bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Pain-Incompatible Imagery on Tolerance of Pain, Heart Rate, and Skin Resistance
Authors: Neumann W. , Pfand-Neumann P. , Seelbach H. , Kugler J. , Schmitz N. , Krüskemper G. M.
Published: August 2011

Imagery is an important component in strategies for coping with pain. In this study, we examined, whether imagery influences tolerance for pain and whether subjects, trained in pain-incompatible imagery differ in heart rate and skin resistance from these in a control group during a pain-induction session. 39 subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: imagery and control. Both groups had two pain-induction sessions At intake into the study (t1), Pain Tolerance and Psychophysiological Reaction to Pain were assessed using a pressure algometer. After the first session, the experimental group received 1 hr. of training in pain-incompatible imagery. Seven days later, the session was repeated (t2). The results showed that Pain Tolerance was significantly increased in the group who used pain-incompatible imagery. One might follow the notion that increased Pain Tolerance is associated with increased Psychophysiological Pain Reaction, but results suggest the contrary. Subjects trained in pain-incompatible imagery had lower heart rates during the second pain induction than the control group. Groups did not differ with regard to skin resistance. It can be stated that besides information, cues on coping with pain may be helpful in clinical practice.
Team Identification and the Enjoyment of Watching a Sporting Event
Authors: Wann Daniel L. , Schrader Michael P.
Published: August 2011

A higher mean rating of sport-spectating enjoyment was found for highly identified spectators who had just watched their team win.
Changes in Scores on the Mental Rotations Test during the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Moody M. Suzanne
Published: August 2011

The purpose of the study was to examine changes in performance on Vandenberg's Mental Rotations Test during the menstrual cycles of college women. Participants were 12 male and 34 female students recruited from undergraduate educational psychology and nursing classes at a large southeastern university. Each woman was tested once during the menstrual phase and once during the luteal phase of her menstrual cycle. Phases in which the testings occurred were counterbalanced. Men were also tested twice. For all participants, the two testing sessions were held exactly 14 days apart. Women who were contraceptive pill users did not perform significantly differently during either phase from women who were nonusers, and there was no interaction for pill use by phase. Therefore, users and nonusers were combined for a paired-sample t test which indicated that women scored significantly higher during the menstrual phase (Days 2–7) than during the luteal phase (Days 16–22 for 31 women and Days 24–26 for three women with longer cycles). The 12 men scored significantly higher than the 34 women during the initial testing; but not significantly higher than the 17 women who were in the menstrual phase during the first testing. Therefore, that the effect of the phase of menstrual cycle influences the sex difference in performance on the Mental Rotations Test was supported.
Assessing Consonant Cluster Production under Imitative and More Spontaneous Conditions
Authors: Powell Thomas W.
Published: August 2011

Six children's production of word-initial consonant clusters was assessed before and after treatment using imitative or spontaneous sampling conditions. Gains in accuracy were documented under both sampling conditions, with the two procedures yielding similar findings.
Achievement in School in Relation to Simultaneous and Sequential Cognitive Processes among Young Egyptian Students
Authors: Elwan Fadia Z.
Published: August 2011

The present study was designed to examine whether a relationship exists between scores on simultaneous and sequential cognitive processes, on one hand, and performance on the Reading Decoding and Arithmetic subtests of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K–ABC), on the other hand, using a sample of 170 Egyptian school children in Grades 1, 3, and 5. To examine the differential magnitudes of the relationship between scores for cognitive processing and school achievement a two by two (simultaneous × sequential) analysis of variance was calculated with reading decoding and arithmetic scores as dependent variables. The results indicated that cognitive processing, especially simultaneous synthesis, is related to arithmetic as well as decoding during reading. Scores on sequential processing were not significantly related to scores for decoding reading and may not be important as simultaneous processing for mathematical skills. The findings were interpreted in the context of the Arabic orthographic system and in view of the nature of the cognitive and mathematical tasks employed in this study.
Exploring Quality of Life of Adults with Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Boswell Boni B.
Published: August 2011

Measurements of quality of life have been an important research focus in rehabilitation and medicine. Analyses indicated that for 12 persons with spinal cord injury significant quality of life domains identified through a ranking procedure were different from domains identified through small group discussions. If replicated with larger groups, we would advocate direct responses obtained through small group or individual discussions.
Menstrual Phase, History of Smoking, and Taste Discrimination in Young Women
Authors: Pasquali Bernadette
Published: August 2011

University women who were either nonsmokers or who had smoked regularly for at least two years ( ns = 7) attempted to discriminate a gustatory stimulus five days before and five days after their menses. The stimuli were presented 3 min. or 5 min. after the introduction of a target stimulus. A statistically significant interaction was found among history of smoking, menstrual phase, and latency for taste comparisons. However, when the shared variance between olfactory and gustatory accuracy was partialled out, the results for smokers suggested significant increases in gustatory thresholds relative to those of nonsmokers regardless of menstrual phase. Smokers also displayed significantly less ( eta2 = 25%) accuracy for olfactory discrimination than nonsmokers.
Children's Lateralization on a Finger-Localization Task
Authors: Geraldson Brenda , Hopkins William D.
Published: August 2011

