment. General perceptions of children's intellectual maturity should not be solely relied upon, but instead these perceptions should be used as an aid for enhancing the teachers' assessment of children's intellectual maturity in addition to the rating of human figure drawings.
The Effects of Circumferential Air-Splint Pressure on Flexor Carpi Radialis H-Reflex in Subjects without Neurological Deficits
Authors: Agostinucci James , Holmberg Ashley , Mushen Marileen , Plisko Jennifer , Gofman Magdalina
Published: September 2010

The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of circumferential pressure on flexor carpi radialis (FCR) H-reflex in subjects without neuromuscular deficits and to evaluate the skin's contribution to this effect. FCR H-reflex was assessed in 43 subjects by measuring the peak-to-peak amplitude change before, during, and after circumferential pressure was applied to the forearm. Twelve H-reflexes (H/M ratio: M = 25%, SD = 14) were recorded before pressure application to obtain a baseline value (Hbaseline) to which all data were compared. A pneumatic 15 to 20-cm air splint inflated to 51–60 mmHg provided the pressure around the forearm. H-reflex recordings were taken at 1, 3, and 5 min. during (Hpressure) and after pressure application. A second smaller study (placebo), in which the air splint was inflated to 0 mmHg, was conducted in 5 subjects to ensure that changes in reflex amplitudes were not a result of cutaneous effects. Two types of responses were observed in the FCR H-reflex following pressure application. One group of subjects significantly increased in H-reflex amplitude while another group decreased in H-reflex amplitude when compared to Hbaseline Regression analysis found that Hmax explained 37.2% of the variance when controlling for Hbaseline. Subjects with larger Hmax showed an increase in Hpressure while subjects with lower Hmax showed decreases in Hpressure. The placebo study revealed no differences in H-reflex amplitude from baseline values, implying that skin stimulation from the air splint has no role in the effects observed. The dichotomous result indicates that pressure influences the upper extremity differently than it does the lower extremity in certain individuals. Clinicians, using circumferential pressure as a therapeutic modality to lower muscle activity of the upper extremity, need to be cognizant that pressure may have contrasting effects on their patients.
Motion by Nearby Players Biases Perception but Not Action in Judgments of Baseball Destination
Authors: Oberle Crystal D. , Hollums Nicki K. , McBeath Michael K. , Terry Donovan P.
Published: September 2010

In this research, the influence of irrelevant reference frames on estimates of ball destination was examined. In 3 experiments, confederate base runners and fielders served as distractor stimuli while balls were rolled from home plate to random locations along a barrier hidden under an elevated tarp between first and second base. Stationary participants estimated the position that the ball would exit from under the tarp if there were no barrier, whereas running participants ran along the back edge of the barrier and touched the top of the tarp above where they believed the ball would exit. Estimates of ball destination were significantly biased in the direction opposite to the confederates' motion for stationary participants, but were accurate for running participants. These findings are consistent with other perception-action dissociations, and show that relative motion effects can occur in a naturalistic setting.
Kinematic Assessment of Treadmill Running Using Different Body-Weight Support Harnesses
Authors: Millslagle Duane , Levy Morris , Matack Nicholas
Published: September 2010

10 male collegiate runners ( M age = 21.4, SD =1.5 yr.) ran on a treadmill with no body-weight support (BWS), 20% BWS, and 40% BWS conditions. In addition, they wore three different commercially available harnesses at the 20% and 40% BWS conditions. The aim was to run on the treadmill at a fast speed while maintaining an adequate step length. The purpose was to investigate how each harness changed running gait, and the differences in running gait between the harnesses with various body-weight support. Analysis of variance indicated significant restriction of upper body torso rotation between the harnesses at the 40% BWS conditions. Body-weight support resulted in a longer stride, decreased cadence, less vertical displacement of the center of mass, and diminished hip and ankle joint excursions. These changes indicated that increased body-weight support results in longer steps with the foot contacting the belt for a shorter period of time with less leg angular changes throughout the running cycling.
A Review of Metacognition in Aging with HIV
Authors: Vance David E.
Published: September 2010

