bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustness of Two Single-Item Self-Esteem Measures: Cross-Validation with a Measure of Stigma in a Sample of Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Bagley Christopher
Published: September 2010

Robins' Single-item Self-esteem Inventory was compared with a single item from the Coopersmith Self-esteem. Although a new scoring format was used, there was good evidence of cross-validation in 83 current and former psychiatric patients who completed Harvey's adapted measure of stigma felt and experienced by users of mental health services. Scores on the two single-item self-esteem measures correlated .76 ( p<.001), .76 and .71 with scores on the longer scales from which they were taken, and .58 and .53, respectively, with Harvey's adapted stigma scale. Complex and perhaps competing models may explain links between felt stigma and poorer self-esteem in users of mental health services.
Impressions of People with Gender-Ambiguous Male or Female First Names
Authors: McKelvie Stuart J. , Waterhouse Kelly
Published: September 2010

Undergraduates (12 men, 12 women) read a scenario in which they formed an impression of nine people who had left their first name on an answering machine. Participants rated the extent to which seven characteristics (Ethical, Caring, Popular, Cheerful, Successful, Masculine, Feminine) applied to people whose first names were gender-ambiguous (e.g., Chris), male (e.g., Ken) or female (e.g., Pam). People with gender-ambiguous names were rated less Ethical than those with female names, and people with gender-ambiguous names and male names were rated less Caring, less Cheerful, and less Feminine than those with female names. These results are consistent with the idea that there is a bias towards assuming that a person of unspecified sex is a male.
Relationship between Magical Ideation and Noctcaelador
Authors: Kelly William E. , Daughtry Don
Published: September 2010

This study explored the relationship between magical ideation and “noctcaelador” (strong interest in, and psychological attachment to, the night sky). 210 university students completed Eckblad and Chapman's 1983 Magical Ideation Scale and Kelly's 2004 Noctcaelador Inventory. Scores on the two scales were significantly positively related and accounted for 14% of the common variance. Based on this operational definition of magical ideation, a strong interest in the night-sky might be associated with uncommon beliefs and reports of unusual perceptual experience. Researchers must clarify and define these concepts to study possible relations.
Reliability and Factorial Validity of the Standard Progressive Matrices among Kuwaiti Children Ages 8 to 15 Years
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M.
Published: September 2010

The Raven Standard Progressive Matrices was administered to a sample of 6,529 children in Kuwait ranging in age from 8 to 15 years. Test-retest reliability ( N = 968) ranged between .69 and .85, while Cronbach coefficients alpha ranged from .88 to .93, showing from acceptable to good temporal stability and from good to high internal consistency. The loadings of the five sets of matrices on the only salient factor ranged from .73 to .89 indicating the good factorial validity of the scale. The test seems useful in the Kuwaiti context.
A Fortran Program for Computing the Exact Variance of Weighted Kappa
Authors: Mielke Paul W. , Berry Kenneth J. , Johnston Janis E.
Published: September 2010

An algorithm and associated FORTRAN program are provided for the exact variance of weighted kappa. Program VARKAP provides the weighted kappa test statistic, the exact variance of weighted kappa, a Z score, one-sided lower- and upper-tail N(0,1) probability values, and the two-tail N(0,1) probability value.
Automatic Prompting to Reduce Persistent Tongue Protrusion in a Woman with Severe to Profound Mental Retardation
Authors: Lancioni G. E. , Smaldone A. , O'Reilly M. F. , Singh N. N. , Oliva D.
Published: September 2010

This study assessed whether an intervention approach relying on auditory prompting delivered automatically through a portable device was effective to reduce tongue protrusion in a woman with severe to profound mental retardation. The device involved (a) an optic sensor, i.e., a miniphotocell kept under the lower lip with medical tape, (b) a small signal transmission box, and (c) a Walkman for presenting the prompts. Initially, the automatic prompting condition was combined with occasional praise from a research assistant for having the tongue in the mouth. Analysis showed that the occurrence of tongue protrusion dropped from about 65% of the observation time during the initial baseline to less than 5% through the intervention. The study lasted 4.5 mo.
Evaluation of a Planned Behavior Theory-Based Intervention Programme to Promote Healthy Eating
Authors: Tsorbatzoudis Haralambos
Published: September 2010

The objective of the study was to test the effectiveness of an intervention program based on the theoretical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior, with the addition of attitude strength and role identity. The aim was to alter adolescents' healthy eating attitudes and behaviour. In the sample were 335 high school students, who were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included posters and lectures promoting healthy eating. The measures included a questionnaire assessing the hypothesis and a food frequency questionnaire which measured eating habits. Analysis showed the intervention was effective in improving attitudes toward healthy eating and attitude strength, intention, perceived behavioral control, and healthy eating behaviour, but not effective in predicting subjective norms and role identity. Results provide evidence that intervention changed attitudes toward a behavior in a school setting.
Evaluation and Classification of Types of Chinese Handwriting Deficits in Elementary Schoolchildren
Authors: Chang Shao-Hsia , Yu Nan-Ying
Published: September 2010

