bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal Distribution of Attention
Authors: Iwasaki Syoichi
Published: August 2011

Spatial distribution of attention around a fixation point was investigated by comparing cued vs noncued conditions. The curve of retinal locations for the cued condition was flatter than that of the noncued condition, indicating attentional spotlight is focused around the fixation point.
Factors Affecting Age of Walking by Children with Mental Retardation
Authors: Kokubun Mitsuru , Haishi Koichi , Okuzumi Hideyuki , Hosobuchi Tomio
Published: August 2011

The relationship between age of walking and two factors of severity of intellectual disability and clinical types (autism, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and “residual”) in children with mental retardation was investigated. Subjects were 118 children whose disabilities ranged from severe to mild. Measures by clinical type were significant, and the differences of any two clinical types except between children with epilepsy and the “residual” group were significant, but severity of intellectual disability was not significant. Most children with autism (27 subjects, 93%) walked by the normal time limit of 18 months. Only 3 children (11%) with Down syndrome began to walk within that limit, and 9 of them (33%) walked after 2 years of age. In the “residual” group (including children with epilepsy), 37 children (60%) walked within the normal limit but 15 (25%) only after 2 years of age.
Perceived Depth from Simultaneous Changes in Length and Direction of a Single Line
Authors: Steele Kenneth M. , Brigner Willard L. , Adkins Amy
Published: August 2011

Using a configuration of three lines joined like hands on a clockface, Brigner, Deni, and Hildreth in 1994 reported empirical support for Wallach, Adams, and Weisz's 1956 hypothesis regarding the elicitation of perceived depth by simultaneous changes in length and orientation of a configuration's elements. The current investigation extended these findings by showing that perceived depth can be elicited by simultaneous changes in size and orientation of either two lines or a single line.
The Benussi Effect with Rectangles?
Authors: Deni James R. , Brigner Willard L.
Published: August 2011

The perceived depth of the Benussi effect is usually demonstrated by presenting a configuration of nonconcentric circles on a rotating disc. However, in the current investigation with 21 undergraduates the Benussi effect was elicited by presenting an eccentric configuration of rectangles. Depth was reported when the configuration of eccentric rectangles was alternated rapidly and successively with its mirror image. As is characteristic of the Benussi effect, there was an increase in apparent depth with an increase in the eccentricity of the rectangles.
Test-Retest Reliability of Three Dynavision Tasks
Authors: Klavora Peter , Gaskovski Peter , Forsyth Richard D.
Published: August 2011

The test-retest reliability of three Dynavision tasks of graded difficulty was estimated as high, with intraclass R correlation coefficients ranging from .88 to .97, and paired correlation coefficients ranging from .74 to .92. Recommendations are made for reliable testing procedures.
Repeatability of Magnitude Production in Isometric, Hand-Grip Force Estimation: A Working-Memory Approach
Authors: Lowe Brian D.
Published: August 2011

Magnitude production has been used in ergonomics research to quantify hand-grip and finger-pinch force exertions. The repeatability of this psychophysical method may be affected by a memory component if the subject must recall multiple, previously performed force exertions. This investigation tested the hypothesis that the number of different to-be-remembered hand-grip force exertions would affect the repeatability of force productions obtained via magnitude production for 12 male students. Four levels of force were examined (20%, 35%, 50%, and 65% of subject's individual maximum) at low and high memory loads (two versus four forces to be remembered concurrently). Amount of force had a significant effect on the variance among a sample of five observations; however, memory load showed no effect on the variance measure. Thus, it is concluded that four forces do not pose a significantly greater memory load than two forces for perceived force in hand-grip magnitude productions.
Differential Performance on Taylor's Manifest Anxiety Scale by Black Private College Freshmen, a Partial Report
Authors: Simpson Madeline L. , Parker Pearl W. , Harrison Annie W.
Published: August 2011

Distributions of scores from Taylor's 1953 Manifest Anxiety Scale administered to 295 men and 361 women, selected from the 1052 participating students, were presented in graphic form. Means were higher than those reported by Taylor and gender differences were found. Pictorial views of the polygons for both the current freshman data and those for Taylor were similar, including the positive skewness. Results were expected to contribute to refinement of college counseling interventions.
Foot Agility and Toe Gnosis/Graphaesthesia as Potential Indicators of Integrity of the Medial Cerebral Surface: Normative Data and Comparison with Clinical Populations
Authors: Persinger Michael A. , Richards Pauline M.
Published: August 2011

A protocol was designed to identify quantitative indicators of the function of the medial surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres. Normative data were collected from 40 volunteers for foot agility, toe gnosis, and toe graphaesthesia. A total of 100 patients (most of whom had been referred for possible closed-head injuries) completed thorough neuropsychological and cognitive assessments. Deficits for toe graphaesthesia were most consistently correlated with general brain impairment and with scores for tasks whose normal performance requires the integrity of structures within the dorsal half of the medial cerebral hemispheres.
Predicting Preschool Speech/Language Referral-Status with the Lollipop Test and the Cognitive-Language Profile of the Early Screening Profiles
Authors: Eno Lawrence , Woehlke Paula
Published: August 2011