Declines in metacognitive ability occur more with aging and HIV such that some people aging with HIV may be even less able to report accurately on the status of their cognitive functioning. This is problematic because clinicians and allied health professionals rely on clients' self-reports of cognition to help judge if they are developing cognitive impairments. Such self-reports of cognition may be moderated by mood disturbance, histories of alcoholism or drug abuse, or even limited educational achievement. In this review, implications of this phenomenon and suggestions for researching this topic and assessing at-risk clients are posited.
Modulations of Use-Dependent Excitability Changes of Human Motor Cortex (M1) by Practice Condition
Authors: Hayashi Shikako , Shimura Kuniyoshi , Kasai Tatsuya
Published: September 2010

Effects of repetitive index finger abductions on excitability changes in the human primary motor cortex (M1) are assumed to be dependent on practice conditions of the task. To address how different effects occur dependent on various practice conditions, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle were investigated. Practice effects on the index finger abduction were examined for changes in excitability of first dorsal interosseous muscle under three forearm position changes (neutral vs prone) and two muscle contraction modes (isometric vs isotonic). Analysis showed that after practice MEP amplitude increased in the prone position but not in the neutral position and MEP increases in the isotonic contraction were larger than those in the isometric mode. These results suggest that use-dependent excitability changes are largely dependent on practice conditions because the amount of afferent input depends on the practice conditions.
Authoritarian Attitudes and the Expression of Aggression in Kuwaiti and U.S. Students
Authors: Al-Tarrah Ali , Lester David
Published: September 2010

In samples of undergraduates in Kuwait ( ns = 70 men, 70 women) and the U.S. ( ns = 37 men, 81 women), scores on the F Scale were positively correlated with scores on the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire.
Visual Search Strategies of Experienced and Nonexperienced Swimming Coaches
Authors: Moreno Francisco J. , Saavedra José M. , Sabido Rafael , Luis Vicente , Reina Raúl
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study consists of the application of an experimental protocol that allows information to be obtained about the visual search strategies elaborated by swimming coaches. 16 swimming coaches participated. The Experienced group ( n = 8) had 16.1 yr. ( SD = 8.2) of coaching experience and at least five years of experience in underwater vision. The Nonexperienced group in underwater vision ( n = 8) had 4.2 yr. ( SD = 4.0) of coaching experience. Participants were tested in a laboratory environment using a video-projected sample of the crawl stroke of an elite swimmer. This work discusses the main areas of the swimmer's body used by coaches to identify and analyse errors in technique from overhead and underwater perspectives. In front-underwater videos, body roll and mid-water were the locations of the display with higher percentages of fixation time. In the side-underwater slow videos, the upper body was the location with higher percentages of visual fixation time and was used to detect the low elbow fault. Side-overhead takes were not the best perspectives to pick up information directly about performance of the arms; coaches attended to the head as a reference for their visual search. The observation and technical analysis of the hands and arms were facilitated by an underwater perspective. Visual fixation on the elbow served as a reference to identify errors in the upper body. The side-underwater perspective may be an adequate way to identify correct knee angles in leg kicking and the alignment of a swimmer's body and leg actions.
Self-Controlled Practice of Decision-Making Skills
Authors: Memmert Daniel
Published: September 2010

This study analyzed the effects of self-controlled practice on learning cognitive decision-making skills, focusing primarily on how participants used the time available to them during the practice sessions. 30 college students (10 women) ages 22 to 29 years volunteered to practice the game of tic-tac-toe under one of two conditions, self-controlled practice and a yoked-control condition. Learning and retention performance (game success, mean decision-making time) were assessed on tic-tac-toe game performance before training, immediately, and 3 wk. after training. Analysis showed considerable learning and retention in both groups. No differences were found during acquisition, but the self-controlled practice group had better performance than the yoked-control group on the retention test.
Long-Term Effects of Type of Practice on the Learning and Transfer of a Complex Motor Skill
Authors: Memmert Daniel
Published: September 2010

This study analyzed the long-term effects of practice schedule on shooting performance in basketball during actual field training. 32 college students (16 female) ages 20 to 29 years completed voluntary basketball training in one of two equal-sized groups employing either constant versus random training. The constant practice group took 160 shots from the free throw line, while the variable practice group took 160 shots from different positions around the restricted area. Learning and transfer (variation of throwing distance and size of the ball) performance was assessed with the Basketball-Shooting Test before and after training and on a retention test 1 yr. later. Significant measures in performance were attributed to learning and transfer in both training groups at all measurement times. Constant training groups had better acquisition and random training groups had better retention. The anticipated transfer effect in the random group was not found.
Inner Images and Delineations of Parental Figures Reported by Psychotherapeutic Outpatients
Authors: Åström J. , Paulin B. , Thorell L. H.
Published: September 2010

