bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Re-Examination of the Block Design Rotation Effect
Authors: John I. D.
Published: September 2011

The performance of 10 normal Ss on a modification of Shapiro's (1952) Block Design Rotation Test has been assessed using two measures: (1) angular size of errors of orientation of the reproduced designs (error scores), and (2) amount of rotation of reproduced designs, i.e., taking into account both angular size and direction of errors of orientation (rotation scores). The results show that these two measures are differentially affected by the experimental variables operating in this situation and that what has been called the “block design rotation effect” does not reflect a tendency by Ss to rotate their reproductions in a particular direction. A supplementary hypothesis that the so-called block design rotation effect is related to the Poggendorf illusion was not supported by the findings.
Meaningfulness and Visual Recognition Threshold
Authors: Koplin James H. , Spielberger Charles D.
Published: September 2011

High and low Verbal Ability Ss responded to 12 trigrams presented in a Gerbrands tachistoscope. The trigrams varied in meaningfulness (low, medium, high) as defined by Noble's a' scale and were homogeneous in pronounceability. All Ss received the trigrams in the same order with meaningfulness counterbalanced over the first and second half of the series. Contrary to expectation recognition thresholds tended to vary directly with meaningfulness, but only for words in the second half of the list. These findings were discussed in terms of their implications for previously observed relationships between frequency of usage, meaningfulness, and recognition thresholds for words and nonsense material.
Circadian Activity and Noise Comparisons of Two Confined Groups with and without Reference to Clock Time
Authors: Crawford M. L. J. , Thor D. H.
Published: September 2011

The gross behavior of two comparable groups of normal Ss including men, women, and children was measured continuously over a 2-wk. interval by noise and activity recordings. The second group differed from the first in that no clocks or other mechanical means of recording time were available. Both groups were under relatively identical conditions of isolated confinement in a simulated fallout shelter. Normal cues as to passage of time were not available due to the construction characteristics of the experimental chamber. Thermal and ventilation conditions were maintained at optimal levels. Both measures revealed highly positive correlations between the mean circadian patterns of the two groups. Noise and activity were also highly correlated within groups. Longitudinal comparisons of daily means revealed slightly decreasing noise trends after the fourth day of confinement. Such a trend was not generally apparent in either of the longitudinal activity plots.
Vision and Audition in Language Learning
Authors: Asher James J.
Published: September 2011

The primary purpose was to present data for the transfer of learning from one sensory modality to another, specifically the relationship between vision and audition. The parameter was a range of natural languages including Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Turkish, and Persian. The secondary purpose was to suggest some theoretical constructs which may account for the data, and the third purpose was to explore certain side issues such as pronunciation shock and the validity of predictors for paired-associate learning. There was positive transfer of large magnitude from vision to audition for Spanish, Japanese, Turkish, or Persian, but a small, negative transfer for Russian. There was positive transfer from audition to vision for Spanish, Japanese, and Russian, but transfer was neutral for Turkish and negative for Persian. The magnitude of the positive transfer was usually higher from vision to audition than audition to vision. Much of the transfer data seemed to be accounted for with a phonetic fit hypothesis and a central mediation hypothesis of sensory process. The first concept, that of phonetic fit, postulates that positive transfer will be a function of the congruent match between the spoken and written language. The greater the congruency, the higher the probability of positive transfer between sensory channels. The second concept, the central mediation hypothesis, suggests that the direction and amount of transfer is a function of data processing not at the sensory receptor level, but at some centralized location in the brain.
Attenuation of Experimental Pain by Tactile Stimulation: Effect of Vibration at Different Levels of Noxious Stimulus Intensity
Authors: Blitz Bernard , Dinnerstein Albert J. , Lowenthal Milton
Published: September 2011

The present study was concerned with the masking and pain-attenuating effect of vibration at different levels of intensity of noxious stimulation. Forty Ss were given noxious stimulation in the form of increasingly painful electric shocks in trials where such shocks were presented with and without concurrent vibratory stimulation. The masking or pain-attenuating effect of the vibration was greatest at the lowest level of noxious stimulus intensity and decreased as the noxious stimulation intensity increased. At the highest level of noxious stimulation the effect of vibration was not significant although there was a tendency for Ss with higher pain tolerance to show summation. The possible relevance of the intensity of the vibratory stimulus to this pattern of results was discussed.
The Problem of Axial Rotation in Reading Disability
Authors: Wechsler David , Hagin Rosa A.
Published: September 2011

The problem of axial rotations in reading was investigated by the use of the Lamb Chop Test. Comparisons of reading readiness scores, levels of reading achievement, and scores on the Lamb Chop Test for first and third grade Ss indicate significant association between these factors and incidence of rotational errors. Frequency of rotational errors was not found to be greater among left-handed than among right-handed Ss. Analysis of types of rotational errors showed a decrease in both vertical and depth rotations when data for first and third grade samples were compared. The persistence of horizontal rotations among poorer readers in the third grade suggests that (1) the hitherto predominant emphasis upon vertical (Left-Right) rotations may have been misplaced and (2) consideration of all types of axial rotations, rather than any single one, is necessary in the diagnosis of reading disability.
Galvanic Stimulation of the Vestibular System and Perception of the Vertical
Authors: Aarons Louis , Goldenberg Louis
Published: September 2011

