Going forth in the laboratory

FORTH is a computer language that is useful for writing programs to control experiments. The language is extensible in that new capabilities may be added to FORTH by using FORTH. This article describes a FORTH application word set for animal psychophysics. The words in the application word set facilitate the translation from state diagrams of behavioral psychophysical procedures to experiment-control programs.     

FORTH,a software solution to real-time computing problems

Some common real-time computing problems are discussed, namely, the programming and testing of devices, problems relating to program execution speed, the timing of experimental events, and the programming of multiple parallel events. The programming language FORTH is shown to be capable of providing solutions to all of these problems. In addition, FORTH has the advantages of being an interpretive and extensible language with both high-level and low-level capabilities, while at the same time being efficient and fast in execution.     

Use of on-line computers in experimental psychology: Hardware considerations

A series of modules provide students with the basic skills to set up and use a computer to run psychological experiments. The modules include basic knowledge of AC/DC power supplies, relay switching, analog/digital conversion, integrated circuit board design and soldering, and elementary programming (FORTH and BASIC). These skills are then utilized to build an interface board and to design and run actual on-line experiments. The hardware orientation is combined with computer skills and experimental methodology to allow students to experience all stages of modem psychological experimentation.     

IBM research in interactive data mining and scientific computing

A number of research and development efforts from IBM are described in the areas of data mining and visualization of large data sets. Some useful principles for data mining and visualization are discussed, and a few research programs and available products are described. In addition, the current IBM line of hardware and support software for scientific computing is briefly described.     

Introduction to the special section on the use of computers for making judgments and decisions

Computers have the potential to greatly increase the accuracy of judgments and decisions that are made in the area of psychological assessment. The validity of present-day computer programs are described in the first 2 articles of this Special Section. Both computer-based test interpretation programs and mechanical prediction rules (e.g., statistical prediction rules) are described. Limitations of present-day computer programs are described in the 3rd article along with methodological recommendations for building more powerful rules. In the 4th article, a statistical analysis (neural network modeling) is described that may allow us to build better rules.     

What do you do after you say hello? Observing,coding, and analyzing parent-infant interactions

Procedures for observing, coding, and analyzing parent-infant interactions are described. Sample data are presented to illustrate the outcome of these procedures and the manner in which developmental issues can be addressed using the hardware and software systems described.     

The school psychologist and early education: An ecological view

An ecological view of psychological services to preschool children is described here as a proactive, seeking-out, mental health delivery system that concentrates its effort on prophylactic activities rather than the “diagnosis recommend” or “diagnosis psychotherapy” ritual. Activities for psychological services, training of staff, and competencies for effective delivery are described. Staff competencies to facilitate children's mental health are also described.     

Methods for rapid quantification of brain autoradiographs

Apparatus and methods are described for rapid semiautomatic quantification of silver grain densities in brain autoradiographs. The output voltage of a photodiode used with dark-field oil microscopy reflects the amount of label in a 35 by 35 square micra area of brain tissue. Apparatus are described for monitoring the movement of a microscope stage, and a microprocessor interface is described that provides hard-copy and paper-tape output of grain densities for later processing.     

Theoretical and methodological analysis of partial knowledge

A theory of partial knowledge is proposed as an explanation of cognitive development, and methods are described for testing the theory. The theory consists of three structure-process pairs, each of which postulates a type of cognitive structure and a developmental process specific to that type. In restricted knowledge, a unitary algorithm is the cognitive structure, and amendment is the developmental process. In variable sampling, a structure of unitary substitutes is paired with a process of selection. In variable integration, modular components are paired with self-monitoring. Methods for testing the theory form a sequence of mathematical models. The first model in the sequence, called a model of double assessment, is described both verbally and mathematically. Other models in the sequence are described verbally with reference to other articles for the formal mathematics. Also described are some nonmathematical methods to be used as sequels to the double assessment model.     

Psychophysiological correlates of long-term attention to complex tasks

An ongoing investigation of the psychophysiological nature of attention is described. Problems associated with the measurement of long-term human attention to complex tasks are discussed. A multivariate, hierarchical regression approach is described for the inference, from the non-in vasive measurement of surface neuroelectrical activities, of central nervous system operations associated with the maintenance and failure of long-term attention. The neuroelectrical signals used include the EEG, EOG, EGG, and impedance cardiogram. Psychophysiological measurement, data reduction, and analysis techniques are described.     

APL functions for interactive data analysis: Graphics and labels

APL functions designed to provide labeled plots and histograms are described. Support functions that augment a data file with necessary information to label output and to maintain a common plotting scale are also described. APL code and illustrative output are presented.     

Real-time clocks for microcomputers in behavioral research

Real-time clock strategies are described for microcomputers in behavioral research. Software-oriented and hardware-oriented counters are described in both free-running and strobed modes. An example of a clock using the Intel 8253 is given, along with driving software in 8080 assembly code and hardware for the S-100 bus.     

The touch-sensitive screen as a flexible response device in CAI and behavioral research

Two different touch-sensitive surface units are described and evaluated from a technical as well as an applications standpoint, with particular emphasis on their use as response devices in computer-assisted instruction with young children. Several other interesting touch-sensitive surface concepts and laboratory applications are also described.     

Emotional Schema Therapy: A Meta‐experiential Model

The emotional schema model proposes that individuals differ in their interpretations, evaluations, and strategies about emotional experience. Fourteen dimensions that are related to problematic strategies of emotion regulation are identified. Specific interventions for several of these strategies are identified, and examples of implementation are described. Finally, problematic schemas about emotions—both on the part of patients and therapists—are described, and interventions for addressing these in therapy are provided.     

Two-sample multivariate similarity permutation comparison

A multivariate permutation test of similarity between two populations with corresponding unordered disjoint categories is described. The test statistic, resampling probability value, and measure of effect size are described.     

Computer controllers: Adapting the Sinclair ZX-80 for laboratory use

Differences between the MicroAce and Sinclair ZX-80 are described. Adaptation of the Sinclair ZX-80 for a previously described laboratory control function is discussed.     

Group Interventions with Perfectionistic Thinking

The cognitive pattern of perfectionistic thinking is described and its development discussed. The stages and strategies of a group intervention for this pattern are described.     

Social Skills Intervention Guide

Social skills training procedures that can be used in a group format are described. These procedures are contained in the Social Skills Intervention Guide (Elliott & Gresham, 1991) which is a systematic approach to teaching social skills to children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. A system for classifying social skills deficits based on acquisition performance deficits and presence(absence of interfering problem behaviors is described. Implementation issues such as selection and grouping of students, establishing group rules, and monitoring progress are also described as well as a means of monitoring student progress in social skills training groups.     

The Rawdon-Smith illusion

A loudness illusion is described which was originally reported by Rawdon-Smith and Grindley (1935). It is analogous to the Craik-O’Brien-Cornsweet brightness illusion. Procedures are described for generating and measuring the size of the effect, and data are presented showing factors that influence its magnitude. Other examples are discussed that suggest that this effect is a very general phenomenon.