603 preschoolers who attended early childhood screenings were administered the Lollipop Test, the Cognitive Language Profile of the Early Screening Profiles, and the Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test. Scores from the Lollipop and the Cognitive-Language Profile significantly predicted speech/language referral-status based on Fluharty scores and clinical judgment.
Secular Trends in Suicide: The Problem of Generality and Causation
Authors: Lester David
Published: August 2011

In noting secular trends in suicide rates, it is important that researchers explore both the cross-national generality of their findings and possible bases of the differing trends in the different nations.
An Acoustic Orientation System to Promote Independent Indoor Travel in Blind Persons with Severe Mental Retardation
Authors: Lancioni G. E. , Oliva D. , Bracalente S.
Published: August 2011

An acoustic orientation system was devised to promote independent indoor travel in blind persons with mental retardation. The system was assessed with four blind adolescents, all affected by severe mental retardation. Data showed that the system was very useful in helping those adolescents orient and move independently in their daily environment and in a new (generalization) setting. The findings are discussed in relation to the characteristics of the system.
The Home Disadvantage in the National Football League's Conference Championship Games
Authors: Kornspan Alan S. , Lerner Bart S. , Ronayne Jay , Etzel Edward F. , Johnson Scott
Published: August 2011

It has been debated by many researchers whether a home disadvantage exists within professional sports, especially in a decisive game of a championship competition. The present study checked for a home disadvantage within professional football conference championship games. Data were compiled from 1970 through 1993, since there were two conference championship games played each year throughout the specified years. Analyses indicated a significant association between games' locations and actual outcomes. In particular, the home teams won significantly more conference championship games than the visiting team. Directions for research are discussed.
Relations among Heart Rate, Immediate Memory, and Time Estimation under Two Different Instructions
Authors: Osato Eiko , Ogawa Nobuya , Takaoka Nobuyuki
Published: August 2011

The present study was done to elucidate the relations among heart rate, digit memory, and time estimation under two different instructions, standard and evaluative. 60 women heard and recalled 8 digits. Subjects reproduced 4-, 8-, and 16-sec. durations of a buzzer and also estimated the durations. Data were discussed in terms of the hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance. These data suggest relations among the three variables which were influenced by two different instructions.
Gender Differences in Competitive Stress
Authors: Madden Chris C. , Kirkby Robert J.
Published: August 2011

Stress experienced in competitive basketball was investigated in a sample of 84 men and 49 women recruited from players engaged in regular, organized, competitive grade basketball. Subjects were administered the Stressful Situations in Basketball Questionnaire which provides measures on 5 types of stress in competitive basketball. Analyses of gender differences showed that men reported more stress than female players on the “Team performance” scale. Research is required to evaluate whether this difference is due to a perception of women that they have less influence over the performance of the team or whether it is due to men having a higher stake in the results of competition.
Imagery, Concreteness, Emotionality, Meaningfulness, and Pleasantness of Words
Authors: Campos Alfredo
Published: August 2011

This account of the literature on the relationships among imagery, concreteness, emotionality, meaningfulness, and pleasantness shows high test-retest reliability for all five attributes which are stable for subjects of both genders and of several nationalities. Gender differences and the influence of attributes on other attributes are also examined.
Effects of Exercise on Dexterity
Authors: Waldron Elliott M. , Anton Barry S.
Published: August 2011

As musicians occasionally report that their dextral facility is improved by recent exercise, it was hypothesized that manual dexterity would be influenced by a task requiring exertion. Before and after exertion on the Harvard Step Test, the experimental group's ( n = 25) manual dexterity was tested on a grooved peg board. The control group's ( n = 40) manual dexterity was measured before and after an inactive period. In both groups learning was significantly faster with the nondominant hand than with the dominant hand. Reasons why the hypothesis was not fully supported are discussed and suggestions for research noted.
Prospective and Retrospective Time Estimates as a Function of Clock Duration
Authors: Predebon John
Published: August 2011

12 independent groups of 18 subjects each estimated the duration of one of six ‘empty’ intervals (10, 18, 26, 34, 42, and 50 sec.). Subjects were told of the time task either prior to (prospective paradigm) or after (retrospective paradigm) the presentation of the interval. The results are consistent with Hicks' 1992 finding of an interaction between temporal paradigm and interval duration. Whereas the shorter intervals (<42 sec.) were estimated accurately in both the retrospective and the prospective paradigms, the longer intervals were estimated rather accurately in the prospective paradigm and underestimated in the retrospective paradigm.
Electromyographic Effects of Fatigue and Task Repetition on the Validity of Estimates of Strong and Weak Muscles in Applied Kinesiological Muscle-Testing Procedures
Authors: Leisman Gerald , Zenhausern Robert , Ferentz Avery , Tefera Tesfaye , Zemcov Alexander
Published: August 2011