The handwriting problems of elementary schoolchildren were investigated in this study. A questionnaire for evaluation of Chinese handwriting was developed and then administered to 165 children with handwriting deficits. Factor analysis indicated that the questionnaire has six major dimensions, including construction of characters, accuracy, developmental delay, pencil grip, gross movement, and emotional reaction. These six dimensions were utilized to search for subtypes of handwriting deficits. By further sampling, another 209 children were administered the handwriting evaluation questionnaire to classify their handwriting deficits. According to the severity of deficits on different dimensions of the questionnaire, K-means clustering was utilized to classify the children into four subtypes of mild, severe, motor-originated, and academic learning dysfunction subtypes. The classification by subtype might be helpful in planning interventions for children with handwriting deficits.
Use of Rest Breaks and Accidents by Professional Drivers
Authors: Salminen Simo , Perttula Pia , Merjama Juha
Published: September 2010

This study examined the effect of rest breaks on traffic accidents by 720 randomly selected professional drivers who completed a postal questionnaire. Drivers involved in an accident preferred to enjoy their breaks at rest places meant for professional drivers, whereas accident-free drivers chose more freely the timing of their breaks during driving.
Bright Light Treatment Has Limited Effect in Subjects over 55 Years with Mild Early Morning Awakening
Authors: Pallesen Ståle , Nordhus Inger Hilde , Skelton Stine Hjelle , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Skjerve Arvid
Published: September 2010

31 subjects, age 55 yr. or older, suffering from mild early morning awakening were randomized to either a bright light (10,000 lux) or to a red dim light placebo condition (200 lux). Light exposure took place in the evening in the patients' homes, 60 to 30 min. before bedtime and lasted for 3 wk. The subjects kept a sleep diary for 2 wk. and wore an actigraph for 1 wk. both before treatment and at post-treatment. Of the eight sleep diary outcome variables, significant effects that could be attributed to the light treatment were only detected for time spent in bed after final morning awakening. None of the six actigraph outcome variables yielded any significant effect of the light therapy. Explanations for the limited therapeutic effects of bright light treatment obtained in the present study are discussed, such as the criteria defining early morning awakening, the selection procedure, problems with compliance, age of the sample, and the dose of light. The lack of an objective circadian marker in this study could represent a problem concerning the timing of the light exposure. Despite the limited success of bright light therapy in this study, bright light therapy should still be considered as a treatment option for early morning awakening.
Testing for Telepathy in Connection with e-Mails
Authors: Sheldrake Rupert , Smart Pamela
Published: September 2010

This study investigated possible telepathic communication in connection with e-mails. On each trial, there were four potential e-mailers, one of whom was selected at random by the experimenter. One minute before a prearranged time at which the e-mail was to be sent, the participant guessed who would send it. 50 participants (29 women and 21 men) were recruited through an employment web site. Of 552 trials, 235 (43%) guesses were hits, significantly above the chance expectation of 25%. Further tests with 5 participants (4 women, 1 man, ages 16 to 29) were videotaped continuously. On the filmed trials, the 64 hits of 137 (47%) were significantly above chance.
Delta and Spindle Components in the Integrated Eeg during Nocturnal Sleep for Infants with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Shibagaki Masamitsu
Published: September 2010

The delta and spindle components in the integrated EEG for 121 infants with developmental disabilities (from 4 mo. to 6 yr. of age: M = 1.79, SD = 0.14; 57 girls and 64 boys) were studied throughout nocturnal sleep. In 80 (66.1%, Group A) of 121 subjects, periodic changes of delta and spindle rhythm powers were noted in measurements of EEG made during sleep. In 28 (23.1%, Group B), delta but not spindle rhythm powers were found, and in the remaining 13 subjects (10.7%, Group C) neither delta nor spindle rhythm powers were found throughout measurements of EEG made during sleep. The Tsumori-Inage Questionnaire for Infants was administered to the parents to estimate subjects' behavioral developmental level as Developmental Quotients. Significantly lower mean Developmental Quotients were found for Groups B and C than Group A. These findings suggested that the presence or absence of delta and spindle rhythm powers in EEG measurements made during nocturnal sleep could be taken as an index of the severity of developmental disorders in infants with developmental disabilities.
Influence of Participation in a Cup-Stacking Unit on Timing Tasks
Authors: Hart Melanie A. , Smith Lori A. , DeChant Ann
Published: September 2010

Cup stacking is a relatively new activity which has been promoted at conferences for physical educators as having many direct and indirect benefits, such as improved quickness. This study examined the influence of a cup-stacking instructional unit on reaction and anticipation times of 69 children in Grades 2 and 4. Within each grade participants were assigned to an experimental or a control group. The former received a 3-wk. instructional unit following the lesson plans provided by the promoters of cup stacking. The control groups received a standard physical education curriculum. Analysis indicated no significant differences in reaction and anticipation times between the groups before and after practicing the instructional unit.
Comment on Short-Term Variation in Subjective Sleepiness
Authors: Eriksen Claire A. , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Kecklund Göran , Åkerstedt Anna
Published: September 2010