The gravitational vertical within a tilted visual field was visually estimated by 10 Ss during uni- and bilateral galvanic stimulation at 0.19 and 0.4 ma. through each of 6 cranial (mastoid-forehead) and 8 muscle (sternomastoid, trapezius, and hand) electrode combinations. Verticality estimates were significantly different among Ss and the cranial electrode combinations. Improved and impaired estimates of about ½ to 1° gain or loss were dependent on both electrode polarity and laterality of stimulation with respect to the direction of visual field tilt. Stimulation at the mastoid shifted the apparent vertical away from the anode and toward the cathode. These deviations were larger with anode and unilateral stimulation than with cathode and bilateral stimulation. In contrast, neck stimulation produced shifts toward the anode. Significant deviations occurred with mastoid stimulation below the threshold for cutaneous sensation. Results were discussed with reference to muscle tonus distribution in the body, vestibular-ocular reflexes, and their interactive effects as implicated in motor-sensory feedback basic to coordination of movement.
The Graded Boundary Carbon-Saline Electrode
Authors: Bachman Charles H. , Becker Robert O. , Friedman Howard
Published: September 2011

A new type of electrode for measurement of dc potentials is described. Utilizing a porous graded boundary of carbon on fiber-glass wet with saline, this electrode makes possible highly drift free operation over long periods. With matched pairs of electrodes, base line drifts of less than 1 mv per hour are obtained. Examples of its use in measuring body potentials are given. The voltage-current characteristic shows a useful working region in which the electrode potential is independent of the current.
Structural Features of Competitive Responses
Authors: Havens Leston L. , Foote Warren E.
Published: September 2011

Repeated verbal responses to short English word stimuli contain more correct letters than do verbal responses given only once. The letter-positions of the repeated verbal responses vary significantly in their content of correct letters.
Note on Short Term Storage of Information in Vision
Authors: Eden Murray
Published: September 2011

A revaluation of the short term memory experiments of Averbach and Sperling furnishes evidence that the memory read-out is linear.
Activation and Behavior. I: Relationship between Physiological “Indicants” of Activation and Performance during Memorization of Nonsense Syllables Using Differing Induced Tension Conditions
Authors: Eason Robert G. , Harter M. Russell , Storm William F.
Published: September 2011

This is the first of a series of studies oriented toward determining what physiological variables constitute the most reliable and valid indices of activation level; what is the minimal number of variables required to estimate accurately general activation level as well as patterns of activation, taking into account the activity of both the autonomic and somatic nervous systems; and how each variable relates to performance under specified conditions. The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain how four different “indicants” of activation level relate to one another and to verbal performance under different induced tension conditions. Sixteen Ss memorized 16 5-syllable lists of 3-letter nonsense syllables under 16 conditions in a single experimental session, using a balanced Latin square to control for order effects. The conditions were generated by various combinations of three independent variables: (1) mode of syllable presentation (visual vs auditory); (2) method of inducing tension (lifting weights vs squeezing hand dynamometer); and (3) amount of induced tension (5, 10, 15, and 20 lbs.). Each trial was 2 min. long, being followed by 2 min. of rest. Orderly within- and between-trial changes were noted in skin conductance, heart rate, and neck and forearm flexor tension level, but the changes varied, respectively, among the four variables from decreasing to increasing functions. This gradual transition was explained in terms of the relative degree of control the autonomic and somatic nervous systems exerted on each of the variables. The decreasing functions probably reflect a gradual reduction in the degree of anxiety or apprehensiveness experienced by Ss; the increasing functions probably reflect an increase in the amount of muscular effort exerted by Ss in order to maintain a specified amount of force on a hand grip device. Increasing amounts of induced tension caused performance to deteriorate and caused heart rate and forearm flexor tension level to increase. The manner in which the syllables were presented and method of inducing tension significantly affected performance but not the physiological variables.
Relation of Motor Performance to Perceived Movement in Rorschach Inkblots
Authors: Willner Arthur , Belmont Ira
Published: September 2011

The present study examined the claim that an inverse relationship exists between the perception of movement and the production of motor activity. Since studies of motor activity and of perceived movement indicated that each is multidimensional in character, it was hypothesized, and the results obtained confirmed the fact, that no such inverse relationship exists. It was concluded that no simple inter-relational concept such as proposed by Herman Rorschach and by the Werner-Wapner sensory-tonic theory can be used as the basis for examining complex sensory and sensory-motor interactions.
Gesell Behavior Tests as Predictive of Later Grade Placement
Authors: Ames Louise Bates , Ilg Frances L.
Published: September 2011