The effect of stimulus orientation and hand use on performance on a finger-localization task was assessed in a sample of 40 children, including 20 boys and 20 girls. Experimenters stimulated a single finger on either the left or right hand, and the pardcipants were required to identify the stimulated finger displayed on a drawing of a hand. The model drawing was displayed in either an isomorphic or reversed orientation relative to the stimulated hand. Analysis indicated that 4-yr.-olds performed significantly better than 3-yr.-olds. Also, pardcipants were significantly better at identifying the middle finger when the left hand was stimulated than the right hand.
Depression following Brain Trauma is Enhanced in Patients with Mild Discrepancies between Intelligence and Impairment on Neuropsychological Scores
Authors: Persinger M. A.
Published: August 2011

Analysis of the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) scores from 135 (20 years to 60 years old) patients who had sustained closed head injuries supported the hypothesis of a nonlinear relationship between the severity of depression and the magnitude of the discrepancy between intelligence and neuropsychological proficiency. Although the MMPI Depression T scores for all groups of patients were elevated ( M = 78, SD = 13), patients with the least and greatest discrepancies between intelligence and neuropsychological proficiency scored lower on Depression than patients with discrepancies within the z-score ranges −2.0 and —1.1. The results of symmetrical covariance for either depression or complex partial epileptic-like experiences before comparisons between groups suggested depression and the epileptic-like experiences share the same source of variance
Olympic Athletes' Transition from Sport to Workplace
Authors: Ungerleider Steven
Published: August 2011

Research has supported the need for strategies to assist elite athletes with transition from full-time athletic activity to the work place. Early intervention with coaches' and peers' support programs have mediated the problems associated with the termination of athletic careers. The present study is a report about 57 prominent Olympians from 12 disciplines spanning 60 years of competitive sports. Analysis of the data suggests that focussed efforts early in the athletes' careers assisted preparation for life after the full athletic activity. Mentors not only assist in the athletes' careers but also offer guidance and counsel during later life.
Reliability and Classification Stability of Learning Style Inventory in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Simon S. K.
Published: August 2011

The internal-consistency, test-retest reliability and classification stability of the Learning Style Inventory (LSI-1985) were examined for a nonwestern sample in Hong Kong. The results suggest that the inventory does not provide a reasonably stable measure of learning style when used with a nonwestern sample.
Reliability and Validity of Gain Scores in Three Possible Scenarios
Authors: May Kim , Hittner James B.
Published: August 2011

In 1996 Williams, et al. presented results on the reliability and validity of difference (gain) scores for the case where the pretest variance is less than the posttest variance. We extend this work to the remaining two possible cases—wherein the two variances are approximately equal and wherein the pretest variance exceeds the posttest variance. Plausible applied scenarios are presented for these two cases. Using these scenarios and varying the pretest-posttest reliabilities, validities, and inter-correlation, the resulting reliabilities and validities for the gain score are delineated. Our results provide the applied researcher with additional insights into the psychometric properties of gain scores in various potential situations.
Prior Commitment and Information Recall
Authors: Brody Richard G. , Bowman Laura L.
Published: August 2011

Responsibility is related to escalation of commitment, a phenomenon in which individuals continue to invest in a failing course of action despite evidence that suggests that continued investment is unwise. Prior research indicates that individuals making multiple decisions as part of a sequential task are likely to engage in escalation behavior (Brockner, 1992). Investigators of escalation have not examined cognitive by-products of the decision-making process. In this study, the number of decisions, e.g., one or two, was used to manipulate the amount of responsibility. It was predicted that subjects making multiple decisions would remember more information supporting their initial decision than those who made only a single final decision. Analysis indicated that proportion recalled was the same for both groups. It appears that memory for the information used in the decision-making process is not related to amount of responsibility.
Metaphors for the Effects of Weak, Sequentially Complex Magnetic Fields
Authors: Persinger M. A.
Published: August 2011

Metaphors to explain the effects of weak, complex magnetic fields upon the neuromatrices of organisms are suggested. The ratio of the amplitude of the time-varying components to steady-state components for complex magnetic field for effective biological responses may display Weber values that are similar to those for the electrical activity of the brain, the detection of changes in sound pressure by the ear and for more classical sensory thresholds. The nonlinear, suprathreshold characteristic of weak magnetic field effects would be similar to the effective narrow windows of concentrations of ligands values for receptor subtypes with different affinities. Signals composed of trains of between 100 and 1000 successive, fast (1 to 3 msec.) transients, which would contain the most biological information, would require low amplitudes to which the substrates could respond and with which the neuromatrix could resonate.
The Actigraph Data Analysis Software: II. A Novel Approach to Scoring and Interpreting Sleep-Wake Activity
Authors: Jean-Louis Girardin , von Gizycki Hans , Zizi Ferdinand , Hauri Peter , Spielman Arthur , Taub Harvey
Published: August 2011