Subjective sleepiness at different times is often measured in studies on sleep loss, night work, or drug effects. However, the context at the time of rating may influence results. The present study examined sleepiness throughout the day at hourly intervals and during controlled activities [reading, writing, walking, social interaction (discussion), etc.] by 10-min. intervals for 3 hr. This was done on a normal working day preceded by a scheduled early rising (to invite sleepiness) for six subjects. Analysis showed a significant U-shaped pattern across the day with peaks in the early morning and late evening. A walk and social interaction were associated with low sleepiness, compared to sedentary and quiet office work. None of this was visible in the hourly ratings. There was also a pronounced afternoon increase in sleepiness, that was not observable with hourly ratings. It was concluded that there are large variations in sleepiness related to time of day and also to context and that sparse sampling of subjective sleepiness may miss much of this variation.
Saccadic Latency as a Function of Target Duration in a Spatial Localization Task
Authors: van Loon Editha M. , Adam Jos J.
Published: September 2010

This study examined a potential confound in the inverse relationship between target duration and saccadic latency reported by Adam, Ketelaars, Kingma, and Hoek in 1993. Eight participants located a briefly flashed target by moving the eyes and the cursor toward its position in a (backward) mask condition and in a no-mask condition. Analysis showed similar saccadic latencies in both conditions, thereby refuting the potentially confounding role of the backward masking procedure. It is tentatively suggested that the longer saccadic latencies noted for shorter target durations may be associated with delayed accumulation of evidence for the detection of the target.
Relation of Age and Passive Properties of an Ankle Dorsiflexion Stretch to the Timed One-Leg Stance Test in Older Women
Authors: Gajdosik Richard L.
Published: September 2010

26 older women (aged 65 to 89 years) participated in this study, which examined the relationship of age and passive properties of a dorsiflexion stretch of the calf muscle-tendon unit with one-leg stance times. Age was negatively correlated with the time stance ( r = –.75). The maximal passive dorsiflexion angle, length extensibility, maximal passive dorsiflexion torque, and the area under the passive curve (total passive elastic energy) were all positively correlated with the stance time (range: r = .49–69). A multiple regression analysis indicated age was the best predictor of the times. Age and the maximal passive dorsiflexion angle together accounting for 71% of the variance in the time ( R = .84, R2 = .71). The addition of the remaining passive measurements did not improve the variance accounted for in the one-leg stance time. The results indicated that the maximal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion may be important for one-leg standing balance of older women. Accordingly, stretching exercises designed to increase the maximal dorsiflexion angle may have a role for maintaining or improving their standing balance.
Effect of an Auditory Training Program on Reading, Phoneme Awareness, and Language
Authors: Valentine Daniel , Hedrick Mark S. , Swanson Lori A.
Published: September 2010

This investigation examined the effect of an auditory training program, Fast ForWord-Language, with 26 children ages 7 to 10 years. As two subgroups based on reading ability, all children received 6 wk. of intervention. Thresholds for three conditions of backward masking were obtained pre- and postintervention, and 6 mo. afterward. Immediately following the intervention period, backward masking thresholds improved for all backward masking conditions. Participants also showed increases in language skills and in phoneme awareness but not in reading skills. Six months after intervention, there were improvements in thresholds for backward masking but no improvements in language or reading skills for either group. This study calls into question the efficacy of an intensive auditory training program to improve reading skills.
Perceived Body Size Affected by Garment and Body Mass Index
Authors: Liu Fu , Fan Jintu , Lau Lilian
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the effect of garment size on perceived body size. The perceived body sizes of nine Chinese men, with Body Mass Index between 17.0 and 37.1 kg/m2, wearing five sizes of white T-shirts were assessed using Thompson and Gray's Nine-figural Scale. Garment sizes on perceived body sizes were different for those of different Body Mass Index. A backpropagation neural net model was used to model the nonlinear relationship between the perceived body size and the body's BMI, body chest girth, and garment ease (difference between garment and body chest girth). When the BMI was less than 20, wearing larger-sized T-shirts tended to increase perceived body size. For large chest sizes and for taller persons (BMI of 20 to 28) large garments made the wearer look thinner. However, for small persons (BMI of 20 to 28) effect of garment size was relatively small. Obese persons (BMI of >28), wearing garments too tight or too loose were perceived as larger. Minimum perceived body size was found for garment ease of 2 to 3 cm.
Music and Physical Activity in Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Macone Damiano , Baldari Carlo , Zelli Arnaldo , Guidetti Laura
Published: September 2010