The present study tests the hypothesis that behavioral age is a more effective criterion for determining optimal time of school entrance than is chronological age or intelligence quotient. Fifty-two public school kindergarten pupils (judged ready for school entrance on the basis of their chronological age) were evaluated as to actual readiness on the basis of a battery of Gesell developmental tests, two projective techniques, and a battery of visual tests. Ss were divided into four groups on the basis of performance: those ready by all three tests, those ready on two tests, those whose readiness for kindergarten was questionable, and those clearly unready. Predictions, made in the fall of 1957, were checked against actual school performance when the children reached sixth grade and were divided into four groups (1 to 4) on the basis of the excellence of their school work. Children judged ready (either by two or by all three judges) in kindergarten were with few exceptions in Groups 1 or 2 in sixth grade. Those judged unready were without exception in the lower groups, 3 or 4. Correlation between sixth grade school performance and prediction of readiness based on behavior tests was .74. Correlation between sixth grade school performance and kindergarten IQ was .56. Children who were chronologically older at the time of school entrance appeared slightly more likely to be in Group 1 in sixth grade.
Visual-Motor Coordination in Underachieving and “Normal” School Boys
Authors: Van De Riet Vernon , Van De Riet Hani
Published: September 2011

Forty-five underachieving fourth, fifth, and sixth grade boys and 45 controls were administered the Ellis Visual Designs to determine whether underachievers have more difficulty in visual-motor coordination than the non-underachievers. The results showed no significant difference in the visual-motor performance by the groups. The results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that severe underachievement is not generally a result of brain damage but rather of other factors, presumably psychological in nature.
Learning of Redundant Material Presented through Two Sensory Modalities
Authors: Van Mondfrans Adrian P. , Travers Robert M. W.
Published: September 2011

Ss were given a series of learning trials with stimulus materials of differing degrees of meaningfulness and redundancy using three modes of presentation. All Ss received one list of the stimulus materials through an auditory presentation, one list visually and one list audio-visually. Forty-eight Ss learned lists of nonsense syllables, 48 learned lists of common words, and 48 learned lists of words with constraint. One-fourth of each group received the stimuli at the rate of one each 4 sec., one-fourth at the rate of one each 2 sec., one-fourth at a 1-sec. rate, and one-fourth at one stimulus each .6 sec. There were no significant differences between the visual and audio-visual modes of presentation across all three types of stimulus material, although at the shorter stimulus exposure times a slight trend was observed for the audio-visual mode to be inferior to the visual. When the stimulus material was nonsense syllables, the auditory mode of presentation produced learning inferior to the other two ( p < .001), but the visual and audio-visual modes were similar.
Autonomic Correlates of Electrical Excitability of the Eye
Authors: Clausen Johs. , Karrer Rathe
Published: September 2011

Sensitivity of the eye to 20-cps sine wave stimulation has been compared in 14 normal adults to blood pressure, heart rate, finger volume, galvanic skin resistance, and alpha waves for the four dimensions of resting level, spontaneous activity, autonomic lability, and adaptation. No simple relation seems to exist between phosphene threshold and autonomic functioning. Contrary to expectation, greater autonomic activity (BP and GSR) seems to go with high threshold. It is suggested that the data may be explained in terms of level of anxiety rather than arousal.
Effect of Subliminal Structural Cues on Reproductions of a Simple Line Drawing
Authors: Worthington A. G.
Published: September 2011

Sixty Ss were shown drawings of an unfamiliar figure, Bartlett's (1932) Egyptian ‘mulak.’ Half of the Ss were shown the drawing with a subliminally presented square background and half with a similarly presented circular background. 16 independent judges inspected the reproductions and judged them for angularity or curvature. It was found that judgments of angularity or curvature were related to the shape of the background figures used with the first group of Ss. In a control experiment where the backgrounds were masked by cardboard no such tendency was observed.
Complex Behavioral Indices Weighted by Linear Discriminant Functions for the Prediction of Cerebral Damage
Authors: Wheeler Lawrence
Published: September 2011

Linear discriminant functions were applied to seven dichotomized measures from each of 224 patients who were divided into control, left cerebral damage, right cerebral damage, and diffuse or bilateral damage groups. The measures were: Wechsler Verbal Weighted Score, Wechsler Performance Weighted Score, Halstead Impairment Index, Trail Making Test A, Trail Making Test B, Aphasia 4-rule Prediction, and age of patient. Four comparisons were made, one for each criterion group vs all remaining groups. The discriminant function in each comparison produced a single weighted score per S, and an optimum, least-squares type of separation between the two sets of scores. The resulting distributions of summed, weighted scores in each comparison were inspected for the point of minimum overlap, and an individual's weighted score, falling above or below this point, categorized him as belonging either in the single criterion group or in any one of the remaining three groups. These assignments, when compared with the actual criterion classes of the patients, were expressed as percentages of correct prediction: control vs non-control, 83.0%; left damage vs non-left, 87.5%; right damage vs non-right, 85.7%; diffuse (or bilateral) damage vs non-diffuse, 84.4%. Each measure was examined individually for percentages of correct prediction, but the discriminant function was superior in all instances, being approached only by the Halstead Impairment Index (one comparison) and by the Aphasia 4-rule Prediction (two comparisons). The seven-variable discriminant function was approximately as efficient as either of two previous functions that included more than 20 variables each.
Age and Sex Parameters in Psychomotor Learning
Authors: Noble Clyde E. , Baker Blaine L. , Jones Thomas A.
Published: September 2011