The widespread use of actigraphy has led to the recognition that a number of methodological issues have to be addressed to facilitate an increased acceptability of this relatively new method. These methodological issues include actigraph placement, reliability, and sensitivity, and the phenomenon known as the “first night effect.” Our findings have demonstrated that actigraphy is a reliable instrument for assessment of sleep and wakefulness. In addition, actigraph placement and reliability do not constitute a significant methodological problem as no differences were found in all of these studies. We have also observed no first-night effects associated with sleep-wake monitoring with actigraphy.
Contributions to the History of Psychology: CVIII. On Aging and Intelligence: History Teaches a Different Lesson
Authors: Thompson Dennis N.
Published: August 2011

Early researchers investigating aging have often been accused of forming the foundation for the belief that intelligence peaks in early adulthood and declines steadily thereafter, a concept sometimes known as the classic aging curve. Documentation in this article indicates that at least several early researchers on the subject were actually making very different arguments and that they were well aware of the limitations of their data.
Mean Differences among Subcomponents of Vandenberg's Mental Rotation Test
Authors: Qubeck William J.
Published: August 2011

The current investigation was designed to answer three questions: is the sex difference on Vandenberg's Mental Rotation Test present in all five subsections, what is the relation with performance, and what are the estimates of split-half reliability. Undergraduate students (55 men and 52 women) enrolled in introductory psychology courses were administered Vandenberg's test and were given 6 min. to complete the test. An over-all significant sex difference indicated men's mean performance was significantly higher than women's “total item score” and “total ratio item score,” but only for Section 4(D). This suggests that men were not significantly better at identifying all types of visual spatial items on all parts of Vandenberg's test and that the source of the sex difference may be due, at least in pan, to performance factors. Reliability measures for Vandenberg's test were established for the 6-min. completion time. Spearman-Brown reliability coefficient was calculated for the “item score,” “ratio item score,” and “attempted item” scores (.86, .85, and .93, respectively).
Comparison of Hiking Stick Use on Lateral Stability While Balancing with and without a Load
Authors: Jacobson Bert H. , Caldwell Bryan , Kulling Frank A.
Published: August 2011

To compare hiking stick use on lateral stability while balancing with or without a load (15-kg internal frame backpack) under conditions of no stick, 1 stick, and 2 sticks for six trials 15 volunteers ages 19 to 23 years ( M = 21.7 yr.) were tested six separate times on a stability platform. During randomly ordered, 1-min. trials, the length of time (sec.) the subject maintained balance (±10° of horizontal) and the number of deviations beyond 10° were recorded simultaneously. Backpack and hiking sticks were individually adjusted for each subject. A 2 × 3 repeated factor analysis of variance indicated that subjects balanced significantly longer both with and without a load while using 2 hiking sticks than 1 or 0 sticks. Significantly fewer deviations beyond 10° were found when subjects were without a load and using 1 or 2 sticks versus when they used none, and no significant difference in the number of deviations were found between 1 and 2 hiking sticks. When subjects were equipped with a load significantly improved balance was found only between the 2 sucks and no sticks. Balance was significantly enhanced by using hiking sticks, and two sticks were more effective than one while carrying a load. An increase in maintenance of static balance may reduce the possibility of falling and injury while standing on loose alpine terrain.
Relationship between Age and Head Movement during Stepping in Place by Nonhandicapped Children and Persons with Mental Retardation
Authors: Okuzumi Hideyuki , Tanaka Atsushi , Haishi Kouichi
Published: August 2011

We investigated developmental changes in head movement during stepping in place by nonhandicapped children and clarified the relationship between chronological or mental age and head movement of persons with mental retardation. 39 nonhandicapped children aged 3 to 6 years, 13 adults aged 19 to 22 years, and 10 persons with mental retardation (range of chronological age: 17 to 22 years, range of mental age: 3 to 8 years) participated. The total extent of head movement in the frontal plane during ordinary stepping in place for 20.48 sec. was measured to assess the magnitude of head movement. Changes in the magnitude of head movement of children are noticeable across ages, and the magnitude clearly was smaller at the age of 6 years. For subjects with mental retardation, no relationship has been found between chronological age and the magnitude of head movement but rather between mental age and the magnitude of head movement.
Underestimation of the Size Ratio of Texas to Rhode Island in Memory and Perception
Authors: Bradley Drake R.
Published: August 2011