The present study was designed to examine the effects of listening to music during exercise of moderate intensity on mood, state anxiety, and time to exhaustion as well as to evaluate sex differences in 27 physically active (14 men, 13 women) subjects between the ages of 20 and 30 years. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States and the State Anxiety Inventory before and after treadmill running in Music and No music conditions. Music and No Music conditions were randomly assigned, and participants exercised at 75% of their Heart Rate Reserve until voluntary exhaustion. Analysis indicated participants reported statistically significant mean changes on Tension, Depression, Fatigue, Confusion, and State Anxiety. However, the findings for emotions yielded no significant effect of music, except findings suggested that women, but not men, reported greater mean Fatigue after exercising in the presence of music than in its absence. Also, there was a statistically significant finding suggesting that women exercised longer with music than without.
Sex Differences and Properties of the Decreasing Force during Sustained Static Grip at Various Target Forces
Authors: Yamaji Shunsuke , Demura Sinichi , Nakada Masakatsu
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine properties and sex differences of the decreasing force during sustained isometric grip using various target forces, 50%, 75%, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), for 6 min. Participants were healthy, 15 men (height = 172.9 ± 4.6 cm, body mass = 67.7 ± 5.36 kg) and 15 women (height = 160.9 ± 5.4 cm, body mass = 55.9 ± 5.36 kg). The force decrease for target forces of 75% and 100% MVC was marked until 60 sec. from the onset of grip and then decreased gradually. On the other hand, the target force of 50% MVC was maintained for about 60 sec. and then decreased markedly until 100 sec. Differences in the decreasing force among target force levels was observed until 60 sec., and there were no significant differences of the time to decay to 20%, 30%, and 40% MVC. Namely, the time and force exertion reaching an almost steady state were considered to be almost the same at any target force. A sex difference on a parameter was found after 60 sec. or a decreasing force after 40% MVC, and women held it longer or higher than the men. However, the tendency was smaller in the latter phase of the steady state.
Dissociative Alterations in Body Image among Individuals Reporting Out-Of-Body Experiences: A Conceptual Replication
Authors: Terhune Devin Blair
Published: September 2010

A conceptual replication of the link between self-reported dissociative alterations in body-image under experimental conditions and the reporting of prior out-of-body experiences in a recent data set was undertaken. Also examined was whether this relationship would hold for experiences reported during the experimental context and whether it is independent of self-reported New Age belief. Data from mostly undergraduates ( N=40; M age = 33.5, SD = 12.5; 27 women) in a mirror-gazing study were retrospectively analyzed. The 9 individuals who reported prior out-of-body experiences, relative to those 31 who did not, exhibited significantly greater self-reported dissociative alterations in body-image during the mirror-gazing task, even when the influence of scores on New Age belief was controlled for statistically. The same differential relationship was not found between 6 individuals who did and 34 who did not report out-of-body experiences during the task.
Sex and Eyedness in a Sample of Turkish High School Students
Authors: Dane Şenol
Published: September 2010

The relationship of sex with eyedness was examined in 176 boys and 129 girls ages 15 to 21 years ( M = 16.9 yr., SD= 1.8) in Turkish high schools. Sex was significantly associated with handedness; the rate of left-handedness was 10.8% in boys and 2.3% in girls and was not related to eyedness. Rate of left-eyedness in the sample was 7.9% for boys and 8.5% for girls. One may wonder whether eyedness shows a reverse sex effect, less than handedness, but methods of measurement must be compared.
Perceptions of Teachers' General and Informational Feedback and Intrinsic Motivation in Physical Education: Two-Year Effects
Authors: Koka Andre , Hein Vello
Published: September 2010

Relative change or stability of perceived positive general feedback and perceived informational feedback and their influence on students' intrinsic motivation in physical education over two years were examined. 302 students, ages 11 to 15 years, responded to the Perception of Teacher's Feedback questionnaire. Two years later, these students filled out the questionnaire again, along with a modified version of the Sport Motivation Scale. Analysis showed that both types of perceived feedback exhibited moderate stability over the two years. Perceived positive general feedback demonstrated a significant direct effect on students' intrinsic motivation measured concurrently in physical education. Further, fixing to zero the effect of perceived positive general feedback on intrinsic motivation measured concurrently, an effect emerged over the two years.
Contextual Interference in Implicit and Explicit Motor Learning
Authors: Sekiya Hiroshi
Published: September 2010

The purposes of this study were to examine the contextual interference effect in implicit learning and to compare implicit and explicit learning. Thirty-two participants performed a pursuit-tracking task for 60 acquisition and ten retention trials. The middle segment of target pathways had only two patterns whereas other segments had random patterns. A combination of awareness and practice order for the middle segment created four acquisition conditions: implicit-blocked, implicit-serial, explicit-blocked and explicit-serial. A questionnaire and a recognition test revealed that implicit groups were unaware of the repetition. Results showed no contextual interference effect in either implicit or explicit learning. Acquisition and retention performances were better for the middle segment than the other segments regardless of awareness. No difference between the implicit and explicit groups was found, suggesting that the implicit learning condition led to learning equivalent to the explicit learning condition.
Enabling Persons with Multiple Disabilities to Choose among Environmental Stimuli and Request Stimulus Repetitions through Microswitch and Computer Technology
Authors: Lancioni G. E. , O'Reilly M. F. , Singh N. N. , Sigafoos J. , Oliva D. , Severini L.
Published: September 2010