Quantitative relationships were sought among psychomotor response speed (R), number of practice trials (T), chronological age (A), and biological sex (S) for 600 Ss in 30 groups between the ages of 8 and 87 yr. All Ss received 320 trials on a Discrimination Reaction Time apparatus. Hull's equation R = m(1 – e- iT) + c was found capable of describing all 30 acquisition curves with an average predictability of 97.98% when the asymptote ( m), rate ( i), and R-intercept ( c) parameters were varied jointly. When m and c were held constant for each sex and only i varied, the average predictability dropped to 64.76%, indicating that rate alone was inadequate to account for variance due to age and sex. Confirming and extending the classical age-performance data, acquisition speeds followed differential trends for both age and sex variation while over-all proficiency was a non-monotonic function of age. There was a rapid growth to a maximum level for females at the age of 16 and for males at 20, then a gradual, non-parallel decline into the seventh decade. Males performed significantly faster than females, and all two-factor interactions were significant. There was no tendency for inter-individual variability to increase with age. We conclude that age and sex are critical parameters in human psychomotor learning and performance. Acquisition curves may be predicted with high accuracy by an exponential equation whose asymptote, rate, and intercept constants jointly reflect inter-individual differences and whose form remains invariant over an extended range. The multiplicative law R = f( T × A × S) is proposed for the discrimination-reaction task.
Motion Element Synthesis—An Assessment
Authors: Schappe Robert H.
Published: September 2011

An element of motion cannot be specified in isolation but only in relation to other elements in the motion cycle. Adherents to time and motion study principles have assumed that all motions can be analyzed into elements and these additively combined as though each was independent of the others. Studies in which travel distance and manipulation were systematically varied have shown that elements of each interact with the other. Other studies have examined the import of perceptual factors and precision in motion cycles and have arrived at the same conclusion: elements of motion cannot be specified independently but only in relation to the other elements in the cycle. This contention is related to the Gestalt concept that the whole is more than the sum of the parts.
Inadequate Resources, Experimental Design, and Review of the Informative Feedback Literature
Authors: Bilodeau Edward A.
Published: September 2011

A tiny experiment was reported by Dyal (1964) with results apparently contradicting the bulk of an extensive literature he failed to cite. The literature contains far better experimental designs, resources, and discussion of the issues.
The Blind Fingers
Authors: Buckhout Robert
Published: September 2011

An investigation of “aphotic digital color sensing” (finger vision) was conducted with students attempting to detect an odd color with their fingers when normal visual contact was eliminated. The results did not support the hypothesis that dermal color discrimination occurs in man. Interpretation of the data raises doubts about previously published statistical support of the hypothesis.
Masking of Cutaneous Sensations in Multiple Stimulus Presentations
Authors: Alluisi Earl A. , Morgan Ben B. , Hawkes Glenn R.
Published: September 2011

Ten Ss made absolute judgments of electrocutaneous stimuli consisting of from one to three simultaneous stimulations of six loci. There were three loci in symmetrical positions on either side of S's body—one on each shoulder blade, one on each arm between the elbow and the shoulder, and one on each side of the body just above the belt line. Each S responded with one of two response alphabets during 11 sessions of 41 trials each, over a period of three days. Differences between the two response alphabets were not significant, and neither were differences attributable to the interaction of the response alphabets with the number of loci stimulated. Increases in the percentages of erroneous responses with increases in the number of loci stimulated were both large and statistically significant; these increases were interpreted as evidence of a central mechanism of cutaneous masking.
Educational Wastage
Authors: Porteus S. D.
Published: September 2011

Inadequately validated theories of learning unreadiness have been responsible for non-utilization of potentialities for rapid mental development of children in the pre-school ages from 3 to 6 yr. This is probably one of the main reasons why progress in elementary education has been so limited in the past 60 yr. Another factor is the continued use of out-worn teaching methods. Recent advances which include the Porteus-Diamond Spelling and Reading Machine are described. The psychological principles underlying the rapid scholastic achievements made possible by the new teaching aids, including those for writing and arithmetic, are briefly discussed. The writer believes that these provide a much needed supplementing of learning theory by learning practice.
Level of Display Integration in Compensatory Tracking
Authors: Sampson Philip B. , Elkin Edwin H.
Published: September 2011