33 college students estimated the ratio of size of Texas to Rhode Island while visualizing the two states from memory or while viewing outline tracings of the states. The estimated ratio was significantly less in memory (29.7) than the perception (81.9) condition.
Attitude and Enduring Involvement of Older Adults in Structured Programs of Physical Activity
Authors: Gravelle François , Paré Claude , Laurencelle Louis
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this paper is to measure the influence of the affective attitudinal domain upon the intentions of a group of older adults participating in structured programs of physical activity offered in a community recreation setting. The subjects were 118 seniors participating in either a fitness, aqua-fitness, or golf program in metropolitan Ottawa. The group comprised of 65 women and 53 men were, in the most part, between 55 and 70 years of age. A questionnaire measuring attitude towards physical activity was developed. A stepwise regression analysis of intention to participate on attitudes showed that most of the variance in intention (69.0%) was explained by the variable “good/beneficial,” i.e., seniors perceived the programs as being good and beneficial to them. It is recommended that further investigation of affective factors related to attitude be carried out to develop strategies to maintain seniors' involvement in physical activity programs.
Lack of Sex Differences among East Ecuadorian School Children on Geometric Figure Rotation and Face Drawings
Authors: Pontius Anneliese A.
Published: August 2011

No difference was shown on two spatial tasks, the Geometric Figure Rotation Task and the Draw-A-Person-With-Face-In-Front for 24 boys and 24 girls (ages 9–10) in eastern Ecuador, where girls still engage in women's traditional tasks, e.g., sewing, needle work, weaving, and knotting, which involve spatial representation.
Preservation of Temporal Skills in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Levy Becca , Dreier Theodore
Published: August 2011

Previous researchers have assumed that temporal skills are lost early in Alzheimer's disease. This belief may originate from examining only one type of temporal skill—logical time. In this study three categories of time, that draw on different types of processes, were selected. It was hypothesized that, although those with Possible Alzheimer's disease would have difficulty with the logical time items, they would show relatively preserved performance on the two other types of time skills that rely on the automatic processes of socialized and intuitive time. Participants included 11 individuals who met the criteria for Possible Alzheimer's disease and a comparison group of 19 psychiatric patients who had Mini Mental State Examination scores in a normal range. As expected, those with Possible Alzheimer's disease performed as well as the comparison group on the intuitive and socialized time skills. Unexpectedly, it was found that one type of logical time skill was also preserved in the Possible Alzheimer's disease group.
Emergent Properties following Brain Injury: The Claustrum as a Major Component of a Pathway that Influences Nociceptive Thresholds to Foot Shock in Rats
Authors: Persinger M. A. , Peredery O. , Bureau Y. R. J. , Cook L. L.
Published: August 2011

Flinch (pain) thresholds for electric current delivered to the feet were correlated with the amount of necrosis within the diencephalon and telencephalon for rats in which seizures had been induced by lithium and pilocarpine about two months before the testing. The shared variance of the quantitative damage within the claustrum, the anterior part of the paraventricular nucleus of thalamus, (central) mediodorsal thalamus, and lateral amygdala (ventromedial part) explained 81% of the variance in the nociceptive (flinch) thresholds. A primary role of the claustrum within the neuropathways that mediate the response to the interoceptive and “painful” characteristics of stimuli is indicated. The concept of primary pathways versus “emergent” pathways subsequent to excitotoxic damage within the neuromatrix is discussed.
Revisiting the t Test on Ranks as an Alternative to the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test
Authors: Bridge Patrick D. , Sawilowsky Shlomo S.
Published: August 2011

In comparison with the Student t test, the test on the ranks of scores has been shown to be slightly less powerful than the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test conducted on the original scores for real smooth and symmetric data sets because it does not provide a correction for ties or continuity. Here it is demonstrated that the t test on ranks is nonetheless superior to the usual t test for real data that are skewed or otherwise severely nonnormally distributed.
Reported Prevalence of Unconsciousness from Mechanical Impact to the Head in University Populations during a Fifteen-Year Period
Authors: Persinger M. A.
Published: August 2011

The prevalence of at least one episode of unconsciousness during childhood due to a mechanical impact to the skull was inferred by the response to one item embedded within a questionnaire of 140 items. 50% of the 633 university men and 33% of the 863 university women reported such unconsciousness; the prevalence did not change significantly between samples over a 15-yr. period. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the 10 items most strongly associated with the report of childhood unconsciousness did not explain more than about 10% of the variance. The majority of the items were those associated with complex partial epileptic-like signs and included (adult) episodes of memory blanks, mystical experiences, dissociation, and sudden meaningfulness.
Performance of Soccer Players on Tests of Field Dependence/Independence and Soccer-Specific Decision-Making Tests
Authors: McMorris Terry
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the performance of male amateur soccer players on tests of field dependence/independence and soccer-specific decision-making tests. The relationships between the participants' ( N=14) accuracy, and speed of decision, on simple and complex soccer decisionmaking tests; scores on Parts B or C of the Group Embedded Figures Test under normal conditions; scores on Parts B or C of the Group Embedded Figures Test when timed; and time taken to complete the timed condition of the Group Embedded Figures Test were examined. There were no significant correlations between performance on the soccer specific tests and the tests of field dependence/independence.
Lateralization in Appreciation of Humor: Sex Differences vs Stimulus Effects
Authors: Gallivan Joanne
Published: August 2011