The study investigated the effects of fatigue and task repetition on the relationship between integrated electromyogram and force output during subjective clinical testing of upper extremity muscles. Muscles were studied under two conditions differing in the nature and duration of constant force production (SHORT-F) and (LONG-F). The findings included a significant relationship between force output and integrated EMG, a significant increase in efficiency of muscle activity with task repetition, and significant difference between Force/integrated EMG ratios for muscles labeled “Strong” and “Weak” in the LONG-F condition. This supports Smith's 1974 notion that practice results in increased muscular efficiency. With fatigue, integrated EMG activity increased strongly and functional (force) output of the muscle remained stable or decreased. Fatigue results in a less efficient muscle process. Muscles subjectively testing “Weak” or “Strong” yield effects significantly different from fatigue.
Enhancement of Randomness by Flotation Rest (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique)
Authors: Sakata Shogo , Shinohara Junko , Hori Tadao , Sugimoto Sukeo
Published: August 2011

This study was conducted to evaluate the positive effect of flotation REST on the production of random sequences, employing both behavioral and physiological measures. The subjects were 7 student volunteers who spent a 40-min. session lying alone on a bed in an isolation box and two 40-min. sessions floating in a commercially produced tank. Polygraph recordings (EEG, EOG, ECG and respiration) were made continuously. Randomness of orally generated sequences was measured by RIP scores based on the Pólya-Eggenberger distribution in three test sessions, e.g., pre-, during, and post-REST period. Randomness increased in the floating condition, while those parameters decreased in the bed condition. Sleep-stage analysis and EEG spectral analysis showed that the flotation REST induced a more hypnagogic state and light sleep than did in-bed REST. It is speculated that the hypnagogic state and light sleep induced by floating enhanced random generation.
Perception of Word Junctures by Children
Authors: De Marco Salvatore , Harrell Roxanne M.
Published: August 2011

A comparative study was undertaken to assess the relative magnitude of the effects of linguistic context on the perception of word-juncture boundaries in 30 young school-aged children, 30 older school-aged children, and 30 adults. Minimally contrasted two-word phrases differing in word-juncture boundaries were embedded in a meaningful sentence context, nonmeaningful sentence context, and in neutral phrase context. Groups performed similarly in the neutral phrase context, and two older groups performed better than the young group in the meaningful context. The poorest performances occurred during the nonmeaningful context, with a significant difference among age groups. Heavier reliance upon top-down processing and less developed linguistic and metalinguistic competence may account for the observed differences among groups.
Environmental Changes Affect Sleep Patterns: A Case Study
Authors: Belcher Terence L.
Published: August 2011

While at a state institution for people with mental retardation Peter averaged 5.30 hr. sleep per night. At his community home he averaged 7.87 hr. per night, a 48% gain. The responsive environment of his new home engaged Peter in positive social activities which may have led to decreased stress and increased personal comfort, enabling him to sleep longer.
Fast Finger Extensions are Slower in Stutterers than in Nonstutterers
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Hefter Harald , Kalveram Karl Theodor
Published: August 2011

10 adult stutterers and 10 nonstutterers were required to extend as fast as possible their right and left index fingers under isometric conditions in response to an auditory signal. Force developed during finger extension was measured continuously during each trial. From these force records reaction time, contraction time, and peak force were measured. For stutterers, contraction times were longer (about 36 msec.) than for nonstutterers. Possible reasons for this result are discussed.
“It's Not How You Drive, it's How You Arrive”: The Myth
Authors: Engelhardt George M.
Published: August 2011

Analysis of individual performance statistics for the 1993 and 1994 Professional Golf Association (PGA) tour yielded a significant positive correlation between the rankings of top ten money winners and their total driving skills. This positive relationship, i.e., the higher the money winnings, the better the driving skills tend to be, and its implications were discussed. The correlation between the rankings of money leaders and hitting greens-in-regulation skills was nonsignificant. Each year, those players ranked as the top ten in total driving skills won more money in fewer tournaments than the players ranked as the top ten in greens-in-regulation skills. The results cast doubt on the adage “It's not how you drive, it's how you arrive” and suggest the major contribution of driving skills is to winning money on the PGA tour and corroborate a trend, noted in 1988, toward the increased importance of driving skills.
Optimizing Movement Speed for Acquisition across Levels of Intelligence
Authors: Horgan James S.
Published: August 2011

Three movement speeds (400, 800, and 1200 msec.) were examined to ascertain the optimal condition under which differing intellectual and developmental groups might acquire an arm-movement task. Parallel acquisition was observed only at the two slower speeds (800 and 1200 msec.), hence the faster of these (800 msec.) was deemed to be most optimal for expanded investigation.
Asymmetries in Ear Movements and Eyebrow Raising in Men and Women and Right- and Left-Handers
Authors: Code Chris
Published: August 2011