Psychotherapeutic outpatients (10 men, 20 women) were tested with the Inner Images of Parental Figures. Each subject imagined first his mother and then his father. Questions were asked about size, look, and spatial and emotional distance of the imagined parent. The patient was then asked to describe the personality of each parent by underlining at least 20 of 85 adjectives in a list called Family Climate Scale. This originally consisted of four factors, Closeness, Spontaneity, Distance, and Chaos, but the two administered were Factor I (positive traits) and Factor II (negative traits). Emotional distance correlated positively with Factor I and negatively with Factor II. For the maternal figure there was a correlation with distance in metres and Factor I scores. The Inner Images of Parental Figures may be a valuable complement in psychotherapy, mapping out emotional relations between patients and their parents.
Individual Differences in Typing: Pause Length
Authors: Rothe-Neves Rui
Published: September 2010

An analysis of pause distribution for 12 subjects on a controlled copying task suggests that pause-based measures used to assess writing processes should reflect individual differences in typing.
Correlations of Scores on the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration and Copying Test in a South African Multi-Ethnic Preschool Sample
Authors: Dunn Munita , Loxton Helene , Naidoo Anthony
Published: September 2010

This study assessed the intercorrelations of scores on the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, the locally standardized Copying Test, and teachers' ratings of scholastic skills in a South African multi-ethnic preschool sample. The study also investigated whether cultural and socioeconomic factors might influence test data. Participants were 71 Black, 101 Coloured, and 66 White children attending preschools in a semirural district. Participants' ages ranged from 4 yr., 9 mo. to 7yr., 0 mo. ( M = 5.8 yr., SD = 0.3 yr.). Analysis yielded a correlation of .75 between the test scores and supports the suitability of the widely used Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration in a multi-ethnic sample. Scores on the Copying Test correlated higher with teachers' ratings. However, significant differences in test performance among groups by race and socioeconomic status suggest the rate of perceptual-motor development may be related to cultural factors. Normative data are reported for groups by race and socioeconomic status.
Morning-Evening Type and Stress-Related Personality in Japanese College Students
Authors: Takao M. , Ishihara N. , Mori T.
Published: September 2010

An earlier report by Mecacci and Rocchetti showed a significant, weak, and positive correlation between Evening type as measured by the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire and Type A personality as measured by the Jenkins Activity Survey and the Bortner Type A Scale in Italian college students. The present study of 503 Japanese college students yielded a significant and weakly negative correlation. The bases for the different results were discussed in a psychophysiological context.
Visual Imaging Capacity and Imagery Control in Fine Arts Students
Authors: Pérez-Fabello María José , Campos Alfredo , Gómez-Juncal Rocío
Published: September 2010

This study investigated relationships between visual imaging abilities (imaging capacity and imagery control) and academic performance in 146 Fine Arts students (31 men, 115 women). Mean age was 22.3 yr. ( SD = 1.9; range 20–26 yr.). All of the participants who volunteered for the experiment regularly attended classes and were first, second, or third year students. For evaluation of imaging abilities, the Spanish versions of the Gordon Test of Visual Imagery Control, the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, the Verbalizer-Visualizer Questionnaire, and Betts' Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery were used. Academic performance was assessed in four areas, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, and Complementary Subjects, over a three-year period. The results indicate that imagery control was associated with academic performance in Fine Arts. These findings are discussed in the context of previous studies, and new lines of research are proposed.
State IQ and Suicide Rates in the United States
Authors: Voracek Martin
Published: September 2010

Previous findings pertaining to the direction (positive or negative) of the ecological correlation between intelligence and suicide rates in the USA have been conflicting. Using novel state IQ estimates, derived from the Scholastic Assessment Test, the American College Test, these tests combined, or the National Assessment of Educational Progress state scores, these estimates were not consistently associated to state suicide rates. Whereas ACT-derived state IQ was significantly positively correlated with suicide rates, the correlation with composite ACT-SAT-derived state IQ was significantly negative and with both SAT-derived and NAEP-derived state IQ also negative but not significant. Validity checks pointed to possible methodological problems with the state IQ estimates. Currently available estimates of state IQ, therefore, seem not appropriate to resolve the question of the direction of the ecological correlation of intelligence and suicide mortality across the USA.
Effects of Shape Parameters on the Attractiveness of a Female Body
Authors: Fan J. , Dai W. , Qian X. , Chau K.P. , Liu Q.
Published: September 2010