The finding that women rate funnier humorous items with left-ear input, while men give higher ratings with right-ear input has been cited as evidence for a biological basis for sex differences in appreciation of humor. However, in 1991 Gallivan did not find this effect and suggested that the earlier finding could have been due to the use of ‘male-oriented’ stimuli. In this study, 72 subjects rated the funniness of 32 ‘female-oriented’ comedy excerpts, presented monaurally. Women gave higher ratings with right-ear input but men's ratings were not affected by ear of presentation. These findings represent another failure to replicate the earlier-reported hemispheric effect and support the conclusion that it may have been due to the stimuli used.
Perceived Traits of Male and Female Athletes
Authors: Pedersen Darhl M.
Published: August 2011

Profiles of personality traits for male and female athletes were obtained from 133 men and 71 women raters. Traits were rated using a 7-point semantic differential with 11 bipolar items. A profile analysis showed that the profiles of the traits were distinct. There were no significant differences in the ratings by men and women raters. Male athletes were rated as more active, aggressive, competitive, dominating, controlling, instrumental, and public. Female athletes were rated as more goal-oriented, organized, and rule-governed.
Effects of Figure Context on the Apparent Length of a Line
Authors: Luo Chun R. , Wang Su
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the effects of figure context on the apparent length of a line. In Exp. 1, ten participants were asked to adjust the length of a comparison line to match a standard line enclosed within a rectangle. The participants consistently overestimated the length of the standard line, demonstrating the stretching effect of figure context on the apparent length of a line. In Exp. 2 (12 participants), the size of the context figure was varied and it had no significant influence on the magnitude of the context effect. In Exp. 3 (nine participants), the context effect was shown not only for squares and rectangles but also for other shapes of figures such as circles and 5-pointed stars. We discuss the possible mechanism of the figure-context effect within Gregory's (1970, 1978) misapplied constancy theory of visual illusions.
Language Anxiety and Proficiency in a Foreign Language
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Ganschow Leonore , Artzer Marjorie , Siebenhar David , Plageman Mark
Published: August 2011

Study examined the extent to which there would be differences in oral and written proficiency in a foreign language among groups of low-, average-, and high-anxious high school students. Participants were 60 girls attending a single-sex, college-preparatory high school and completing the second year of a foreign language course. Analysis showed over-all differences on measures of proficiency in the foreign language among the three groups. The results support the hypothesis that anxiety about foreign language learning is likely to represent students' differences in language learning.
Isolated Sleep Paralysis, Vivid Dreams and Geomagnetic Influences: II
Authors: Conesa Jorge
Published: August 2011

This report describes a test of the hypothesis that significant changes in the ambient geomagnetic field are associated with altered normal nighttime dream patterns. Specifically, it was predicted that there would be a greater incidence of isolated sleep paralysis or vivid dreams with abrupt rises and falls of geomagnetic activity. The author's (JC) and a second subject's (KC) daily reports of dream-recall were analyzed in the context of daily fluctuations of geomagnetic activity (K indices). Two analyses of variance indicated (i) significantly higher geomagnetic activity three days before a recorded isolated sleep paralysis event and (ii) significantly lower geomagnetic activity three days before an unusually vivid dream took place. Conversely, geomagnetic activity did not fluctuate significantly for randomly selected days. Testing a large sample over time is required for confirmation and extension of this work.
Relative Importance of Success in Sport and School Work
Authors: Whitehead Jean , Evans Natalie J. , Lee Martin J.
Published: August 2011

Cross-domain studies of achievement-related cognitions have been gaining attention in the United States. This study provides comparative data from a United kingdom upper school. 390 subjects age 13 ( n=218) or 15 ( n= 172) years raced the importance of success in sport and schoolwork. Academic success was more important than sport success, and sport success was more important to boys ( n=203) than girls ( n=187). Academic success was less important to older subjects, and sport success was less important to older girls. Predictions, from importance and perceived ability, of free time spent in each domain were stronger for sport than for schoolwork indicating that the model held becter for voluntary activity.
Childhood Tourette's Syndrome and the Thematic Apperception Test: Is There a Recognizable Pattern?
Authors: Wodrich David L. , Thull Lynn M.
Published: August 2011

26 children, one-half of whom were diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, were administered the Thematic Apperception Test. A pilot investigation suggested that children with Tourette's syndrome produced high rates of responses in four categories: references to physical aggression, supernatural power, character names, and specific quantities. When compared with other children treated for emotional and behavioral problems at the same facility and matched on demographic variables and IQ, children with Tourette's syndrome were not more likely to produce Thematic Apperception Test responses in any of the four categories. This study shows that a recognizable pattern on projective testing was not easily established among these 13 children with Tourette's syndrome and further highlights the importance of using mental health comparison groups when investigating clinical disorders.
Description of Phonological Patterns for Nineteen Elementary-Age Children with Hearing Losses
Authors: Meline Timothy
Published: August 2011