The abilities to move ears and eyebrows were examined in 442 subjects (204 men, 238 women) categorized as right-handed ( n = 382) and left-handed ( n = 60, including mixed and ambidextrous-handed subjects). Approximately 22% could move one or the other ear and about 18% could move both ears simultaneously, but significantly more men could move both ears simultaneously. Significantly more men than women were able to move both the left and right eyebrow and the left ear. No differences were observed between right- and left-handers. Significant contingency correlations were observed between raising eyebrows and moving ears. Results are discussed with reference to a possible left ear-right hemisphere advantage for localising environmental sounds, primitive ear-moving abilities no longer functional in modern humans, and epiphenomenal by-products of other adaptive sex differences.
Imagery and Physical Practice in the Acquisition of Gross Motor Timing of Coincidence by Adolescents with Mild Mental Retardation
Authors: Porretta David L. , Surburg Paul R.
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of imagery practice in conjunction with physical practice on the performance of anticipating a coincidence (striking) by adolescents with mild mental retardation. 32 adolescents were randomly assigned to either a physical practice plus imagery practice group or a physical practice only group. Subjects in the physical practice plus imagery practice group were asked to image the task before physically performing it, while subjects in the physical practice only group did not image the task. Subjects performed 20 trials per day for five consecutive sessions (days). The physical practice plus imagery group performed with significantly greater accuracy and less variability than subjects in the physical practice only group, and subjects regardless of group affiliation were able to reduce error and variability over the study. These results support the use of imagery practice in conjunction with physical practice when performing a relevant anticipation of coincidence (striking) task as well as an aid in reducing performance variability. Based on the increased amount of cognitive-symbolic elements in the striking task as opposed to tasks used in previous studies, evidence is presented for support of the notion that imagery facilitates motor performance to the extent that cognitive-symbolic elements are present.
Relationship between Isolated Sleep Paralysis and Geomagnetic Influences: A Case Study
Authors: Conesa Jorge
Published: August 2011

This preliminary report, of a longitudinal study, looks at the relationship between geomagnetic activity and the incidence of isolated sleep paralysis over a 23.5-mo. period. The author, who has frequently and for the last 24 years experienced isolated sleep paralysis was the subject. In addition, incidence of lucid dreaming, vivid dreams, and total dream frequency were looked at with respect to geomagnetic activity. The data were in the form of dream-recall frequency recorded in a diary. These frequency data were correlated with geomagnetic activity k-index values obtained from two observatories. A significant correlation was obtained between periods of local geomagnetic activity and the incidence of isolated sleep paralysis. Specifically, periods of relatively quiet geomagnetic activity were significantly associated with an increased incidence of episodes.
The Poisson 2-Space Box-Counting Method Revisited
Authors: O'Brien Frank
Published: August 2011

The author's box-counting method for assessing stochastic randomness in two-dimensional space can be enhanced when the area of residence is a square figure. A large improvement in the detection probability can be realized under the modification proposed even for very small populations.
Influence of Concurrent Tasks on Gait: A Dual-Task Approach
Authors: Ebersbach Georg , Dimitrijevic Milan R. , Poewe Werner
Published: August 2011

We studied the effect of concurrent tasks on motor control of gait with dual-task methodology. Ten healthy subjects were instructed to perform different cognitive and motor tasks during gait on a conductive walkway. Footswitch signals were recorded and stride time and double-support time were calculated. It was assumed that the former reflects gait-patterning mechanisms and the latter relates to balance control. Statistical analysis showed an increase in double-support time when a memory-retention task (digit-span) and a fine motor task (buttoning) were executed simultaneously during gait. During gait performance of the cognitive task declined compared to baseline conditions. Attentional demand of concurrent cognitive and motor tasks appeared to force subjects to modulate their gait strategy to ensure control of balance. Stride time was consistent across task conditions except when subjects performed fast finger-tapping during gait. Then all but one subject showed a decrease in stride time and an increase in stride-frequency that was repeatable on retest. Since different rhythmic movements are likely to share common neurobiological networks, we assumed that the modulation of stride-frequency was due to structural interference.
A Test for Randomness in Three Dimensions
Authors: O'Brien Frank , Hammel Sherry E. , Nguyen Chung T.
Published: August 2011

A mathematical method based on a nearest neighbor spatial Poisson process is described for assessing stochastic randomness in three-dimensional Euclidean space. The classical central limit theorem is invoked to obtain a normal approximation formula for testing the hypothesis of randomness. The performance of the method is evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations. A brief description is given of the software employed for implementation of the method in practice.
Negative Self-Perception and Components of Stress in Canadian, British, and Hong Kong Adolescents
Authors: Bagley Christopher , Mallick Kanka
Published: August 2011

