An inexpensive digital millisecond timer and event counter

A simple circuit for a digital millisecond timer and event counter is described. The total cost of the unit including all components, a power supply, and an enclosure is less than $30. Daily use in simple reaction time experiments has demonstrated the reliability of the design.     

Converting an electronic calculator into a combination stopwatch-calculator

A method for adding electronic stopwatch capabilities to a calculator is described. An integrated circuit (NE555) is used for a time base. The circuit drives an opto-isolator or light-emitting diode that operates a photocell. The opto-isolator or photocell substitutes for a switch closure to increment the calculator in .10-sec intervals.     

The contribution of an added counter to a fixed-ratio schedule

Although previous research showed that a visual counter increased the rate of responding on a large fixed-ratio schedule, a theoretical analysis of the factors responsible for fixed-ratio performance suggests that the primary control by number of responses since reinforcement is to weaken the performance. The present experiment employed a multiple schedule in which the same fixed-ratio value alternated with and without an added counter. It tested the hypothesis that the differential reinforcement of high-rate responding masked the attenuation of the fixed-ratio performance from the unoptimal discriminative control produced by the fixed relation between number of responses and reinforcement. In the present experiment the postreinforcement pause was consistently longer in the components with the added counter, while running rates remained comparable between the components of the multiple schedule. Both components of the multiple schedule involved differential reinforcement of high-rate responding while only the components with the added counter amplified the discriminative control by number of pecks since reinforcement.     

An inexpensive,portable, printing event recorder for behavior studies

An inexpensive, field-portable event recorder for monitoring insect or other animal behavior is described. The recorder consists of a 16-key event code keyboard and a 99.99-min timer interfaced to a low-cost printing calculator. The event code number and the elapsed time (.01-min resolution) from the start of an observation period are printed whenever an event key is pressed. The recorder is operable over a temperature range of 0°C to 50°C, with a timing error of less than ±.05% of the 99.99-min full-scale timing range. Periods longer than 99.99 min can be monitored, provided the return to zero of the timer is noted and taken into consideration.     

Multidimensional scaling of individual differences for an individual person with a hand-held calculator

An extension to the INDSCAL method of individual differences scaling was developed. The method derives measures of deviation from a “standard” observer, who is defined in terms of the INDSCAL subject weights. These weights are calculated for one individual person at a time. The method is implemented in a small hand-held calculator. The calculator is used for data acquisition, and it interacts with the user in a conversational manner through an alpha-numeric display. The present implementation of the method scales 84 judgments of pair similarity among seven objects and derives subject weights on two dimensions. The method can be extended to sets of up to 16 objects and up to six dimensions. The method is a feasible, cost-effective approach to classification of individuals on complex perceptual attributes within a single 1-h session.     

First record: a methodological approach to counter sampling bias

One goal of survey research is to optimize sampling procedures so that the collected data will produce accurate population estimates. In this context, sampling bias is a primary threat to a study's validity. If individuals who do not respond are a random sample of the population, then the estimates obtained from such a subsample are unbiased. However, as the percentage of nonrespondents increases, the assumption of unbiased estimation becomes increasingly tenuous. At this point an investigator has two choices: delete all subjects who have not provided data as part of the first data collection, or allow a respondent's point of entry to define his baseline measures for the study. No previous discussion of the latter option has been noted in the methods literature. Therefore the authors have termed this approach to baseline the "first record". Conditions under which the "first record" technique would be appropriate or inappropriate are discussed.     

CIE x,y coordinates from an inexpensive projection colorimeter

The present paper reports an extension of the design for a projection colorimeter originally proposed by Riggs, 1964. A technique and the necessary calculatory formulas are presented through which the definitions of colors produced by the instrument may be defined in terms of CIE x,y coordinates of chromaticity space. Data on the accuracy of measurements obtained from a random sample of naive Os are also reported.     

On choosing an inexpensive microcomputer for the experimental psychology laboratory

This report compares currently available. Inexpensive (minimum stand-alone disk-based con-figuration under $2,000), mass-produced microcomputers from the viewpoint of their applicability as experiment control, stimulus generation, and data collection devices for the experimental psychology laboratory.     

Scoring and interpreting the MMPI with a desk-top calculator

The development of a hospital-based routine system for off-line scoring and interpreting the MMPI with a small desk-top computer (HP 9830) is described. Main features of the system include the use of optical mark reader (OMR) cards instead of ordinary answer sheets and a software monitoring system allowing operator-independent processing. In terms of flexibility, speed, and economy, the system compares favorably with other computer-based test systems.     

Development of an inexpensive remote radio control system for slide projection

An inexpensive remote radio control system for slide projection has been developed. It consists of an electronic receiver/decoder designed for attachment to commercially available slide projectors and a self-contained, portable FM transmitter with a foldable (collapsible) antenna/pointer. The system allows remote lens focusing (forward and backward) and slide change (forward and reverse) to be accomplished over a 100-ft range. It offers desirable freedom of movement to the lecturer or behavioral researcher, by eliminating locational restraints imposed by the extension cord.     

皈依佛教的精神超越之旅——宗炳的佛学活动及其对晋宋之际佛学思想的诠释

宗炳于义熙十年左右托业庐山,从慧远游;元嘉九年至十二年间,结宇衡山,与何承天往复辩难,申明他的佛学理念,影响颇著。宗炳以中观学说的视域,融涵三教思想,论证了佛教的合理性和超越性;他对神不灭论的内在理路和外在走向进行了阐释,主张息心竭识,以达到法身虚明独运的"泥洹(涅槃)"境界。     

Computing and comparing correlation and regression coefficients using a pocket calculator

Programs suitable for pocket calculators using reverse Polish notation are described. Program 1 computes regression coefficients, correlation coefficient, and standard error of estimate for paired data. Program 2 performs at test to compare the slopes of two regression lines. Program 3 computes F ratios to test the departure of a regression slope from zero and to test linearity of the regression. Programs 4 and 5 test the significance of (differences between independent and correlated correlation coefficients, respectively.     

An inexpensive infrared detector to verify the delivery of food pellets

The reproducibility of experimental outcomes depends on consistent control of independent variables. In food-maintained operant performance, it is of utmost importance that the quantity of food delivered is reliable. To that end, some commercial food pellet dispensers have add-on attachments to sense the delivery of pellets. Not all companies, however, offer such add-ons. Aside from availability, cost and temporary reduction in throughput may be a problem for smaller labs. The present paper outlines our recent development of a simple, inexpensive infrared device to detect and confirm the delivery of pellets. The in-line construction of the detector routes the falling pellet through a barrel so that it passes between an infrared emitter and receiver. The circuitry was designed to be compatible with all commercially available behavioral measurement systems, and so may be retrofit to any existing system. Our tests with the detector so far have shown that it is 100% accurate in detecting pellet delivery. The individual unit cost is approximately 25 dollars. The low cost and versatility of the device offer an easy method to ensure the integrity of food delivery in operant settings.