Four male Ss performed compensatory tracking for 20, 2-min. trials on each of four displays differing in the degree of integration of two input signals and in the presence or absence of a secondary interference task with each display. The order of superiority of the displays was consistent with their level of integration, with the most highly integrated display yielding the best performance. The interference task lowered performance on each display, but an expected interaction between display integration and interference task did not prove to be significant.
Perception Bibliography: XVII. Psychological Index No. 13, 1906
Authors: Ammons C. H. , Ammons R. B.
Published: September 2011

74 items from this volume are relevant to perceptual problems.
Comparison of Two Data Entry Methods
Authors: Earl William K. , Goff James D.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this experiment was to measure the effects of a number of display and input variables on the relative speed and accuracy of input performance when using point-in and type-in data entry methods for entering alphabetical material into automatic data processing machines. The factors tested in the experimental design were: types of arrangement of display material, density of material, different types of input tasks, typing ability, sex, and relative location of the keypunch device to the operator. The major finding of this study was that the point-in data entry method was a more accurate input technique than either the type-in or mixed point-in type-in data entry methods when measured under the effects of the independent variables.
Prediction of Successful College Academic Performance from Measures of Body-Cathexis, Self-Cathexis, and Anxiety
Authors: White William F. , Wash James A.
Published: September 2011

Measures of body-cathexis, self-cathexis, and anxiety were administered to 74 junior and senior students in educational psychology The body and self tended to be cathected to the same degree, and anxiety was highly correlated with both cathexes. Correlations with grade-point average were nonsignificant. Thus, values placed on body and self tended to be commensurate but lack predictive validity for college academic success.
Reversibility of the Necker Cube: VI. Effects of Interpolating a Non-Riversing Cube
Authors: Orbach J. , Zucker Ellen
Published: September 2011

The Necker cube was presented tachistoscopically and repetitively so that growth of satiation would be interrupted repeatedly and a critical level for reversals would not be reached. The preferred orientation under these circumstances was markedly altered when a non-reversing cube was interpolated for 4 sec. between successive presentations of the test Necker cube.
Interaction of Form and Exposure Time in the Perception of Slant
Authors: Smith A. H.
Published: September 2011

Groups of 24 Os estimated the slant of a circle and a rectangle (Groups I, II, and III) or a circle and a square (Group IV) by setting a tilt-rod. The forms were viewed at 45° slant, monocularly and binocularly, with fixed head, under reduced conditions. Exposure durations were: for Groups I, II, and IV, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 sec., imposed in descending order; and for Group III, five 3-sec. exposures. Groups I and III left the tilt-rod at the response setting, and Groups II and IV returned it to vertical, after each response. With reduced exposure, over-all estimates of slant decreased for the response setting (Group I), but decreased less (Group IV), or did not change significantly Group II) for the vertical setting. The difference between the estimates for the circle and rectangle or square increased with reduced exposure time due mainly to decrement for the angular forms. The discussion relates the over-all result to an anchor effect of tilt-rod position, and the trend difference for form to differential salience of projective outline distortion and convergence.
Eye-Movement Patterns in Scanning Numeric Displays
Authors: Gould John D. , Schaffer Amy
Published: September 2011

Eye movements of three Ss during visual scanning of 15° 2′ 6 × 6 numeric matrices were studied, using a modification of the Mackworth eye-marker apparatus, as a function of frequency of target numeral (0 to 7), digit scanned for, and learning (176 trials). The results indicated that time to scan varied significantly with both frequency and target digit, and these time differences were reflected by significant departures from the over-all average number of fixations (18), while average duration of fixations (.31 sec.) remained relatively constant. The average durations of fixations on target numbers (.32 sec.) and non-target numbers (.30 sec.) were not statistically significantly different. Average center-to-center distance between the closest fixation and a target number was 2° 28′ and this distance differed among digits, being 2° 42′ for the most quickly recognized and 1° 36′ for the most difficult to recognize. The results indicated the possible role of eye movements in information processing.
Reaction Time as a Function of Onset and Offset Stimulation of the Fovea and Periphery
Authors: Pease Victor P. , Sticht Thomas G.
Published: September 2011

Reaction times were obtained for the onset and offset of luminous stimuli of 31,400 mL., 314 mL., 3.14 mL., and 1.98 mL., presented in the fovea and periphery. It was found that in the periphery offset RTs are longer than onset RTs. The opposite is true for the fovea. In both the fovea and periphery the differences between the onset and offset RTs decrease as the luminance increases.
Phobias Present in Three Stuttering Cases
Authors: Massengill Raymond
Published: September 2011

Three isolated stuttering cases are presented and certain problems they possess. For these three cases, after exposure of a feared situation and support was provided, stuttering decreased.
Aesthetic Preferences of Schizophrenics
Authors: Eisenman Russell
Published: September 2011