Responses to a 68-item Adolescent Stress Scale of 14- to 16-yr.-olds in Canada ( n = 369), Britain ( n = 217), and Hong Kong ( n = 349) were compared. Four common subscales identified by principal component analysis emerged in the three samples. Scores on subscales (Relationship Problems, Abuse at Home, Scholastic and Career Problems, and Loneliness and Social Isolation) were significantly correlated for both sexes with negative self-esteem scores in the three national groups. Differences in stress between cultures were explicable in terms of known cultural differences.
Type A-B Behavior and Nightmare Types among College Students
Authors: Tan Vickie L. , Hicks Robert A.
Published: August 2011

To consider the relationships among Type A-B behavior, gender, and specific types of nightmares, 780 university undergraduates were tested with Glass' version of the Jenkins Activity Survey and the Spadafora and Hunt Dream Types Survey which included the critical nightmares (fantastic nightmares, posttraumatic nightmares, and night terrors). Relative to students classified as Type B, those classified as Type A were significantly more likely to report experiencing certain types of nightmares, i.e., fantastic and posttraumatic nightmares. We also observed that women reported significantly greater frequencies of all types of nightmares than men. Possible reasons for these differences were discussed.
Relationship of Body Image and Creative Dance Movement
Authors: Lewis Raymond N. , Scannell Evelyn D.
Published: August 2011

Findings supporting the proposition that dance movement improves a person's body image have been contradictory. Previous work focussed on styles such as ballet, jazz, and modern dance but it is arguable that creative dance movement, with its less structured approach and absence of predetermined performance standards, will have a positive influence on body image. This study examined scores on the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire of 112 women between 18 and 69 years who had been actively participating in creative dance movement courses for periods ranging from two weeks to 16.5 years. Subjects experienced in creative dance movement were more satisfied with their appearance, fitness, and body parts than subjects with less than five years of experience. Differences in evaluation of health were not clearly established. Given this analysis and the potential for widespread clinical use of creative dance movement with people having body-image disturbances, empirical research on the relationship between creative dance movement and body image is warranted.
Self-Esteem and Magazine Reading among College Students
Authors: Newman Lori B. , Dodd David K.
Published: August 2011

Examined was the relation between self-esteem and magazine reading among 77 college students. Self-esteem was negatively related to reading of sports magazines and television and movie guides but unrelated to reading of ten other categories of magazines.
Learning an Imposed Timing in a Sequential Arm Movement
Authors: Jaeger Dominique Delmez-De , Schepens Nicole
Published: August 2011

The possibility of learning an imposed timing in a sequential arm movement was investigated as such observations could have important implications for learning in sport. The experimental task was performed by 26 women and 19 men on a vertical digitizer and required a movement made of four segments, different in both length and direction. To impose a timing very different from a spontaneous one, the spontaneous temporal organization on this task had first to be characterized. Then, during the learning, visual and auditory information about the imposed timing was given to subjects on each trial. Analysis showed that subjects accurately learned the imposed timing; moreover, the learning was a discontinuous process. Finally, it was obvious that the learned timing could be transferred to a reversed spatial pattern.
Effects of Vibrating Movement on Geometrical Illusions and Illusory Contours
Authors: Sohmiya Tamotsu , Sohmiya Kazuko
Published: August 2011

Both geometrical illusions and illusory contours were facilitated by slight vibration. This suggests that they are produced by similar mechanisms.
Brain-Emitted Event-Related Potentials Recorded during Rapid Decision-Making May Be Useful in Monitoring the Neuropathogenesis of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Linnville Steven E.
Published: August 2011

Event-related potentials recorded from HIV-infected patients while they detected oddball targets during rapid delivery of dual sequences of tones showed the complete absence of the late, 300-msec, positive (P300) component, suggesting an alteration in the neuronal activity underlying cognitive processing.
Brief Behavioral Treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Cocciarella Andrew , Wood Rebecca , Low Kathryn Graff
Published: August 2011

7 latency-age children received brief behavioral therapy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder The intervention included reinforcing appropriate behaviors and punishing negative behaviors, skills training, and parental education. There were significant decreases in impulsivity at home and school after intervention. These results suggest chat brief behavioral interventions might decrease impulsivity in ADHD children over the short term, but the sample was small and heterogeneous, so replication on a larger sample is required.
Prevalence of Head Injury among Four-Year College Students: A Replication and Combined Results
Authors: Powell Bradley D. , Holmes Cooper B.
Published: August 2011

In a replication of an earlier study, college students were surveyed to assess the prevalence of diagnosed head injury or prolonged periods of unconsciousness. Results were consistent with previous research and indicated a significant number of college students report a head injury or a prolonged period of unconsciousness. The major results of the two studies are reported as combined data.
Body-Size Estimation in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Molinari Enrico
Published: August 2011