Various researchers have suggested that certain anthropometric ratios can be used to measure female body attractiveness, including the waist to hip ratio, Body Mass Index (BMI), and the body volume divided by the square of the height (Volume-Height Index). Based on a wide range of female subjects and virtual images of bodies with different ratios, Volume-Height Index was found to provide the best fit with female body attractiveness, and the effect of Volume-Height Index can be fitted with two half bell-shaped exponential curves with an optimal Volume-Height Index at 14.2 liter/m2. It is suggested that the general trend of the effect of Volume-Height Index may be culturally invariant, but the optimal value of Volume-Height Index may vary from culture to culture. In addition to Volume-Height Index, other body parameters or ratios which reflect body proportions and the traits of feminine characteristics had smaller but significant effects on female body attractiveness, and such effects were stronger at optimum Volume-Height Index.
Self-Perception of Health and Fitness among French and Tunisian Men and Women
Authors: Maâmouri L. , Brisswalter J. , Jeddi R. , Legros P.
Published: September 2010

This work examines the effects of sex and culture on physical self-perceptions. The aim was to compare the perception of physical fitness of French and Tunisian men and women. 400 individuals ages 20 to 35 years assessed their own fitness, endurance, strength, flexibility, body composition, and health according to specific category scales by completing a questionnaire. In general, the Tunisian group rated themselves higher than the French group. It appears that perceived physical fitness was related mainly to perceived endurance for both groups. Some disparities were observed between the two nationalities. Analysis showed an interaction between sex and culture (French vs Tunisian). For French men and women and Tunisian men, perceived physical fitness was more associated with perceived endurance, whereas for Tunisian women, perceived physical fitness was more strongly associated with flexibility. These data show that self-perception of physical fitness is a dimension which varies between individuals from different cultures.
On the Nature of the Plural Self
Authors: Lester David
Published: September 2010

In a sample of 100 college students, those with a higher score on a measure of having a plural self-concept scored higher on a test of self-monitoring and lower on a test of tolerance for ambiguity, but variance accounted for is small.
Effect of Manipulating Positive and Negative Feedback on Goal Orientations, Perceived Motivational Climate, Satisfaction, Task Choice, Perception of Ability, and Attitude toward Physical Education Lessons
Authors: Viciana J. , Cervelló E. M. , Ramírez-Lechuga J.
Published: September 2010

This study examined the effect of different types of feedback on goal orientation, perception of motivational climate, satisfaction, and boredom in physical education (PE) classes, pupils' preferences for challenging versus easy tasks, pupils' attitudes towards PE lessons, and perception of gymnastic ability. 95 subjects in three treatment conditions (positive feedback, negative feedback, and both feedback types) participated in 14 lessons and completed pre- and postintervention measures. Results showed that subjects in the positive feedback group had significantly higher scores on learning-oriented motivational climate and enjoyment than the subjects of the negative feedback group. The negative feedback group reported higher scores on performance-oriented motivational climate than the positive feedback group. Results also showed that subjects in the group receiving both types of feedback had lower scores on learning-oriented motivational climate, higher scores on enjoyment than the negative feedback group, and lower scores on boredom than the positive feedback group. The effects of feedback on physical education students' motivation are discussed.
Interactions of Speech and Manual Movement in a Syncopated Task
Authors: Inui Nobuyuki
Published: September 2010

The present study examined interactions of speech production and finger-tapping movement, using a syncopated motor task with two movements in 10 male right-handed undergraduate students ( M age = 21.0 yr.; SD =1.4). On the syncopated task, participants were required to produce one movement exactly midway between two other movements (target interresponse interval: 250 msec.). They were divided into two groups, the tap-preceding group and speech-preceding group. The author observed that the right hand showed a more variable peak force and intertap interval than the left hand in the speech-preceding group, indicating an asymmetrical interference of two movements. On the other hand, the mean differences between onsets of speech and tapping movement were shorter than 250 msec. over all conditions (the shortest mean difference was 50 msec.), suggesting a mutual entrainment of two movements. An asymmetry of entrainment was observed in the speech-preceding group, in which speech production was more strongly entrained with movements of the right hand than with those of the left hand.
Primacy and Recency Effects in Immediate Free Recall of Sequences of Spatial Positions
Authors: Bonanni Rita , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Caltagirone Carlo , Carlesimo Giovanni Augusto
Published: September 2010