The speech productions of 19 hard of hearing children between 5 and 12 years of age were examined for errors related to phonological process categories. For comparison, the subjects were divided into groups of 9 with Profound and 10 with Moderate to Severe hearing losses. There was a significant relationship between hearing loss and phonological errors. Seven phonological processes were evident in at least 33% of obligatory contexts. Prevalent processes included final consonant deletion and cluster reduction. The most prevalent deficiencies included / r/ and /1/ phonemes. Subjects with Profound hearing losses produced more errors over-all as well as more errors in each phonological process category. Subjects with Profound hearing losses frequently deleted entire consonant clusters, whereas subjects with Moderate to Severe hearing losses did not. Results are also discussed in relation to normal development.
Question Type and Order of Inference in Inferential Processes during Reading Comprehension
Authors: Bahri Toufik , Al Hussain Abdulqader A.
Published: August 2011

For three groups of 20 subjects each who participated reading time was examined when stories suggested goal and state inferences which could be made by readers when asked state questions, goal questions, or no questions at all. Order of inference statement was also used as a variable. In addition, inferable statements were either left in or out of the text. Subjects read an equal number (12) of stories. Analysis showed that state inference took longer time than goal inference. Also, it took longer for subjects to draw inferences when the inferrable statement was absent than when it was present in the text. The effect of inference type, and condition on reading comprehension is discussed.
Differential Threshold of Length and Response Criterion for Inspecting Irregular Objects
Authors: Chi Chia-Fen , Chen Chin-Lung
Published: August 2011

This research investigated human visual sensitivity and bias in inspecting irregular objects. A preliminary study was conducted using the method of constants to determine the threshold value for judgment of size. A factorial experiment was conducted using payoffs, rate of defective items, and detectability in the signal-detection theory as the factors. In total, eight experimental conditions were tested. 10 college students were recruited as subjects. Each subject was asked to compare 40 teapot shapes to a standard teapot shape under eight experimental conditions. Defective shapes were generated by lengthening the vertical dimension of a standard teapot shape by a factor of 1.01 and 1.04 for ‘low’ and ‘high’ detectability. The decision time and responses of ‘identical’ or ‘different’ were collected under all experimental conditions. Analysis indicates that the decision-making strategy used to inspect this irregular object was very close to maximizing the accuracy of decision-making by considering the rate of defective items. This result is different from most research findings in signal-detection theory in which responses of human beings are similar to degraded Bayes optimizers. The standard deviation of the signal distribution was about 1.30 and 1.41 times that of the noise distributions for ‘low’ and ‘high’ detectability.
Verbal-to-Manual and Manual-to-Verbal Dual-Task Interference in Left-Handed and Right-Handed Adults
Authors: Van Hoof Karen , Van Strien Jan W.
Published: August 2011

Verbal-manual interference was investigated with 80 students who were divided into four groups by sex and hand preference. Unilateral finger-tapping was measured during no-load conditions and during two concurrent tasks of word reading (aloud) and sentence reading (silent). During concurrent tasks, no selective interference effects for the preferred hand were found; however, when participants were classified according to consistent handedness instead of hand preference, consistent right-handers exhibited selective right-hand tapping interference during concurrent word reading, whereas consistent left-handers showed generalized interference. During concurrent sentence reading, men showed selective right-hand interference, irrespective of handedness. The influence of tapping on word reading was also examined. Concurrent tapping lowered word-reading performance substantially, showing that finger-tapping and word reading interfered reciprocally.
Perceptions of High Risk Sports
Authors: Pedersen Darhl M.
Published: August 2011

High risk sports were rated as to risk, appeal, and likelihood of participation by 282 men and 162 women. Ascending order of perceived risk was skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, motorcycle racing, hang gliding, cliff jumping, and skydiving. Profile analysis showed stated likelihood of participation to be directly related to appeal and inversely related to perceived risk.
Comparison of Preschool Children's Scores on the Modified Version of the Bender-Gestalt Test and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration
Authors: Moose Dale , Brannigan Gary G.
Published: August 2011

A Pearson product-moment correlation of .54 was obtained for 50 preschool children's scores on the Modified Version of the Bender-Gestalt Test and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration.
Morphed Images of Basic Emotional Expressions: Ratings on Russell's Bipolar Field
Authors: Takehara Takuma , Suzuki Naoto
Published: August 2011