Twenty schizophrenic males and 20 male college students expressed their aesthetic preferences for polygons and poems. The schizophrenics preferred the less complex polygons and the less novel poem, in contrast to the choices made by the normal Ss. There was no consistency between degree of novelty and complexity for the schizophrenics, but there was for the college students. The results are consistent with earlier findings that aesthetic preferences can differentiate two diverse groups, and with the theoretical work of McReynolds and Kubie.
Use of Adult Responses to Codify Children's Behavior in a Play Situation
Authors: Guerney Bernard , Burton Jean , Silverberg Dana , Shapiro Ellen
Published: September 2011

A system for coding certain aspects of the child's verbal—and through the adult's verbalizations—non-verbal behavior, from tape recordings, is reported. Reliability, possible uses, and limitations are discussed.
Iterative Association
Authors: Baldridge Bill J. , Hustmyer Frank H.
Published: September 2011

A method of combining free word association with the engineering principles of servomechanisms is presented. It provides a focusing and amplifying of the word association test by incorporating S into a closed delayed feedback system in which he provides both the stimulus and the response words. The system is set into motion by an external disturbance in the form of initial stimulus words provided by E. With this arrangement S continues to associate to his own responses until interrupted. His associations converge on a small number of topics in a manner which is characteristic of him and independent of the initial stimulus words. After 10 successive cycles of associating to their own responses, 25 Ss converged on 3 topics from an average of 9 of the 15 beginning stimulus words. Much affective material was introduced by Ss even in the absence of original emotional stimuli.
Motivation and Positional Cues in Incidental Learning
Authors: Dornbush Rhea L.
Published: September 2011

In two parallel experiments, 6 groups of Ss learned 3 arrangements of relevant-irrelevant material: direct spatial contiguity, consistent spatial separation and randomly arranged spatial separation. Each group learned a single list under 1 of 2 levels of incentive-oriented motivation. In Exp. 1 relevant-irrelevant separation was 1 in.; in Exp. II, ¼ in. There was a significant increase in intentional learning in Exp. I with the introduction of incentive; Exp. II showed no effect of the incentive. Both experiments showed a decline in incidental learning with spatial separation, with a greater decline for the 1-in. separation than for the ¼-in. No effect of motivation appeared in the data for incidental recall, suggesting a change in the characteristics of the motivation involved. Specifically, it seemed possible that the incentive might interact with task difficulty to create an emotional situation.
Attributed Meaning of an Unstructured Stimulus
Authors: McNamara H. J. , Fisch R. I.
Published: September 2011

Ss were asked to respond to a group presentation of Rorschach Cards I, III, and VIII. Then, while looking at each card, they were asked to rate their percepts on the Semantic Differential. Shortly thereafter, the verbal label associated with the Rorschach percept was measured using the Semantic Differential in the absence of the visual stimulus. The results of the semantic ratings, both on the percept and the verbal label without the stimulus present, showed that Ss' meanings were much more alike than different. This finding suggested that the percept and the verbal label were more a reflection of cultural similarities and structural characteristics of the stimulus than an expression of some relevant constituent of Ss' personality.
Social Differences in Auditory Perception
Authors: Birch Herbert G. , Belmont Ira , Karp Eric
Published: September 2011

Two groups differing in social background and ethnicity were found to respond differently to an auditory time error task. The white middle-class group tended to overestimate the intensity of the second of two objectively equal stimuli and showed a rising curve of overestimation as the time interval between stimuli increased from 1 to 5 sec. They conformed to the response pattern exhibited by similar social groups in previous time error experiments. In contrast, a lower-class group of Negro Ss tended to underestimate the second stimulus and to show a decreasing tendency to do so over time. Indirect analysis suggested that social class and not ethnicity was the critically effective variable in producing the obtained differences but did not exclude the possibility of interaction between these variables. Results reinforce the view that even within a given society, social class and ethnic differences are associated with alterations in an aspect of perceptual functioning which may be pertinent to learning and attention.
Effects of Random and Orderly Presentations of Visual Sequences
Authors: Weene Paul L.
Published: September 2011

Sections of figures were presented visually in random and orderly sequences. Later identification was easier for orderly sequences and for faster presentations. Fixation and size of section had no effect.
Discrimination Pretraining and Sound Learning
Authors: Winitz Harris , Preisler Linda
Published: September 2011

Sound production learning as a function of sound discrimination learning was investigated. First grade Ss who were observed to utter /skrə'b/ for /srə'b/ were assigned to two discrimination pretraining groups ( N = 15 in each group): Group A, discrimination training on /skrə'b/-/srə'b/ and Group B, discrimination training on /sliyp/-/∫liyp/. The discrimination task was taught through the use of automatic programming devices. Following discrimination training it was found that /srə'b/ was uttered correctly by two-thirds of Ss in Group A, but was uttered incorrectly by all Ss in Group B. It was concluded that sound discrimination training effectively facilitated sound production learning and that automatic sound discrimination programming appears feasible.
Synchronization Error in Attempts to Move the Hands Simultaneously
Authors: Bartlett Neil R. , White Carroll T.
Published: September 2011