This study evaluated the serial position curve based on free recall of spatial position sequences. To evaluate the memory processes underlying spatial recall, some manipulations were introduced by varying the length of spatial sequences (Exp. 1) and modifying the presentation rate of individual positions (Exp. 2). A primacy effect emerged for all sequence lengths, while a recency effect was evident only in the longer sequences. Moreover, slowing the presentation rate increased the magnitude of the primacy effect and abolished the recency effect. The main novelty of the present results is represented by the finding that better recall of early items in a sequence of spatial positions does not depend on the task requirement of an ordered recall but it can also be observed in a free recall paradigm.
Sports Participation outside School in Total Physical Activity of Children
Authors: Saar Meeli , Jürimäe Toivo
Published: September 2010

This study of associations of sports participation with perceived and actual physical fitness, and total physical activity for 525 10- to 17-yr.-old boys and girls in groups of 10–11-yr. (56 boys and 64 girls), 12–13-yr. (68 boys and 68 girls), 14–15-yr. (70 boys and 71 girls), and 16–17-yr. (68 boys and 60 girls) was based on the Physical Activity Index derived from a questionnaire by Telama, Leskinen, and Young, and self-perceived endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition. Questions about satisfaction with physical activity, participation in organized physical activity and competitions, or watching competitions were asked. Two EUROFIT tests were used, the 20-m endurance shuttle-run and sit-and-reach, plus the sum of 9 skinfold thicknesses. Children who participated in organized physical activity and in competitions had a higher Physical Activity Index. Passive watching of competitions was not related to children's physical activity or their perceived or measured motor abilities.
Futile Debate on Assessment of Field Dependence–Independence
Authors: Tinajero C. , Páramo M. F. , Guisande A.
Published: September 2010

A long-standing debate on assessment has troubled research on field dependence–independence. The main arguments and a recent measurement proposal by Riding, et al., are revised to illustrate the futility of this debate and to defend the strength of the cognitive style dimension.
Stability of Body Image Concerns among Chinese Adolescents: Nine-Month Test-Retest Reliabilities of the Negative Physical Self Scale
Authors: Chen Hong , Jackson Todd
Published: September 2010

This research assessed the stability of specific body image concerns among Chinese adolescents. A sample of 216 boys and 375 girls completed the Negative Physical Self Scale, a 38-item measure of body image concerns developed specifically for use in Chinese samples. Participants returned nine months later to complete the same scale. Bivariate correlation analyses within each sex obtained good test-retest reliabilities ( r = .48 to r = .78). Findings indicate that body image concerns of Chinese adolescents, especially those of girls, are relatively stable over a nine-month interval.
Entropy and Environmental Mystery: A Parapsychological Perspective
Authors: Houran James
Published: September 2010

Findings from parapsychological field studies grounded in cognitive illusions parallel the results from Stamps' 2007 research on environmental mystery in simulated environments. However, parapsychology also implicates certain perceptual-personality characteristics in the perception of some forms of environmental mystery. Thus, it is argued that environmental mystery is produced fundamentally by an interaction of the right type of percipient (primed to detect and give credence to ambiguous stimuli) in the right type of environment (full of ambiguous stimuli).
Note on Development of Perception of Size
Authors: Masin Sergio Cesare
Published: September 2010

The development of the perception of size is currently interpreted as the development of size constancy. Using data from prior studies, this paper reports a functional measurement analysis of the perceived size of rectangles located on a frontal plane. Analysis shows the development of the perception of size may depend on what can be called the development of size isomorphism. While size constancy may change during childhood with the ability to use cues of size and distance, it is proposed that the extent of size isomorphism may change with age given change with age in the neural representation of perceived length and in the working parameters of the neural mechanism which generates perceived length. Current interpretations of changes with age in the perception of size may confuse changes in perceived size given development of size constancy with changes in perceived size based on development of size isomorphism.
Effect of Mental Imagery on the Development of Skilled Motor Actions
Authors: Fontani Giuliano , Migliorini Silvia , Benocci Roberto , Facchini Angelo , Casini Marco , Corradeschi Fausto
Published: September 2010