This study assessed microswitch and computer technology to enable two participants with multiple disabilities, 32 and 19 years of age, to choose among environmental stimuli and request their repetition whenever they so desired. Within each session, 18 stimuli (12 preferred and 6 nonpreferred) were available. For each stimulus, a computer system provided a sample of 3 sec. duration. During the intervention, participants' vocal responding in relation to a stimulus sample activated a microswitch and a computer system turned on that stimulus for 15–30 sec. When participants did not vocally respond, the computer system paused briefly and then presented the next scheduled stimulus sample. When participants vocally responded at the end of a stimulus presentation, the stimulus was repeated. Intervention data showed that the participants learned to choose preferred stimuli and bypass nonpreferred ones as well as to request repetitions of the preferred stimuli. This performance was maintained at a 1-mo. postintervention check and transferred to sets of stimuli not used in the intervention. The implications of these results were discussed.
Examining the Relationship between Recreational Sport Participation and Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation and Amotivation
Authors: Tsorbatzoudis Haralambos , Alexandres Konstantinos , Zahariadis Panagiotis , Grouios George
Published: September 2010

This study aimed at investigating the effect of motivational dimensions proposed by Pelletier, et al. in 1995, both on sport participation levels and on intention for continuing participation among adult recreational sport participants. Two hundred and fifty-seven adult individuals, who reported participation in some type of sport and physical activity, completed the Sport Motivation Scale and a scale measuring intention. The study provided evidence to suggest that increased motivation leads to increased participation. Amotivation significantly decreased from the least to the most frequent participant groups, while both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation followed the reverse pattern. The results also indicated that increased intrinsic motivation to gain knowledge and accomplishment and extrinsic motivation (introjected regulation) are positively correlated with individuals' intentions to continue participation, while amotivation is negatively related. These results provide limited support for the self-determination theory. Implications for sport participation promotion are discussed.
Interrater Reliability and Coding Guide for Nonpsychotic Formal Thought Disorder
Authors: North Carol S. , Osborne Victoria A. , Vassilenko Mikhail , Kienstra Debra Munro , Dokucu Mehmet E. , Hong Barry , Wetzel Richard D. , Spitznagel Edward L.
Published: September 2010

Reliable and valid assessment of abnormal speech patterns may enable earlier recognition of nonpsychotic disorders through characteristic speech patterns. This study sought to establish interrater reliability using a standardized guide for scoring. A scoring guide defining 27 elements (e.g., inappropriate self-reference, simple loss of goal, circumstantiality) of disordered thought was developed. The seminal work of Andreasen's and Holzman's groups provided 12 elements, and 15 new elements were suggested by clinical literature. Audiotaped interviews with 12 psychiatric inpatients, adults of both sexes and various ages hospitalized for acute management of nonpsychotic psychiatric disorders, provided speech samples for observation of disordered thought by two independent raters. Using the guide's definitions and accompanying examples of elements of disordered thought, reliability in scoring was high (kappa of .85 for agreement on the presence of any abnormal speech element and kappa values from .66 to 1.00 for agreement on the presence of individual elements).
Measures of Effect Size for Chi-Squared and Likelihood-Ratio Goodness-of-Fit Tests
Authors: Johnston Janis E. , Berry Kenneth J. , Mielke Paul W.
Published: September 2010

A fundamental shift in editorial policy for psychological journals was initiated when the fourth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (1994) placed emphasis on reporting measures of effect size. This paper presents measures of effect size for the chi-squared and the likelihood-ratio goodness-of-fit statistic tests.
Historical and Socioeconomic Predictors of the Emotional Associations of Sounds in Popular Names
Authors: Whissell Cynthia
Published: September 2010

The 10 most popular boys' and girls' names for most years of the 20th century were studied by Whissell in terms of the emotional associations of their sounds and their pronounceability. A set of historical and socioeconomic variables, namely, war, depression, the advent of the birth control pill, inflation, and year predicted component scores for name length, emotionality, and pronounceability. There were significant low-to-medium strength correlations among predictors and criteria, and prediction was significant in four of the six models. For example, the inclusion of Positive Emotional sounds in women's names was predicted with R2 = .73 from a formula emphasizing the advent of the pill (beta= 1.58) and year (beta= −1.56).
A Comparison between Novices and Experts of the Velocity-Accuracy Trade-Off in Overarm Throwing
Authors: van den Tillaar Roland , Ettema Gertjan
Published: September 2010