Means and standard deviations are reported for the synchronization error in the initial motion of attempts to move the two hands simultaneously. For alert, trained Ss ( N = 12) the error appears to be independent of whether the movement is made on signal or at S's option.
Musical Intelligence and Scale Preference
Authors: McClune D. J. C. , Fairbrother C. J. , Faulds B. D.
Published: September 2011

The preference of European and Indian groups of Ss for a tonal or an atonal composer is tested, and their musical intelligence is measured with parts of Wing's test battery. The relations between these two measures are examined.
Publication Trends in Human Learning: 1940–1964
Authors: Noble Clyde E.
Published: September 2011

Numbers of publications on human learning over the past 25 years were found to be increasing relatively as well as absolutely in seven major U. S. journals.
A Factor Influencing Motor Overflow
Authors: Yensen Roy
Published: September 2011

While the active arm isometrically supported a weight which under normal circumstances did not lead to motor overflow in the contralateral “inactive” arm, it was found that a single flexion and extension of the “inactive” arm resulted in marked overflow activity in that arm. EMG techniques were used to observe this phenomenon in 6 Ss.
Perception Bibliography: XVIII. Psychological Index No. 14, 1907
Authors: Ammons R. B. , Ammons C. H.
Published: September 2011

Alphabetical listing of 97 references to work in perception.
Some Responses to Rating Stimuli by Practiced Raters
Authors: Waldkoetter Raymond O. , Urry Vern W. , Martinson William D.
Published: September 2011

The study was concerned with the manner in which personal data variables may affect responses to selected rating scale stimuli and how rating task opinions might yield other particular results. The rating format using 24 traits on a 5-point scale was designed to be familiar to the 42 adjutant officers ( Ss) rating 3 defined stereotype ratees. Four rating sessions were conducted with complete ratings collected from all Ss for each ratee. Ten personal data variables identified each S and a questionnaire was developed to sample the opinion effect. Ss were shown to rate the defined ratees significantly higher as a result of adjutant service exceeding 5 yr. and their opinion of confidence in making the requested ratings. The practiced Ss showed some significant variance as have other raters, in spite of controlled ratee behavior. It is suggested that rating variables as reviewed may be examined by multiple correlation techniques to evaluate them as suppressor variables, thereby improving rating validity and prediction of performance.
Relationship between Vertical Orientation in the Rod and Frame Test and in a Compensatory Tracking Task
Authors: Benfari R. , Vitale P.
Published: September 2011

Twelve selected naval aviators were given the Rod and Frame Test and were run through an experimental test involving a compensatory tracking task that had two conditions of proprioceptive feedback (kinetic and static). 5 Ss, classified as “body oriented,” on the Rod and Frame Test, had a lower RMS roll score on the compensatory tracking than 5 Ss classified as “frame oriented.” In addition to this finding, the Rod-and-Frame data of the aviator sample were compared to Witkin's and Asch's data of 1948. A striking similarity on both constant and average error was observed between Witkin's and Asch's sample and the present group. Explanation for the differences in performance under the two conditions of the tracking task for the two categories of Ss was offered in terms of perceptual style.
Diagnosis: Description or Prescription? A Case Study in the Psychology of Diagnosis
Authors: Linder Ralph
Published: September 2011

This paper deals with the epistemology of diagnosis. It is suggested that the conventional view of diagnosis, which sees the diagnostician as one who describes and/or explains pathological phenomena, is inadequate. A contrasting model is proposed, one that conceptualizes diagnosis as a prescriptive and problem-solving activity. The difference between these two models is explored with particular reference to the problem of defining “illness.” The relevance of diagnosis to perception and cognition is also discussed.
Effects of Early and Later Onset of Cerebral Dysfunction upon Psychological Test Performance
Authors: Fitzhugh Kathleen B. , Fitzhugh Loren C.
Published: September 2011

30 pairs of young adults with cerebral dysfunction were matched according to education, sex, color, handedness, and chronological age at time of testing. In each pair one S had incurred cerebral damage prior to age 10 yr. and one after age 12 yr. Mean difference scores were compared by t test for 22 test measures. The later-injured group performed at generally better levels than did the early group, predominantly on several tasks which are not heavily dependent upon language skills. The findings are discussed with respect to developmental considerations.
Some Methodological Factors in Activity Wheel Research
Authors: Lockard Robert B.
Published: September 2011

Various recommendations for modification or maintenance of the widely used Wahmann LC-34 activity wheel are made. These recommendations are based upon considerations of consistency of performance, sanitation, convenience to E, minimizing between-wheel differences, and the elimination of undesirable properties.
Perceptual Recognition of Words by Grade School Children
Authors: Ryan Thomas J. , Muehl Siegmar
Published: September 2011

Frequent and infrequent stimulus words were presented tachistoscopically to grade school children. Faster recognition of the frequent words was consistent with adult data. It was clearly demonstrated that infrequent stimulus words required more sensory information than frequent stimulus words before recognition could occur. The lack of a response bias in these young Ss was only suggestive, since there was some tendency not to give many presolution responses. Suggestions were offered as to methods of increasing the number of prercognition responses.
Detectability Measures in Vigilance: Comment on a Paper by Wiener, Poock, and Steele
Authors: Taylor M. M.
Published: September 2011