An object may be gradually changed into another object by a technique called “morphing” as in the current study. Although in some studies, such as by Coren and Russell, subjects were asked to rate psychologically synthesized facial images seen in a stereoscope, there do not seem to be any studies in which facial images were physically synthesized as morphed images Our question then was how subjects would rate them. Multidimensional scaling indicated that ratings of facial images, physically synthesized by morphing, showed essentially the same configuration as those of psychologically synthesized faces and that our results conformed to the well-known dimensions of emotional space. In contrast, ratings of fear might not conform to the dimensional emotional space, suggesting cultural differences in emotion between Japan and the United States.
Speed and Accuracy in the Learning of a Complex Motor Skill
Authors: Engelhorn Richard
Published: August 2011

The effect of emphasizing speed or accuracy on the learning of a high speed-high accuracy skill, the fastpitch Softball pitch was investigated. 26 10- and 11-yr.-old girls were randomly assigned to two groups receiving feedback on speed of throwing or accuracy of throwing during a 6-wk. training. Measurements of speed and accuracy were made and recorded on all participants at each practice session and a videotape of their pitching technique was also made at each session. Data were subjected to 2 × 3 (2 groups by 3 testing times) repeated-measures analyses of variance. The speed group threw faster and with better technique during the study and was able to maintain speed and accuracy in the reversed test condition.
Influence of Physical Exercise on Simple Reaction Time: Effect of Physical Fitness
Authors: Brisswalter J. , Arcelin R. , Audiffren M. , Delignières D.
Published: August 2011

The influence of physical fitness and energy expenditure on a simple reaction time task performed during exercise was investigated. Two groups of 10 subjects were used, one was composed of trained middle-distance runners and one of students who had no regular physical training. The subjects performed a simple reaction time task while pedalling on a cycloergometer at different relative power output corresponding to 20, 40, 60, and 80% of their own maximal aerobic power and immediately after exercise. During exercise, the results showed a decrease in cognitive performance for both groups whereas no significant effect was found after exercise. A significant effect of physical fitness on simple reaction time was noted during exercise. The data are interpreted in terms of optimization of performance focusing particularly on the relations between energy cost of the physical task and attentional demand.
Order Effect for Two Measures of Hypnotizability
Authors: Sapp Marty
Published: August 2011

Mean scores of students on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A and the Creative Imagination Scale were higher if the latter preceded the former ( n = 15); in contrast, in the reverse order ( n = 20) scores on both tests were lower.
The Birthday Blues
Authors: Lester David
Published: August 2011

In a sample of 201 famous persons who committed suicide with birth and death dates available, there was no significant tendency for them to the close to their birthdays.
Language of Sport Fans: Sportugese Revisited
Authors: Wann Daniel L. , Metcalf Linda A. , Adcock Michele L. , Choi Chun-Chung , Dallas Mark B. , Slaton Elizabeth
Published: August 2011

In 1959, Tannenbaum and Noah reported that sports writers and readers possessed a better understanding of sport terminology than nonreaders. The current investigation extended Tannenbaum and Noah's research using current sport terms. A positive relationship between understanding sport terminology, extent of team identification, strength of sport fandom, and self-proclaimed sport knowledge was hypothesized. Scores of 57 participants confirmed the predicted pattern. Discussion concerned research examining sport terminology.
Perceptual Defense and Vigilance to Perinatal Stimuli
Authors: Borgeat François , Sauvageau Isabelle , David Hélène , Saucier Jean-François
Published: August 2011

The presentation times (milliseconds on a computer screen followed by a masking grid) required for the correct identification of tachistoscopically presented perinatal stimuli were compared for 30 pregnant women and 25 perimenopausal women. Analysis indicated a differential facilitation or inhibition of perception in logical relation to subjects' closeness to pregnancy or menopause: pregnant women are quicker to identify stimuli related to pregnancy or babies but slower to recognize pictures of a pregnant woman with her father or mother. This supports the validity of measurements based on the theory of perceptual defense or vigilance.
A Facilitator in Self-Reported Perception of Physical Symptoms: The Role of Contingency between Physical Symptom and Aversive Event
Authors: Tsukamoto Maki , Iwanaga Makoto , Seiwa Hidetoshi
Published: August 2011

Perceptions of physical symptoms are influenced not only by the passive process of physiological stimuli but also by psychological factors such as the contingency between a physical symptom and an aversive event which we examined here in two experiments. 18 subjects in Exp. 1 and 14 subjects in Exp. 2 performed motor tasks. In the Physical condition, an aversive event was contingent on the physical symptom of ‘racing heart’ in Exp. 1, and on the symptom of ‘overstraining shoulder muscles’ in Exp. 2. In the Motor condition, an aversive event was contingent on the response of the ‘disordered pace of motor tasks’ in both experiments. Self-reported scores on attention to and perception of the physical symptoms under the Physical condition were higher than those under the Motor condition. However, there were no differences in the actual physical responses between the two conditions. These results suggest that a contingency between a physical symptom and an aversive event facilitates attention to and perception of the physical symptom.
Effects of Virtual Reality-Enhanced Exercise Equipment on Adherence and Exercise-Induced Feeling States
Authors: Annesi James J. , Mazas José
Published: August 2011

