A device that provides an eye-to-eye video perspective for interactive television

A device that allows individuals to engage in eye contact while interacting over two-way television is described. The apparatus consists of a television monitor and low light-level television camera housed within a cabinet containing a mirror system that resembles a combination beam splitter and periscope. Through the mirror system, the pick-up camera captures a reflected full-face eye-level image of the television viewer as he or she attends to the display monitor. The device is particularly useful for studying the nonverbal communication patterns of individuals engaged in social interaction.     

Receiving and providing support in couples dealing with multiple sclerosis: A diary study using an equity perspective

This study examined the effects of daily support exchanges in couples facing multiple sclerosis (MS). Two issues were examined: the imbalance between received and provided support, and the extent to which reciprocal exchanges of received and provided support are associated with end‐of‐day well‐being (positive and negative mood and self‐esteem). Guided by equity theory, we expected that one‐sided support provision or receipt would be harmful for well‐being for both patients and partners. We argued that these negative outcomes could be offset by reciprocating support, that is, when both partners receive and provide support. Sixty‐one patients and their partners filled out questionnaires on demographics and disease‐related characteristics and subsequently completed computerized daily diaries for 14 days. At the end of each day, both partners completed diaries on end‐of‐day mood, self‐esteem, received and provided emotional and instrumental support, and several control variables (daily hassles and MS‐related symptoms for patients). Reciprocity in instrumental support transactions was associated with higher levels of self‐esteem among both patients and partners. However, the other results all showed independent effects of support received and provided. Patients’ well‐being was related to providing emotional support and instrumental support, whereas partners’ well‐being was related to receiving emotional support from patients.     

The epistemology of religiosity: an Orthodox Jewish perspective

This paper focusses on the Rabbinic suggestion that the attitude of awe, rather than any particular belief, lies at the heart of religiosity. On the basis of these Rabbinic sources, and others, the paper puts forward three theses: (1) that belief is not a sufficiently absorbing epistemic attitude to bear towards the truths of religion; (2) that much of our religious knowledge isn’t mediated via belief; and (3) that make-believe is sometimes more important, in the cultivation of religiosity than is mere belief.     

The basic cognition of jealousy: an evolutionary perspective

Penke and Asendorpf (European Journal Of Personality, vol 21, this issue) argue compellingly that research on jealousy would benefit from more direct investigation of cognitive processes, and report on research providing mixed evidence for sex differences in jealousy. We identify three limitations to the empirical approach utilised by Penke and Asendorpf, and highlight novel conceptual and methodological approaches for directly examining the basic cognitive mechanisms associated with jealousy and intrasexual rivalry. Investigating the basic cognition of intrasexual rivalry will help expand the scope of jealousy‐related research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The problem of arbitrary requirements: an abrahamic perspective

International Journal for Philosophy of Religion - Some religious requirements seem genuinely arbitrary in the sense that there seem to be no sufficient explanation of why those requirements with...     

The challenge of becoming an integrative counsellor: The trainee's perspective

Aim: Integrative therapeutic practice is commonplace within the UK. Counsellors and psychotherapists increasingly report working in this way and numerous training courses have developed which advocate such practice. Despite its popularity, researchers have paid little attention to the impact that such training has upon students. This study therefore explores newly qualified counsellors' reflections of undertaking professional training in integrative counselling. Design: Newly qualified counsellors were invited to take part in a focus group to discuss their training experiences. Two groups were held involving a total of seven people. The data generated was analysed using Grounded Theory. Findings: The core-category ‘The challenge of becoming an integrative counsellor’ was identified. Embedded within this were four sub-categories: (1) ‘training issues’, (2) ‘applied issues’, (3) ‘the development of an integrative theory and identity’, and (4) ‘the impact of integrative training post qualification’. Key findings include the willingness of trainees to tolerate theoretical ambiguity and the discomfort that surrounded not belonging to a pure paradigm community. Discussion: Recommendations are made that trainers and practice supervisors are mindful of the distinct struggles that integrative trainees encounter. Additionally, in response to the isolation that some trainees report, greater use of peer support networks is encouraged.     