Results of a study of time sharing and vigilance reported by Wiener, et al. (1964) have been reanalysed from the viewpoint of signal detection theory. The reported decline in probability of detecting a signal is shown to be due entirely to a progressive change in the observers' response criteria and not to a change in the detectability of the signal. In contrast to the original report that time sharing had a non-significant effect on the probability of detecting a signal, the effect on the detectability of the signal is large. The importance of considering detectability rather than detection measures in vigilance studies is stressed.
Effects of a Mnemonic Technique Applied to Verbal Learning and Memory
Authors: Smith Richard K. , Noble Clyde E.
Published: September 2011

This investigation evaluated the effects of Furst's mnemonic technique applied to serial verbal learning using consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) lists of Low (1.07), Medium (2.75), and High (4.37) scaled meaningfulness ( m‘) values. On the basis of three pre-experimental tasks known to correlate well with serial learning performance, 126 college Ss were recruited to form 18 matched pairs at each of seven ability levels. One member of each pair was assigned to the experimental group and given a 1-hr. lecture-demonstration on Furst's “hook” method. This was followed by four days of private practice in imagery using a list of 100 random digits. The other Ss were assigned to the control group. All Ss were then divided into three experimental and three control groups of 21 comparable Ss each. Ss received 20 Learning trials on one of the three 10-item CVC lists, were excused for 24 hr., then retested for 10 Relearning trials on the same list. Furst's method produced significant differences in Recall (loss over the 24-hr. test) and Relearning, but the differences failed to reach statistical significance for the Learning phase. A complex relationship existed between the effectiveness of the Method and Meaningfulness, with no differences occurring for highly meaningful lists, large differences for medium m' lists, and small differences for low m' lists. Superiority of the experimental groups over the control groups was mainly attributable to better performance on the part of low-ability Ss. Both Meaningfulness and Ability were primary sources of between-group differences during Learning, Recall, and Relearning. Complex interactions appeared between degree of meaningfulness, level of ability, and Furst's method. Some methodological problems were discussed. It was concluded that Furst's mnemonic technique has limited usefulness during the acquisition of a serial verbal list, and perhaps a significant facilitating effect on retention, provided the material to be recalled is of medium or low meaningfulness, but no efficacy for remembering highly meaningful materials learned under the present conditions.
Time Orientation and Reading Achievement
Authors: Kahn Paul
Published: September 2011

It was hypothesized that underachieving readers would differ from normal readers on a score reflecting time orientation in terms of future time perspective. As expected, normal readers projected into the future to a significantly greater degree than poor readers.
Contingent Discrimination in Humans
Authors: Goldstein Mymon , Weber Robert J.
Published: September 2011

Six groups of 10 human Ss, 14- to 18-yr.-old, performed 4-display contingent discrimination tasks in which reinforcement was governed by 1 of 2 possible extra stimuli added to otherwise conventional discrimination displays. Each extra stimulus was related either to the identity or the position of the correct choice. Few errors occurred when identity of correct choice was relevant, but many more errors and some failures to reach criterion occurred when position of correct choice was relevant for some or all of the displays.
Effect of Duration of Warning Signal on Reaction Times of Mental Defectives
Authors: Hawkins William F. , Baumeister Alfred A.
Published: September 2011

Two groups of retardates were tested on a reaction time (RT) task. For one group, the warning signal came on and remained for the entire preparatory interval (PI) (filled condition). For the other, the warning signal appeared for 1.5 sec. at the beginning of the PI (unfilled condition). The PIs were 2, 4, 8, and 12 sec. Twenty-six trials were given at each PI. The unfilled condition produced faster RTs than the filled condition. The main effects of PI were also significant. Results are compared and contrasted with those of a similar study.
Classroom Learning of Meaningful Prose by College Students as a Function of Sensory Mode of Stimulus Presentation
Authors: Gulo E. Vaughn , Baron Alan
Published: September 2011

A classroom experiment was performed to determine whether auditory or visual presentation of meaningful material is more efficient in producing learning. Prose material was presented to four groups of college students, either visually, by giving each S a mimeographed copy of the material to read, or in the auditory modality by a lecturer actually present in the classroom, through a television monitor, or through a radio. A fifth (control) group read material irrelevant to the subsequent retention test. A multiple-choice retention test indicated that with presentation time the same for all Ss, direct reading of the material (visual) produced retention levels that were higher than those for the three auditory methods of presentation. This result was explained in terms of the greater practice opportunities available to the direct reading group and the visual nature of the retention test. The absence of systematic differences among the three auditory groups suggested that when the only necessary channel of communication is auditory the incidental stimulation provided by the sight of the person making the presentation does not increase learning efficiency.