To test the effect of imagery in the training of skilled movements, an experiment was designed in which athletes learned a new motor action and trained themselves for a month either by overt action or by mental imagery of the action. The experiment was carried out with 30 male karateka ( M age = 35 yr., SD = 8.7; M years of practice = 6, SD = 3) instructed to perform an action ( Ura-Shuto-Uchi) that they had not previously learned. The athletes were divided into three groups: Untrained (10 subjects who did not perform any training), Action Trained (10 subjects who performed Ura-Shuto-Uchi training daily for 16 minutes), and Mental Imagery (10 subjects who performed mental imagery training of Ura-Shuto-Uchi daily for 16 minutes). The subjects were tested five times, once every 7 days. During each test, they performed a series of 60 motor action trials. In Tests 1, 3, and 5, they also performed a series of 60 mental imagery trials. During the trials, an electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), muscle strength and power, and other physiological parameters were recorded. The results differed by group. Untrained subjects did not show significant effects. In the Action Trained group, training had an effect on reactivity and movement speed, with a reduction of EMG activation and reaction times. Moreover, muscle strength, power, and work increased significantly. The Mental Imagery group showed the same effects on muscle strength, power, and work, but changes in reactivity were not observed. In the Mental Imagery group, the study of Movement Related Brain Macropotentials indicated a progressive modification of the profile of the waves from Test 1 to Test 5 during imagery, showing significant variations of the amplitude of the waves related to the premotor and motor execution periods. Results show that motor imagery can influence muscular abilities such as strength and power and can modify Movement Related Brain Macropotentials, the profile of which potentially could be used to verify the effectiveness of motor imagery training.
Effects of Contextual Interference on Acquisition and Retention of Three Volleyball Skills
Authors: Jones Laura L. , French Karen E.
Published: September 2010

Manipulating the organization of practice conditions, through contextual interference, was identified as a method to promote motor skill acquisition by Brady in 1998. The generalizability of this learning effect is questionable and the amount of repetition versus the amount of change in task presentation requires investigation. The purpose of this study was to explore explanations for the performance of learners practicing the AAHPERD volleyball skills test when the change in task presentation varied. High school students were randomly assigned to blocked, random, and random-blocked practice groups. While all groups significantly improved all skills during acquisition, there was no support for the contextual interference effect. Potential explanations might be dependent upon the learners' skill and the complexity of the task to be learned. Further research is warranted examining contextual interference effect on practice organization at levels of difficulty appropriate to facilitate cognitive processing of task-related information.
Effects of Using a Scoring Guide on Essay Scores: Generalizability Theory
Authors: Kan Adnan
Published: September 2010

This study was conducted to test the effect of task level and item consistency when two conditions, with and without the assistance of a scoring guide, were used to score essays. The use of generalization theory was proposed as a framework for examining the effect of task variability and use of the scoring guide on achievement measures. Participants were 21 students in Grade 9 enrolled in regular Turkish language and literature classes. Of these students 11 were men and 10 were women. Ten teachers from the city were raters. In the past, raters of essays have given varied judgements of writing quality. Utilizing decision and generalizability theories, variation in scores was evaluated using a three-way (person × rater × task) analysis of variance design. The scoring guide was beneficial in reducing variability of evaluating grammar and reading comprehension but not as helpful when assessing knowledge of concepts.
Stroop Performance and Difficulties of Older Adults Using Automatic Teller Machines
Authors: Sekiguchi Takahiro , Koike Takako
Published: September 2010

This study examined the relationship between inhibition of older adults and difficulties using automatic teller machines. 22 older adults performed three transactions on an ATM simulator, and errors were recorded. Participants also performed the Stroop interference task to assess inhibition. Both interference effect in response latencies and rate of intrusion errors in the Stroop task were moderately correlated with number of errors on the task. Older adults with low Stroop performance made more errors in the categories of Forgetting an operation, Screen mix-up, and Overlooking an input error than those with high performance. These results suggest that low inhibition may be associated with difficulties in automatic teller machine use, and the importance of designing a user interface which lessens the likelihood of errors for older adults or others.
Influence of Instruction on Evaluation of Repeated Muscular Endurance
Authors: Demura Shinichi , Miyaguchi Kazuyoshi , Aoki Hiroki
Published: September 2010