Expert team-handball players do not show the typical trade-off between speed and accuracy in overarm throwing. Van den Tillaar and Ettema (2003a) attributed this result to the uniqueness of the training experience of this group. The purpose of this study was to test their hypothesis by comparing experts with novices on overarm throwing by manipulating the goal of the task using different instructions. No trade-off between speed and accuracy was found for novices ( n = 13; M age = 22.7 yr., SD = 2.2) or experts ( n = 9; M age = 24 yr., SD = 2.2): accuracy did not change by instruction. Furthermore, the linear velocities of the ball and endpoints of body segments and their timing were affected by instruction in a similar fashion in both groups. This finding indicates that training experience is not related to speed-accuracy tradeoff in overarm throwing.
Validation of a Shortened Assessment of Physical Self in Adults
Authors: Ninot Grégory , Fortes Marina , Delignières Didier
Published: September 2010

The purpose was to adapt a brief tool, the Physical Self Inventory-Version b, for the assessment of physical self in adults. The inventory is a refined version of the previously validated version, which was derived from the Physical Self Inventory (25 items). This French validation of the Physical Self-Perception Profile of Fox and Corbin includes a global self-esteem scale. As in the earlier version the current one has 6 single items to assess dimensions of global self-esteem, physical self-worth, sport competence, physical condition, attractive body, and physical strength. Rating is performed on a visual analog scale. Items in the new inventory were stated in the first person and in more general terms to be acceptable to a wider range of subjects. An item of measurement error was added. Analysis of responses of 185 men and 148 women to the new version supported the hierarchical structure. Significant correlations between the scores and constructs like masculinity, neuroticism, and depression indicated external validity. The new inventory showed acceptable psychometric properties for use in idiographic studies.
Perception of Spasmodic Dysphonia Speech in Background Noise
Authors: McColl Douglas , McCaffrey Patrick
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this investigation was to judge whether the Lombard effect, a characteristic change in the acoustical properties of speech produced in noise, existed in adductor spasmodic dysphonia speech, and if so, whether the effect added to or detracted from speaker intelligibility. Intelligibility, as described by Duffy, is the extent to which the acoustic signal produced by a speaker is understood by a listener based on the auditory signal alone. Four speakers with adductor spasmodic dysphonia provided speech samples consisting of low probability sentences from the Speech Perception in Noise test to use as stimuli. The speakers were first tape-recorded as they read the sentences in a quiet speaking condition and were later tape-recorded as they read the same sentences while exposed to background noise. The listeners used as subjects in this study were 50 undergraduate university students. The results of the statistical analysis indicated a significant difference between the intelligibility of the speech recorded in the quiet versus noise conditions ( F1,49 = 57.80, p ≤ .001). It was concluded that a deleterious Lombard effect existed for the adductor spasmodic dysphonia speaker group, with the premise that the activation of a Lombard effect in such patients may detract from their overall speech intelligibility.
Interior Prospect and Refuge
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: September 2010

Prospect and refuge theory has usually been applied to landscapes but recent work suggests that it could also be applied to interiors. This article reports two experiments, covering 14 environments and 97 respondents, in which five hypotheses regarding prospect, refuge, and comfort were tested: H1: the transition from small, dark, and low to large, light, and high and vice-versa; H2: the transition from dark to light vs vice-versa; H3: the transition from low to high vs vice-versa; H4: the transition from small to big horizontally vs vice-versa; and H5: width. Results varied. The effect of width on comfort was substantial ( r = .35); effects for the other hypotheses were either subtle or contrary to expectations.
Percent Body Fat is Related to Body-Shape Perception and Dissatisfaction in Students Attending an All Women's College
Authors: Roy Jane L. P. , Hunter Gary R. , Blaudeau Tamilane E.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of aerobic fitness, physical activity, percent body fat, and socioeconomic status on body-shape perceptions among 153 Euro-American students attending an all women's college. Using a set of nine female figure silhouette drawings arranged on an ordinal scale from very thin to very heavy, subjects chose the figure that approximated their Current, Ideal, Most Attractive shapes, and the shape they believed men found the most attractive (Male Attractive). Body Shape Dissatisfaction was assessed by the difference between Current and Ideal shapes. Several significant relationships were noted for body-shape perceptions with percent body fat, aerobic fitness, and physical activity. Overall, data indicate these relationships except for Male Attractive were confounded by percent body fat, as participants with a higher percentage of body fat preferred larger shapes and were more dissatisfied with their shape.
Comparison of Stability and Weight Shift among Golfers Grouped by Skill Level
Authors: Stemm J. D. , Jacobson B. H. , Royer T. D.
Published: September 2010

This study compared balance, sway, and weight shift among golfers with different skill levels. Participants ( N = 52) were right-handed, male golfers between the ages of 18 and 55 and were divided into 3 groups based on their official handicap (Group 1 = 0-9, Group 2 = 10-16, Group 3 = 17+). Postural sway velocity was recorded unilaterally for each leg and bilaterally. Weight shift as assessed by limits of stability was measured as movement velocity and directional control. During testing, participants stood on a virtual center square as illustrated by a monitor placed directly in front of them. On command participants initiated movement about eight target squares located in a circle around the center square and attempted to move quickly and accurately to the targets. Means from the three forward, three backward, three left, and three right targets were analyzed by group. While significant condition means existed for each of the analyzed means, no significant group differences were found for bilateral or unilateral postural sway, and no significant group differences were found for movement velocity or directional control. In conclusion, as measured in the current study, balance and weight shift are not significantly different among golfers with different skill.
Survey of System of Attacks by Judoka in Regional and Interregional Matches
Authors: Calmet M. , Trezel N. , Ahmaidi S.
Published: September 2010