The nature of adult twin relationships: an attachment-theoretical perspective

Twin relationships have been hailed as one of the most unique and intimate kinds of relationships. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of empirical research that addresses the interpersonal nature of twin relationships. In this article, the authors argue that attachment theory may provide a useful framework for understanding the nature of twin relationships. The authors present data indicating that (a) twins are more likely than non-twin siblings to use their sibling as an attachment figure; (b) the developmental course of twin attachment differs from that of other attachments; and (c) certain factors, such as genetic relatedness, empathy, including the other in the self, and shared experiences, may impact the extent to which twins use one another as attachment figures.     

The etiology of psychopathy: A neuropsychological perspective

While there is no universally accepted cause of psychopathy, there are basic biological patterns in brain dysfunction observed in individuals who display psychopathic tendencies. These individuals show significant impairment in specific regions of the brain, particularly the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). Such abnormalities exist in brain areas most involved in impulse control and behavior inhibition. There are also significant environmental factors that the majority of these individuals have in common. For example, a strong correlation exists between attachment disorder and anti-social personality disorder (ASPD). Finally, the differences between ASPD, psychopathy, and sociopathy are considered. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are clear differences between these psychopathologies.     

Blocking the box: an informal look.

Data for 32 1-hr. observations in a residential community showed about 200 violations of a traffic regulation requiring motorists to keep intersections clear. Women driving vans were the least compliant--accounting for approximately 40% of the total.     

Geometric restitution of perspective: Bartel's method

Bartel's geometric restitution of perspective is explained and illustrated by application to two well-known works of art. Applications of the methods of Bartel and others are briefly discussed.     

The value of philosophy: A Canguilhemian perspective

This paper represents a philosophical reflection on the nature and value of philosophy itself. Georges Canguilhem somewhat scandalously argued that the fundamental value of philosophy does not lie in truth. He suggests that truth is a typical value of science because truth is what science says and what is said scientifically. Why would a philosopher depreciate his own discipline? And does he really do so? Or is there a different motivation: to help philosophy to become a much more self-confident voice? And if truth is no longer a value of philosophy, what value fits it better? The article follows Canguilhem in his conception of truth, science, and philosophy. It is against the background of these considerations that the specific revised anthropology of the scientist or philosopher is formed. The main question is what this means for current philosophy and why it could be inspiring for philosophers today.     

一种简单有效的Q矩阵估计方法开发：基于非参数化方法视角

摘要：Q矩阵是认知诊断的基础,错误的Q矩阵会影响参数估计和被试诊断正确率,开发一种简单而有效的Q矩阵估计方法有助于Q矩阵的正确界定。相对于参数化的Q矩阵估计方法,本研究将海明距离（Hamming Distance,HD）用于Q矩阵估计,开发出一种简单有效的非参数化的Q矩阵估计方法。采用Monte Carlo模拟方法与实证研究相结合的研究范式,对该方法的科学性与合理性及其效果进行研究,研究结果发现（1）基于海明距离的Q矩阵估计法具有较高的估计正确率,并且该方法不受被试样本容量影响。（2）该方法简单易懂,运算时间短,是一种简单而有效的Q矩阵估计方法。（3）新方法对于Tatsuka（1990）分数减法测验的Q矩阵的估计准确率尚可,说明新方法在实践中具有较好的潜在应用前景与应用价值。     

Superego: an attachment perspective

With the help of attachment theory and research, the paper attempts to broaden and build on classical and current views on the superego. Attachment theory's epigenetic approach and the concept of the subliminal superego are described. The superego, it is argued, is as much concerned with safety as sex. The superego is 'heir', not just to the Oedipus complex or Klein's pre-oedipal constellation, but also to the attachment relationship. Under favourable developmental conditions a 'mature superego' emerges, facilitating, in the presence of an internal secure base, maturational boundary crossings towards adult sexuality. In the light of the above, the paper reviews Lear's updating of Strachey's model of psychic change and explores the concept of transgression in relation to the 'professional superego', its development and maturation. Theoretical arguments are illustrated with clinical examples.