This study was done to examine the influence of instructions on the evaluation of rhythmic repeated muscular endurance, that is, the ability to continue muscle-power exertion at a regular interval. 15 healthy young male adults performed maximal repeated rhythmic grips for 6 min. under the following three instruction conditions: (1) “Squeeze freely during the 2-sec. interval,” (2) “Squeeze quickly and then relax,” and (3) “Squeeze quickly and then hold the exertion for 1 sec.” Time to peak force was slower in Condition 1 than in Condition 2. A decline in exertion of force was found for all conditions after 1 min. The decline in rate of the peak values in Conditions 1 and 3 was about 10 to 15% larger than that of Condition 2. In conclusion, proper instructions are necessary, even for a short 2-sec. interval, when evaluating muscular endurance with repeated rhythmic grips. Condition 2 instruction may be most effective.
Graphometric Variables of One's Signature: II. Correlations with Measures of Perception, Cognitive Function, and Personality
Authors: Åström J. , Thorell L. H.
Published: September 2010

This study focused on interrelations between graphometric variables of the signature and measures of perception, cognitive function, and personality. Signatures from a sample of psychiatric and somatic outpatients ( N = 205) were analyzed into 23 graphometric variables and correlated with tests of IQ, cognitive and perceptual function, and personality. The results of a factor analysis of the graphometric, perceptual, and cognitive variables were very much like results from previous studies. Relationships with the graphometric variables can be described in five categories of intelligence, psychomotility, flexibility and speed of closure, and personality. Graphometric signs of Extraversion and Neuroticism were identified, and the two capitals in the signature indicated different psychological meanings. Measurements of the signature offered important personality information.
“False Recall of Critical Lures in Students with Diagnosed Learning Disabilities”: A Historical Correction and a Brief Commentary
Authors: McKelvie Stuart J.
Published: September 2010

Referring to a popular procedure for examining false recall, in 2007 Branch, et al. stated that its two acronyms (“DRM” and “DRMRS”) reflected variations in the procedure at the time of testing. However, the acronyms primarily reflect variations in the people to whom the basic procedure should be attributed. A calculation error in their paper is also corrected, and it is observed that magnitudes of both false recall and correct recall obtained by their young adolescents with no learning difficulties are similar to those with adults. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Concurrent Validity in Taiwan of the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers Who Were Full-Term Infants
Authors: Liao Hua-Fang , Yao Grace , Wang Tien-Miau
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the concurrent validity of the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers (CDIIT) with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development–II (BSID–II) in full-term infants. 106 full-term infants ages 6 to 18 months (63 boys, 43 girls) were recruited as a convenience sample. One tester administered the CDIIT and BSID–II to all children. The Developmental Ages and Developmental Quotients of the motor and the mental scales from both tests were analyzed with Pearson correlations and quadratic weighted kappa tests. The results showed that correlation coefficients for Developmental Ages between both tests on cognitive and motor subtests were high ( r = .91–.95) and for Developmental Quotients were moderate ( r = 57–.67). Moderate classification agreement was found in the two scales (quadratic weighted kappa = .50–53). Developmental Quotients classification for the CDIIT tended to be a little higher than for the BSID–II. It was concluded that although acceptable concurrent validity was found for the Motor and Cognitive subtests of the CDIIT, the tester should be cautious to compare Developmental Quotients obtained from the above two tests in clinical or in research settings.
Ratio of Fourth to Second Fingertip Extensions in Relation to Serum Estradiol and Testosterone Levels in Men and Women
Authors: Tan Üner
Published: September 2010

Sex differences in second (2D) and fourth (4D) fingertip extensions relative to the middle fingertip and 4D:2D fingertip extension ratios were studied in men and women. Body height positively correlated with index fingertip extensions, not with ring fingertip extensions, nor with their ratio. Mean 2D extension (both hands) was smaller in women than men; mean 4D extension (right hand) was smaller in men than women; 4D:2D fingertip extension ratios from both hands were larger in women than men. Serum estradiol concentration negatively correlated with 2D extensions for both hands (no significant correlation with 4D extensions), but positively correlated with 4D:2D extension ratios for both hands. Serum testosterone concentration positively correlated with 2D extensions of both hands (no significant correlation with 4D extension), but negatively correlated with 4D:2D extension ratios for both hands. These relations were also studied in men and women separately. It was concluded that the 4D:2D extension ratio was greater in women than in men; 2D and 4D extensions and 4D:2D extension ratios may be determined prenatally by sex hormones; fingertip extensions may be predictive of adult and prenatal sex hormone levels.
Women Athletes' Mental Rotation under Stereotypic Threat
Authors: Brownlow Sheila , Valentine Stephanie E. , Owusu Alvin
Published: September 2010