In judo, making the opponent uncertain requires the mastery of several throws in 3 or 4 different directions and a firm grasp to secure the throw. The system of attacks for 28 judoka (18 men, 10 women) during their 185 respective matches over the competition season of 2001–2002 was analyzed. Practice was regional or interregional. The mean number of matches was 3.3 ± 1.1. The mean number of successful directions of attack was 2.5 ± 1.3. The mean number of grasps was 1.4 ± 0.5, and the mean time for matches was 08:04 ± 03:12. Analysis showed mean number of directions of attack was about 3 and was lower for higher competition although the mean time of matches did not vary significantly. Numbers of directions of attacks were constant for the higher classified judoka. The number of grasps used remained constant. Progress at this level of skill occurs by methodical learning of throws in a coordinated system of attacks. Throws must be complementary to other throws and initiated with one or several grasps.
Effects of Wrist Rest and Forearm Support on Muscle Activity
Authors: Lee Tzu-Hsien , Huang Shih-Miao
Published: September 2010

This study examined the effects of wrist rest and forearm support on reducing computer operators' activities using the trapezius, deltoid, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis longus, and extensor digitorum. 12 young ( M = 25.9 yr., SD = 2.4) men were asked to perform both static and dynamic mouse operations in four conditions, two using a wrist rest and two using a forearm support. Analysis showed that use of the forearm support had a significant effect on reducing the EMG activity in muscles of the trapezius, deltoid, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis longus, and extensor digitorum. However, the wrist rest only significantly reduced deltoid and extensor carpi radialis longus activities.
A Study of Reading Time and Viewers' Preferences for a Variety of Combinations of Character-Background Chromaticity for Small Traditional Chinese Characters
Authors: Huang Shih-Miao
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effects of chromaticity combination on reading speeds and subjective preference ratings for small Chinese characters. The experiment was 7 (text chromaticity) × 7 (background chromaticity) split-plot design. Analysis of variance showed that the text chromaticity was not significant, but background chromaticity was. The findings suggested that achromatic color was the most effective background chromaticity with lower reading time and had a higher preference rating; however, the highly saturated short-wavelength blue was least effective.
Digit Ratios (2D:4D and other) and Relative Thumb Length: A Test of Developmental Stability
Authors: Voracek Martin , Offenmuller Denise
Published: September 2010

Sex and side differences in relative thumb length of children and adolescents have been reported by prior researchers. These findings mirror those reported for the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a likely biomarker for the organizational (permanent) effects of prenatal androgens on the human brain and body. The present study investigated relative thumb length, in particular, its associations with all possible digit ratios (2D:3D, 2D:4D, 2D:5D, 3D:4D, 3D:5D, and 4D:5D), in a sample of young adults (60 men and 64 women). Relative thumb length was less precisely measurable than direct or image-based finger-length measurements, as used in digit ratio research. There were no significant sex or side differences in relative thumb length. Contrary to expectation, thumb size was not positively correlated with any digit ratios. Relative thumb length appears to be developmentally unstable (decreases during childhood and adolescence). Additional findings, such as the magnitude ranking of sex differences in digit ratios and the comparability of direct versus image-based finger-length measurements, are also discussed.
Specification of Variables Predictive of Victories in the Sport of Boxing
Authors: Warnick Jason E. , Warnick Kyla
Published: September 2010

Compared to other sports, very little research has been conducted on which variables can predict victory in the sport of boxing. This investigation examined whether boxers' age, weight change from their preceding contest, country of origin, total number of wins, total number of losses, performance in their preceding contest, or the possession of a championship title was predictive of a winning performance in a given bout. A 1-mo. sample of male professional boxing records for all contests held in the USA ( N = 400) were collected from the BoxRec online database. Logistic regression analysis indicated that only boxers' age, total number of wins and losses, and the performance in the preceding contest predicted significant variance in outcome.
Contextual Interference Effects with Two Tasks
Authors: Simon Dominic A.
Published: September 2010

The present study was intended to test whether the standard contextual interference effect would be observed when only two patterns were practiced in blocked or random schedules of multisegment movement tasks rather than three patterns which is the norm. In line with the basic effect, Blocked learners' performance was closer to ideal during acquisition, but Random learners had smaller errors at 24-hr. retention. In addition, random learners had better recall of the details of the patterns they had practiced. Learners' predictions of retention performance did not match the group differences actually observed.
Scores for Schizotypy and Five-Factor Model of a Sample of Distant Healers: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hergovich Andreas , Arendasy Martin
Published: September 2010