The aim was to explore the body-image perception of a group of 20 hospitalised anorexic patients, aged 18 to 21 years, undergoing a period of treatment. The instrument used was the Askevold nonverbal perception test as modified by Allamani and colleagues in 1978 to assess perception of the dimensions of different parts of the body by exploiting the capacity to project them into space. The four parts were the head, the thoracic area, the abdominal area, and the pelvic area. Analysis of responses indicated that anorexic patients overestimated the abdominal and the pelvic areas much more than the 20 members of the control group (50% vs 30%). The areas of the head and thorax were perceived almost in their real dimensions by the anorexic patients but were underestimated by the control group.
Effects of Self-Efficacy and Dispositional Optimism on Adherence to Step Aerobic Exercise Classes
Authors: Fontaine Kevin R. , Shaw David F.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the effects of generalized and domain-specific expectancies on participation in 8 weeks of step aerobic-exercise classes. 154 university students and staff who registered for step aerobic classes completed measures of aerobic self-efficacy and dispositional optimism prior to attending their first class. Attendance was taken at each session by the instructors. A split at the median on attendance classified participants as dropouts or adherers. Analysis indicated that adherers scored significantly higher on self-efficacy than did dropouts. Adherers and dropouts did not differ on dispositional optimism.
Effects of Presentation Rate of Stimuli on Response Inhibition in ADHD Children with and without Tics
Authors: van der Meere Jaap , Stemerdink Nanke , Gunning Boudewijn
Published: August 2011

Presentation rate of stimuli is a crucial factor in Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), that is, especially in ADHD children without tics ( n = 24), the ability to inhibit a response decreases in conditions with fast and slow presentation rates of stimuli.
The Primacy of Superordinate-Level Category Questions in the Game of 20 Questions
Authors: Drumm Patrick , Jackson Dorothy W. , Magley Vicki
Published: August 2011

The initial questions of 180 males and females between the ages of 12 and 26 years were classified as they participated in a 20-questions problem-solving procedure. Three levels of questions (superordinate, basic, and subordinate) were observed for an array of conceptually organized exemplars. No age or gender differences were found but preference for superordinate-level initial questions was significant.
Effects of Intervention upon Precompetition State Anxiety in Elite Junior Tennis Players: The Relevance of the Matching Hypothesis
Authors: Terry Peter , Coakley Lisa , Karageorghis Costas
Published: August 2011

The matching hypothesis proposes that interventions for anxiety should be matched to the modality in which anxiety is experienced. This study investigated the relevance of the matching hypothesis for anxiety interventions in tennis. Elite junior tennis players ( N=100; Age: M=13.9 yr., SD = 1.8 yr.) completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 before and after one of four randomly assigned intervention strategies approximately one hour prior to competition at a National Junior Championship. A two-factor multivariate analysis of variance (group x time) with repeated measures on the time factor gave no significant main effect by group but indicated significant reductions in somatic anxiety and cognitive anxiety and a significant increase in self-confidence following intervention. A significant group by time interaction emerged for self-confidence. The results question the need to match intervention strategy to the mode of anxiety experienced.
Effects of Abdominal and Thoracic Breathing upon Multiple-Site Electromyography and Peripheral Skin Temperature
Authors: Boyer Bret A. , Poppen Roger
Published: August 2011

Peripheral finger temperature, frontalis and upper trapezius EMG, and self-report of arousal were assessed for four subjects during abdominal and thoracic breathing in a single-subject reversal design. Two subjects displayed significant differences between abdominal and thoracic breathing conditions: one for frontalis EMG, trapezius EMG, and self-report of arousal and one for trapezius EMG. Two subjects showed no significant effects. All subjects reached performance criteria during training sessions. Abdominal breathing performance during reversals was 100% and 92% of sampled breath cycles for the two subjects who showed significant change, and 65% and 42% for the two subjects who showed none. Methodological issues for measurement of breathing patterns and peripheral skin temperature are discussed.
A Study of Physiological Response during Emotional Imaging
Authors: Yogo Yumi , Hama Haruyo , Yogo Masao , Matsuyama Yoshinori
Published: August 2011

We inspected Lang's bio-informational theory and furthered the research. 24 subjects were divided into two groups, a stimulus group (S-group) and a response group (R-group) for scripts with Joy, Anger, and Neutral emotions. In the training session, the S-group was instructed to image the scripts as vividly as possible, while the R-group was instructed to concentrate on physiological and physical responses in addition to what was asked of the S-group. On the test day, subjects imaged two Neutral scripts, two standard emotional scripts, and two personally relevant emotional scripts. Indices were physiological response (blood pressure) and subjects' ratings for imaging. We confirmed that emotional scripts increased physiological responses more than nonemotional scripts did. The results suggested that the differences in the scripts' content affected blood pressure and subjects' ratings of imaging.
Digit and Shape Memory Function in Soroban Learners: Are Soroban Learners Superior in General?
Authors: Kawakami Ayako
Published: August 2011

The memory function of 15 soroban learners and 13 novices was examined on visual memory tasks. Analysis showed soroban learners were superior in performance of digit recall but not of shape recall. This result seems to reflect the tendency for soroban groups to be better in processing some kinds of spatial than categorical properties. Based upon these results, effects of soroban learning on brain function were discussed.
Adolescent Perceptions of Body Weight and Weight Satisfaction
Authors: Page Randy M. , Allen Ola
Published: August 2011