A field study was conducted to test the effectiveness of virtual reality-enhanced cardiovascular exercise equipment for increasing adherence and attendance in a mixed-sex adult sample. Attendance was significantly higher in the virtual reality-enhanced condition than in the conditions without virtual reality over the 14-wk. period. Adherence was also highest (83.33%) in the virtual-reality bicycle group. Postexercise feelings of positive engagement, revitalization, tranquility, and physical exhaustion, as measured by the Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory, did not differ among groups. Contrary to previous findings, Self-motivation Inventory scores were not associated with either attendance or adherence. While findings suggest that virtual-reality features may promote exercise adherence or attendance, it is not yet known what psychological variables they affect. Implications were drawn regarding the practical possibilities for exercise promotion.
Graphologists' Assessment of Extraversion Compared with Assessment by Means of a Psychological Test
Authors: Van Rooij Jan J. F. , Hazelzet Annemiek M.
Published: August 2011

The study investigated whether graphologists can infer extraversion from handwriting correctly. On the basis of three personality questionnaires, three persons (targets) were classified as extraverted and three as introverted. Ten graphologists independently analysed the handwriting of the targets and classified them as extraverted or introverted. Of the 60 (10 graphologists for 6 targets) classifications 58 were correct, which shows the graphologists assessed the classification of extraversion from handwriting. Graphologists agreed substantially on which characteristics of the handwriting were indicative for classification as extraversion or introversion. In each handwriting sample, however, both extraverted and introverted characteristics were present. Eventual classification may be based on the relative frequency of the two kinds of characteristics. Comparative studies like this one indicate that in research one should consider whether graphologists and psychologists share the same notion of extraversion.
Spatial Representation in Face Drawing and Block Design by Nine Groups from Hunter-Gatherers to Literates
Authors: Pontius Anneliese A.
Published: August 2011

A rank-order correlation was performed for nine cultural groups ranging from preliterate hunter-gatherers to literate medium-city dwellers. Two spatial tests of intrapattern spatial relations were used, the Draw-A-Person-With-Face-In-Front test and the Kohs Block Design, a test of constructive praxia. In contrast to traditional “Western” evaluations, credit was given for the preservation of the essential intrapattern shapes even when exact spatial relations among these shapes was incorrect. Such “errors” were labelled “neolithic face” patterns and “nonrandom errors,” respectively. Analysis suggested that the neglected intrapattern (in contrast to interobject) spatial relational skills emerge with literacy but is not yet actualized in preliterates whose survival requires quick fight or flight response upon prompt, albeit gross, assessment of salient shapes of prey or predators (human or animals). The positive Spearman rank-order correlarion of absent or low literacy skills with the percent of “neolithic face” drawings was .95 and with the “nonrandom” block designs .67. Suggestions were developed for assessing certain unusual “ecological” present situations or certain brain dysfunctions.
Psychophysiological Aspects of Motion Sickness
Authors: Murray John B.
Published: August 2011

Motion sickness may occur during travel by sea, automobile, airplane, and space. Susceptibility changes with age and may be influenced by psychological factors. Susceptibility can be reduced in most people by medications that involve histamine or neurotransmitters acetylcholine and noradrenaline, and influence the vestibular system.
Forward-Facing Motion Biases for Rigid and Nonrigid Biologically Likely Transformations
Authors: McBeath Michael K. , Morikawa Kazunori
Published: August 2011

When observers are presented directionally ambiguous motion, they exhibit a bias for experiencing movement in the direction in which shapes appear to face. We examined the influence of rigidity of a shape on the forward-facing bias with stimuli whose directionality is biologically specified. In general, the lack of shape correspondence during a nonrigid transformation should weaken the motion percept and decrease forward-facing bias. In contrast, representational momentum cues associated with a biologically likely nonrigid transformation should enhance the motion percept and increase forward-facing bias. Analysis for both rigid and nonrigid conditions indicated statistically significant forward-facing biases, but strength of bias did not differ significantly. The lack of difference between the two conditions suggests that the transformation was not one which allowed the influence of either consistency of correspondence or representational momentum to dominate and confirms that a comparably sized forward-facing bias can occur with both rigidly and nonrigidly transformed shapes.
Functional Importance of Hand Clasping and Arm Folding
Authors: Reiss Michael , Freye Hans-Albrecht , Reiss Gilfe
Published: August 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between handedness and hand clasping or arm folding. Our own investigations have shown no relationship as is consistent with most results in the literature which suggests only minor functional importance of these two signs of latent handedness.
Psychological Momentum in Performance of a Circle-Marking Task
Authors: McCutcheon Lynn E.
Published: August 2011

An experiment was conducted in which 104 subjects were given a simple circle-marking task in competition with a same-sex opponent (52 pairs). False feedback established perception of momentum without the confounding effects of differences in skill. Perceived momentum did not predict scores.