This experiment examined whether nullifying a stereotypic threat about sex-related abilities in mental rotation in women athletes increased facility with rotations. Women athletes and nonathletes ( N = 64) were told that they would be performing mental rotation presumed to create an implicit stereotypic threat. Then 32 participants learned that the mental rotation tasks required the same abilities as those mastered by athletes, presumed to nullify the stereotypic threat. Participants completed an 8-item Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotation Test and provided reports of ability, experience, and background. Contrary to the hypothesis, athletes receiving nullified instructions performed more poorly than peers who worked under the implicit stereotypic threat, but nonathletes' scores were not affected by the threat. These findings are consistent with the idea that group identification and concomitant worry about representing a group in a positive manner may contribute to responses to stereotypic threat, and that even with explicit nullification of threat, performance may not change.
Second and Foreign Language Listening: Unraveling the Construct
Authors: Tafaghodtari Marzieh H. , Vandergrift Larry
Published: September 2010

Identifying the variables which contribute to second and foreign language (L2) listening ability can provide a better understanding of the listening construct. This study explored the degree to which first language (L1) listening ability, L2 proficiency, motivation and metacognition contribute to L2 listening comprehension. 115 Persian-speaking English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university students completed a motivation questionnaire, the Language Learning Motivation Orientation Scale, a listening questionnaire, the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire, and an English-language proficiency measure, as well as listening tests in English and Persian. Scores from all measures were subjected to descriptive, inferential, and correlational analyses. The results support the hypothesis that variability in L2 listening cannot be explained by either L2 proficiency or L1 listening ability; rather, a cluster of variables including L2 proficiency, L1 listening ability, metacognitive knowledge and motivation orientations can better explain variability in L2 listening ability.
Effects of Ambient Illumination, Luminance Contrast, and Stimulus Type on Subjective Preference of VDT Target and Background Color Combinations
Authors: Shieh Kong-King , Lai Yen-Kung
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the effects of the target and background color combination on subjective preference, i.e., aesthetic appearance, legibility and visual comfort, of stimuli presented on a visual display terminal under various ambient illuminations, luminance contrasts, and stimulus types. Analysis showed the main effect of color combination was significant for the three dependent variables. Black-on-white and blue-on-white were the most preferred combinations, while turquoise-on-green and turquoise-on-red were the least preferred. A sign was rated better than text. The significant interaction between color combination and luminance contrast indicated that more preferred color combinations were rated better under higher luminance contrast, whereas less preferred color combinations had better ratings under lower luminance contrast.
Relationship of Visual Perceptual Deficit and Motor Impairment in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Tsai Chia-Liang , Wu Sheng-Kuang
Published: September 2010

The study explored the relations of visual perceptual deficits and motor impairments in 60 children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (120.8 ± 4.0 mo.) and 60 controls (121.0 ± 5.3 mo.), who were matched by sex (29 boys and 31 girls) and age. They were separately assessed on fine and gross motor-dexterity tasks of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, static balance and reaction time of lower extremities with eyes open or closed, and the Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills–Revised. Analysis showed the children with Developmental Coordination Disorder performed significantly worse than the control group, but only the visual perception and motor skills with timed responses were significantly correlated. When visual information was controlled, no significant correlation was noted, so motor-free visual perception appears to be significantly related to motor performance having a speed component in these children.
Finger, Sex, and Side Differences in Fingertip Size and Lack of Association with Image-Based Digit Ratio (2D:4D) Measurements
Authors: Voracek Martin , Pietschnig Jakob , Oeckher Michael
Published: September 2010

Different methods for measuring the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker for prenatal androgen exposure, may lead to varying values of 2D:4D. Specifically, it has been hypothesized that fingertip fat pads may be differentially deformed when taking palm images (photocopies or flatbed scans), but not when fingers are measured directly, thus yielding lower 2D:4D values from image-based measurements rather than direct ones. A measurement protocol for fingertip size is unavailable, as are data on finger and sex differences in this trait. Introducing such a protocol, this study found very large finger differences in adult fingertip size (largest for 4D, smaller for 3D and 5D, smallest for 2D), large side differences (larger in the left than in the right hand of right-handed subjects), but only small and not significant sex differences. Fingertip size was unrelated to image-based 2D:4D measurements, suggesting that fingertip size and the extent of finger and sex differences therein are unlikely to explain discrepant 2D:4D values obtained from image-based versus direct measurements.