Analysis of perception of body weight and weight satisfaction among 1,915 adolescents showed that a perception of being too fat was particularly dissatisfying for girls while a perception of being much too thin was most dissatisfying for boys.
Is it Rational to Have Reasons for Not Committing Suicide?
Authors: Lester David , O'Neill Barbara G.
Published: August 2011

Scores on two of five reasons for not committing suicide were associated with scores on a measure of general irrational thinking in a sample of 73 people who had thought about suicide during a crisis.
Figure-Ground Organization in Different Phases of the Perceptual Alternation Phenomenon
Authors: Tuccio Maria Teresa
Published: August 2011

Two experiments on figure-ground organization were designed to examine whether the regions of an ambiguous stimulus perceived as “figure” vary as a function of regional area and experience with the stimulus. In Exp. 1 the perceived duration of each interpretation was recorded during continuous viewing for 10 subjects who had been trained until both percepts appeared with statistical regularity (stationary phase). In Exp. 2 the first interpretation reported by 172 naive observers after a few seconds of pattern exposure was recorded. The well-known tendency to interpret smaller regions as figure was noted in Exp. 2 whereas the results of Exp. 1 suggested equiprobability of the percepts. Over-all results suggest that alternation is learned during the transient or “early” phase of perception, with some stimulus features and cultural factors influencing the figure-ground organization. During the stationary or late phase of perception the subject is well practiced and the alternating of interpretations becomes largely automatic.
Simple Reaction Times and Timing of Serial Reactions of Adolescents with Mental Retardation, Autism, and down Syndrome
Authors: Inui Nobuyuki , Yamanishi Masah , Tada Shinji
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the serial information processing in adolescents with mental retardation, autism, and Down syndrome by using a serially patterned tracking task. Analyses indicated that 7 adolescents with mental retardation, 8 with autism, and 3 with Down syndrome had significantly slower and more variable simple reaction times than did 10 college students. Also, the autistic adolescents had significantly faster mean simple reaction time than those with Down syndrome. On a task of tracking serial light stimulation, mentally retarded adolescents had significantly faster reaction time than college students. The autistic subjects excessively had faster anticipatory reaction times than did the subjects in the other three groups. On the other hand, adolescents with Down syndrome had markedly slower and more variable reaction times than did adolescents with non-Down-syndrome mental retardation. As for motor organization of keystrokes on the tracking task, mentally retarded adolescents responded with six movements, in which these individuals pressed a series of keys 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, as a chunk, as exhibited by college students. Adolescents with autism and Down syndrome, however, did not produce this movement-output chunking.
The Under-Representation of Horst's Modification of the KR-20 Reliability Coefficient
Authors: Charter Richard A.
Published: August 2011

When the test items are of unequal difficulty, the 1953 Horst modification of the KR-20 should be used.
Primacy and Recency in Recognition of Odours and Recall of Odour Names
Authors: Annett Judith M. , Lorimer Alan W.
Published: August 2011

This study examined the serial position curve for recognition of odours and recall of odour names, both with and without instructions for verbal elaboration. Participants were allocated to one of two experimental conditions, either with instructions to rehearse verbally the stimuli or with no elaboration instructions. After presentation of 17 odours, either recognition or free recall of the odours was tested immediately after presentation of the last target odour. Recognition showed evidence of primacy for the verbal elaboration condition and recency for both instruction conditions. Recall of odour names showed evidence of primacy for the verbal elaboration conditions and recency for both conditions. Instructions to verbalize did not significantly affect over-all performance for either test condition.
“Headiness” or “Intelligence” for Baseball in the Collegiate Athlete
Authors: Ciborowski Tom
Published: August 2011

To correct a long-standing omission in the domain of sports, 198 collegiate baseball players were asked to describe briefly athletic play that many coaches label as either “heady,” “smart,” “intelligent.” or “ingenious.” The players were also asked to estimate the contribution of heredity to such performance. The results showed that 48% of these players characterized such performance as being automatic and lacking conscious mediation, while 52% said such performance was the result of conscious effort. Whether the performance was conscious or automatic (unconscious), over 97% of the players said that heredity was a minor contributor, while the major contributor was extensive practice and experience.
Distinguishing Suicide Notes from Completed and Attempted Suicides
Authors: Black Stephen T. , Lester David
Published: August 2011

Four experienced raters of suicide notes were unable to distinguish suicide notes from 20 completers and 20 attempters at a level better than chance.
Current and Ideal Physique Choices in Exercising and Nonexercising College Women from a Pilot Athletic Image Scale
Authors: Lenart Elizabeth B. , Bailey Stephen M. , Goldberg Jeanne P. , Dallal Gerard E. , Koff Elissa
Published: August 2011

