Leipzig and Louvain University in Belgium

Summary Experimental psychology was introduced at the University of Louvain in 1891 under the influence of Désiré J. Mercier, a philosopher, who wanted to bridge the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas with experimental psychology. As the head of the philosophy program at the Louvain University, Mercier sent Armand Thiéry, his collaborator, to Leipzig in order to acquaint him with Wundt's physiological psychology and laboratory. Upon his return from Germany Thiéry organized a psychological laboratory at the Louvain University and offered a course in psychophysiology. Thiéry headed the experimental program at Louvain for over ten years but he was more interested in philosophical and theoretical problems than in laboratory investigations. His successor, Albert Michotte, was wholeheartedly committed to laboratory experimentation and research. He also studied in Leipzig but was more influenced by Külpe than by Wundt. Under Michotte's leadership, which lasted over 50 years, Louvain laboratory became one of the most active and original research centers in Europe.     

The Measurement of Negative After-Images in First-Grade Boys and Girls

Three days prior to sexual integration of a residential school for delinquent adolescent females, 85 students participated in a survey of attitudes towards boys. Factor analysis of the 21 item survey yielded eight factors. The Ss also completed a semantic differential (SD) for “myself,” “boy,” and “girl.” Ss were assigned to one of three gender-identity groups for male identification, female identification, and uncertain identification based on SD profile matching. A second survey was conducted two months after sexual integration of the school. Data were collected on 49 of the original sample. Results showed significant changes for the male identity group toward rejection of the male role. The uncertain identity group increased identification with the feminine role. As anticipated, no changes appeared for the female identity group. Findings suggest that sexual integration of adolescent reform institutions is effective in avoiding sex-role diffusion.     

Trolley Dilemma in Papua. Yali horticulturalists refuse to pull the lever

Psychonomic Bulletin & Review - Although many studies show cultural or ecological variability in moral judgments, cross-cultural responses to the trolley problem (kill one person to save five...