A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the personality scores of 18 distant healers on the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief. These distant healers differed significantly in their schizotypic tendencies, both in comparison to normed scores and to a control group of 19 masseurs. Further differences were found on scales of Conscientiousness and Openness to experience.
Differential Skills of Perception of Frequency
Authors: Schwenzer Michael , Mathiak Klaus
Published: September 2010

This study aimed to develop tests for differentiating auditory perception skills, e.g., to test drug effects. In Exp. 1 ( N = 60), discrimination of succeeding frequencies, frequency identification assessed by a choice reaction task, and the perception of pitch contour assessed by frequency deviants in binaural melodies showed zero partial correlations. In Exp. 2 ( N = 36), discrimination correlated with performance on a field dependence test; fast frequency identification correlated with verbal fluency. The auditory tests are likely suitable for assessing distinct skills, but correlations with general cognitive abilities require further investigations.
Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Eeg Transition to Alpha Band: A Comment on Shibagaki, Et Al. (2006)
Authors: Ikeda Kazunari
Published: September 2010

In 2006 Shibagaki, et al. estimated mean chronological age at which dominant EEG frequency reached alpha band in 11 children with intellectual disabilities ( M age, 15 yr.). Consistent with previous studies, the results showed a delay in the critical age relative to healthy children and earlier maturation at posterior scalp sites, with the exception of several children who persistently showed EEG slower than alpha band. A flaw in the study might be that having only 2 children younger than 10 yr. was insufficient. A remaining problem for researchers would be to identify whether the developmental delay in EEG correlates with IQ in intellectually disabled children.
An Empirical Test of Sex Differences in the Emphasis on Physical Attractiveness in Mate Selection
Authors: Colwell John
Published: September 2010

Within a context provided by social structural theory, social evolutionary theory, and physical attractiveness stereotyping, the importance of physical attractiveness in heterosexual mate selection was explored by presenting 50 male and 50 female psychology students ( M age = 22.5 yr.) during a scheduled class with an opposite sex personals advertisement, wherein the advertiser was described as ‘average’ or ‘good-looking’. Dependent variables consisted of a written paragraph and measures of evaluation (Semantic Differential), attraction, advertisement appeal, and success. An interaction for sex x looks on the qualitative measure showed no effect for men, but the good-looking female advertiser was evaluated more positively. However, for quantitative data, the advertisement was seen as more appealing and likely to be successful when the advertiser was good looking as opposed to average looking, irrespective of sex of advertiser. Findings are discussed in relation to theoretical perspectives.
Undergraduate Education Majors' Knowledge about Suicide
Authors: MacDonald Michael G.
Published: September 2010

Undergraduate education majors' knowledge about suicide was evaluated to identify what training they may need about suicide prevention and to explore the hypothesis that individuals previously exposed to suicide in their social context may hold higher suicide-related knowledge than those without. 71 college students completed the 50-item Expanded Revised Facts on Suicide Quiz to examine their knowledge about suicide. While overall knowledge was low for general information and for specific items concerning suicide among youth and elderly persons, knowledge was high on several items important for suicide prevention work. Higher suicide-related knowledge was found for knowing a suicide attempter, providing partial support for the hypothesis that personal experience with suicidal people may correspond with greater knowledge about suicide.
Are Beats Gestures Unrelated to Meaning of Verbal Production?: Comment on Mizuguchi's View
Authors: Chieffi Sergio , Ricci Mariateresa
Published: September 2010

In a recent note, Mizuguchi (2006) stated that beats are not directly related to the meaning of the production of speech. We report a number of studies that suggest the existence of a clear relationship between beats and significant parts of co-occurring speech.
Effects of Flight Workload on Urinary Catecholamine Responses in Experienced Military Pilots
Authors: Otsuka Yasutami , Onozawa Akihiko , Kikukawa Azusa , Miyamoto Yoshinori
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the flight responses induced by strenuous aerobatic demonstration flight and an air-to-air combat maneuvering flight in experienced pilots. Subjects were 54 military male pilots on a volunteer basis: 8 T-4 pilots ( M = 35.8 yr., SD = 4.9), 15 F-4 pilots ( M = 32.6 yr., SD = 5.1), 13 F-15 pilots ( M = 33.8 yr., SD = 1.0), and 18 F-2 pilots ( M = 33.7 yr., SD = 3.9). Samples of urine were collected approximately 30 min. before and 20 min. after the flights. The postflight adrenaline in all pilots was significantly higher than at preflight, while a significant increase in noradrenaline at postflight was not observed. The post-/preflight ratio of adrenaline in all pilots was relatively similar and high. These findings might be regarded as a result of autonomic nervous system response to the flight workload of military pilots. Especially is increment in sympathetic activity considered to play an important part in psychological adaptation to flight.
Developing Ecological Research in Judo
Authors: Calmet Michel
Published: September 2010

Discussions and exchanges identify axes of research. From an example in physiology and perspectives in biomechanics, experimental judo situations nearer real ones may yield complementary data from applied and laboratory research.