An Athletic Image Scale including female physiques with and without muscular definition is currently in the developmental phase. With shading, contouring, and three-dimensionality not offered previously on figure-rating scales, this instrument was designed to examine an apparent growing interest on the part of women in athletic body-image ideals. The athletic level of each figure on the scale was based on responses of a group of college women. The 30–figure pilot scale was then tested by rating current and ideal body-shape preferences of two groups of first-year college women, 65 who exercised regularly and 45 who engaged in no regular exercise. Analysis showed no relationship between current and ideal physique choice and exercise status. Most exercising and nonexercising women chose a mesomorphic ideal physique with upper-body muscularity unlikely to occur without substantial amounts of physical activity. The associations among exercise status, figure choice, subscale scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory, and Self-esteem Scale scores were also examined. Women choosing moderately mesomorphic figures as their current shape had the lowest Body Dissatisfaction scale scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory irrespective of exercise status. Current- and ideal-shape preferences were not related to self-esteem scores. The pilot Athletic Image Scale offered several figures which seemed to be relevant to women although it must be noted that the scale purposely emphasized particular physiques. Even so, it is important to recognize that greater than sixty percent of the women preferred images with athletic physiques which are not offered on figure-rating scales presently in use.
A Portable Visual-Feedback Device for Reducing Excessive Vocal Loudness in Persons with Mental Retardation
Authors: Lancioni G. E. , Brouwer J. A. , Markus S.
Published: August 2011

A simple portable device was employed to reduce excessive vocal loudness in two adults who functioned within the moderate mental retardation range (one in the lower and one in the upper half). The device provided these adults visual feedback when the voice exceeded a preset level of loudness. Data showed that the device was useful in helping both adults reduce excessive vocal loudness across different daily situations. Characteristics and applicability of the device are discussed.
A Reanalysis of Research Data
Authors: Fusaro Joseph A. , Royce Christine A.
Published: August 2011

Data in an ERIC document indicated no difference between full-day and half-day kindergarten. A reanalysis of those data indicated there is a difference. The discrepancy between the reported and actual results reinforces the need for scrupulous peer review.
Exercise, Depression, and Self-Esteem
Authors: Aine Duteche , Lester David
Published: August 2011

In a sample of 90 college students, engaging in exercise was not associated with sadness/happiness or self-esteem.
Effects of a Walking Program on Attributional Style, Depression, and Self-Esteem in Women
Authors: Palmer Linda K.
Published: August 2011

Few controlled studies describe the psychological effects of a walking program on nonclinical, premenopausal women. This experiment measured the effects of an 8–wk. walking program on female volunteers ( N = 27) age 29 to 50 years ( M = 37.4) randomly assigned to a supervised walking group vs a nonwalking group. A repeated-measures, multivariate design was used to analyze blood pressure, resting heart rate, timed mile walk, and scores on self-esteem, depression, and attributional style. The walking group showed significant improvement in the timed mile walk, diastolic blood pressure, and rated self-esteem.
Hemispheric Picture-Naming Hierarchies in Stuttering Subjects
Authors: Rastatter Michael P. , Stuart Andrew
Published: August 2011

The present study was done to investigate the linguistic organization of the right hemisphere of stuttering subjects and the interhemispheric interactions that underlie verbal output in this population. Naming reaction times of 14 stuttering adults were measured to unilaterally presented pictures corresponding to vocabulary levels of <5.5, 9.5–10.5, and > 18.0 years of age. An analysis of variance of latencies showed a significant main effect for picture vocabulary-age. Post hoc tests were interpreted as suggesting that the right hemisphere of stuttering subjects was capable of differential picture-encoding operations in a manner similar to the left hemisphere of normal speakers. Also, naming latencies favored left visual-field stimulations by 34 msec. Taken with significant and high correlations between visual fields for each level of picture vocabulary score, the right hemispheres of the stuttering subjects appeared responsible for picture-encoding operations. Left-hemispheric stimulus processing was not predicted, suggesting differences may exist in interhemispheric interactions underlying picture-naming functions in stuttering populations.
Body Stereotyping and Stigmatization of Obese Persons by First Graders
Authors: Goldfield Amanda , Chrisler Joan C.
Published: August 2011

14 female and 15 male racially diverse first graders were individually interviewed after being shown a set of same-gender body silhouettes. More children were significantly less likely to want to befriend an endomorphic type. Although more children labeled the ectomorph the “good child,” the difference did not reach significance.
Perceived Discomfort Associated with Working with Persons with Varying Disabilities
Authors: Jones Gwen E. , Stone Dianna L.
Published: August 2011

Perceptions of discomfort by nondisabled coworkers are a major barrier to the acceptance of disabled persons into work groups. This research examined whether reported discomfort varied by the type or nature of the disability. 151 subjects rated 20 types of disabilities in terms of how uncomfortable or comfortable they would be working closely at a nonspecified task with a person with the particular disability. A stable hierarchy of the 20 disabilities was found Patterns and implications are discussed. Gender of the rater influenced the ratings, specifically females exhibited less discomfort with disabilities over-all than did males Prior contact with a disabled person, either personally or at unspecified work, did not affect the ratings of discomfort.