No special K! A signal detection framework for the strategic regulation of memory accuracy

Two experiments investigated criterion setting and metacognitive processes underlying the strategic regulation of accuracy on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) using Type-2 signal detection theory (SDT). In Experiment 1, report bias was manipulated by penalizing participants either 0.25 (low incentive) or 4 (high incentive) points for each error. Best guesses to unanswered items were obtained so that Type-2 signal detection indices of discrimination and bias could be calculated. The same incentive manipulation was used in Experiment 2, only the test was computerized, confidence ratings were taken so that receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves could be generated, and feedback was manipulated. The results of both experiments demonstrated that SDT provides a viable alternative to A. Koriat and M. Goldsmith's (1996c) framework of monitoring and control and reveals information about the regulation of accuracy that their framework does not. For example, ROC analysis indicated that the threshold model implied by formula scoring is inadequate. Instead, performance on the SAT should be modeled with an equal-variance Gaussian, Type-2 signal detection model.     

A family systems framework for intervention with individuals

This paper outlines a model for working contextually with individuals. Family work with individuals is contrasted with the prevailing psychological theories which inform individual counselling and therapy. A framework is provided which draws upon a number of approaches derived from family systems theory. Brief illustrative vignettes support the discussion.     

A comprehensive semantic framework for data integration systems

A data integration system provides the user with a unified view, called global schema, of the data residing at different sources. Users issue their queries against the global schema, and the system computes answers to queries by suitably accessing the sources, through the mapping, i.e., the specification of the relationship between the global schema and the sources. Since sources are in general autonomous subsystems, the information provided by the data at the sources and the mapping is likely not to be consistent with the knowledge expressed by the global schema. Therefore, the question arises of how to interpret user queries in such a situation, i.e., in the presence of data contradicting the global schema and the mapping. In this paper, we provide an in-depth analysis of the problem of dealing with inconsistencies in data integration systems. In this respect, we highlight the central role played by the mapping, and propose a general “mapping-centered” semantics that allows for computing significant answers to user queries even in the presence of inconsistent information. Based on such a semantic analysis, we define a general formal framework for data integration. Then, we argue that our semantic approach formalizes a very reasonable way of handling inconsistency in such systems, since practically all the existing proposals in the literature can be reconstructed in our framework. This allows for comparing and evaluating the different existing proposals.     

Knowledge utilization and planned change: An empirical assessment of the A VICTORY model

A number of models and theories of knowledge used in recent years have been purported to include determinants necessary and sufficient for predicting outcomes. There have been, however, few empirical assessments of these models reported in the literature. The present research attempts to fill this void by validating the A VICTORY model, which represents one of the most well-known theories of knowledge utilization and planned change., A heuristic factor analytic approach found that the model can be quantified and reliably measured to assess the readiness of organizations to combat violence. A two-staged discriminant analysis, using two outside criterion variables found that selected A VICTORY factors may (in part) satisfy necessary conditions for explaining, research use and planned change; but the model, in its entirety, does not sufficiently explain the reasons that organizations use research or why they engage in change of any kind. Knowlton W. Johnson is director of the College of Urban and Public Affairs' Urban Studies Center at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Ky 40292. He is also a professor in the School of Justice Administration and co-editor of theJournal of Urban Affairs. His current research in knowledge utilization includes evaluating the effects of information brokers on research use and monitoring the impact of university disseminated and/or produced information on policymaking in local and state government.     

A new framework for the design of career interventions in organisations

There has often been an assumption that the school-to-work transition is fundamental for careers guidance and that mid-career interventions are supplementary. This approach can no longer be maintained. Frequent changes of job are now common. The relationships we have with employing organisations have become important and must become prominent in careers interventions. A model is presented to clarify what is needed. Two problems arise: the need to reconcile individual and organisational perspectives; and the need to look at careers in terms of life-career purpose as well as in terms of goals. It is recommended that individuals' plans mirror strategic management in the organisation. A number of ways are identified which extend the scope of career interventions.     

A conceptualization and measure of argumentativeness

A conceptualization and measure of argumentativeness is reported. Argumentativeness was conceptualized as a trait Which is composed of the tendency to approach arguments and the tendency to avoid arguments. A 20-item, self-report scale was developed in a series of three factor analytic studies. The internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities of the scale were high. A series of additional studies yielded considerable evidence as to the validity of the scale. The conceptualization of argumentativeness accounts for state as well as trait components. The state components consisted of the individual's perceptions of the probability and importance of success and failure in a particular argumentative situation. A hypothesis was supported which posited response to a particular argument would be predicted better by trait and state components together than by the trait component alone.     

A comparison of the effects of child management and planned activities training in five parenting environments

This study compared the effects of two procedures designd to enhance the extratraining effects of behavioral parents training. Twenty parents of oppositianal children were randomly assign to either a child manangment training condition or a combined child management plus planned activity condition. A further 10 nonproblem children and their parents serve as a social validation group. Observation of both parents and children behavior were conducted in each of five home observation setting (breakfirst time, kindy (kindergarten) or school exit, a structured playtime, bathtime, and bedtime). Both training procedures result in change in both child oppositional and parents oversive behaviosr in all observation settings. In addition, desire positive parents behaviour also improve in all setting. Treatment effect were maintained in all setting at 3-month follow up. Composition between oppositional children following treatment and children in the social validation group showed that they each displayed similarly low lavels of oppositional behaviour in all settings. The inplecation of the results for faciliating generalised changes in behavioral parent training are discusssd.This study was supported by a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC324 82 579049). We wish to thank all families, therapists, and observers who participated in the project.     

New assessment systems for residential treatment,management, research,and evaluation: A symposium

An introduction and overview are presented to new observational assessment systems for ongoing assessment and monitoring of both staff and resident (client or patient) functioning in residential treatment programs for emotionally disturbed and mentally retarded adults.Preparation of articles and the research and development on which the articles are based was supported, in part, by Public Health Service Grants MH-15553 and MH-25464 from the National Institute of Mental Health, and by grants from the Joyce Foundation and the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.A symposium presented at the 87th Annual Meetings of the American Psychological Association, New York City, September 1979.     

A conceptualization of firesetting in children and adolescents

Juvenile firesetting has been studied from different perspectives and by multiple disciplines. Although evidence has begun to emerge regarding the antecedents and correlates of firesetting as well as characteristics of firesetters and their families, the findings and their conceptual bases remain somewhat diffuse. This paper integrates major findings reported in the juvenile firesetting literature and provides a tentative model of firesetting risk based on the current evidence. The model highlights several factors within three major domains: learning experiences and cues, personal repertoires, and parent and family influences and stressors. Implications of the model for early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of firesetters are discussed.Completion of this paper was facilitated by grants (MH35408 and MH00353) from the National Institute of Mental Health.     

A diathesis-stress conceptualization of expressed emotion and clinical outcome

A sizeable body of research has demonstrated that expressed emotion (EE) predicts clinical relapse in a number of distinct psychiatric disorders. These findings have provided the impetus for the development of interventions that attempt to reduce patients' relapse rates by modifying aspects of the family environment believed to be associated with high levels of EE. Despite the efficacy of these treatments, however, we know little about how EE develops in relatives of psychiatric patients or about the mechanisms through which high EE leads to relapse. Moreover, there is not a coherent theory that attempts to integrate findings concerning the impact of high EE on relapse in different disorders. The purpose of this article is to elucidate a diathesis-stress conceptualization of EE to explain both the development and manifestation of high EE in relatives of disordered patients and the impact of high EE on the course of patients' disorders. In this context, we use a diathesis-stress perspective to examine why EE predicts symptom relapse and poor clinical outcome in schizophrenia, depressive disorders, and borderline personality disorder. We conclude by discussing treatment implications of the diathesis-stress perspective and by outlining what we believe are fruitful directions for future research.     

A behavior-analytic conceptualization of the side effects of psychotropic medication

A range of behavior-much deemed problematic by society-is treated with behavioral methods or psychotropic medications. Although the processes associated with behavioral interventions have been investigated using conceptual, experimental, and applied analyses, less is known about the behavioral processes associated with the use of psychotropic medication. Psychotropic drugs produce at least two types of effects of behavioral interest: (a) primary effects of drug action on target behaviors and (b) side effects that change the target or other behavior. Although an empirical literature exists regarding the former effects, little attention has been given to the latter topic. In this paper we offer a conceptual analysis of the side effects of psychotropic medication. We propose that the side effects of various drugs can influence behavior by functioning as motivating operations, conditional or discriminative stimuli, or by establishing new response-reinforcer relations. This conceptualization may facilitate the empirical analysis of how psychotropic drugs change behavior.     

Dynamic and stochastic systems as a framework for metaphysics and the philosophy of science

Synthese - Scientists often think of the world (or some part of it) as a dynamical system, a stochastic process, or a generalization of such a system. Prominent examples of systems are (i) the...     

Relationships among the theory of planned behavior,stages of change,and exercise behavior in older persons over a three year period

Abstract

The present study examined the relationships among the theory of planned behavior (TPB), stages of change, and exercise behavior in 131 older persons over a three year period. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire by mail that assessed attitude, perceived control, subjective norm, intention, and stage and then received a telephone call three years later in which current exercise stage and behavior were assessed. Path analyses showed that (a) TPB constructs were significant predictors of exercise stage, (b) intention mediated the effects of TPB constructs on exercise stage, and (c) exercise behavior was best predicted by intention rather than stage. Results were interpreted as providing evidence for the long term predictive validity of TPB in the exercise domain and as questioning the necessity of combining both intention and stage in a single predictive model.