A microprocessor-based psychopathology laboratory: IV. Software design

Software designed for the microprocessor-based psychopathology laboratory provides a powerful data collection and maintenance package. A library of prepackaged well-documented program modules has been developed to aid in developing and maintaining programs to administer experiments, to store, retrieve, and interpret data. A simple, but powerful, data base system allows new experiments to be incorporated easily, and obsolete experiments to be deleted. The data collection programs are independent of the general data base, permitting them to be moved to dedicated remote systems as necessary. The data are stored in raw form to permit the researcher to try novel approaches in interpreting existing data.     

A microprocessor-based psychopathology laboratory: II. Research goals and design prerequisites

The design of a microprocessor-based psychopathology laboratory is influenced by (1) special procedures in many experimental paradigms and (2) some theoretical considerations about psychopathological data. In terms of design prerequisites, these are summarized as flexibility and power to control a spectrum of experiments, large data-processing capacity, ability to provide clinically relevant data on short notice, mobility, and simplicity of operation and programming.     

A microcomputer-controlled laboratory: Hardware

A microcomputer-controlled laboratory designed to incorporate the Motorola 6800 microprocessor unit is described. The microcomputer system is reliable, flexible, and expandable, as well as adaptable to the next generation of Motorola microprocessor components. A modular system design utilizes multiprocessing with separate microprocessor units dedicated to specific functions. This computer, when used with powerful, high-level software, provides a general-purpose psychology laboratory computer system that is easy to use.     

A microprocessor-based real-time BASIC laboratory: A pulse motor-controlled visual stimulator

Using the Commodore PET as a random pulse generator, an inexpensive visual stimulator for psychophysical experiments can easily be made at low cost. The PIA interface that connects the external experimental devices is easily accessed by PEEKing and POKEing its registers with BASIC. Using pulse motors, two independent stimulator wheels, having 24 different color filters and a 2.4 log (.1 log unit steps) unit range light attenuator, are controlled by a randomized string of pulses via a PIA port, and the responses of the observer as well as the stimulus parameters are automatically written onto the cassette memory for further data analysis.     

A microcomputer-based laboratory for psychopathology research in rural settings

An Apple-based computer system for research use in rural mental health settings is described. Hardware and software modifications are detailed. Techniques to aid in the acceptance of psychopathology research programs in these rural settings are discussed.     

A Winchester hard-disk integrated computer-assisted instructional laboratory: Hardware and data management considerations

The hardware configuration at the University of Kentucky is discussed with emphasis on a Winchester technology hard disk as the integrating feature. Advantages and disadvantages of this configuration are discussed in light of the issues of software transportability, ease of use for students, and system maintenance. The Winchester disk is compared to floppy drives as a means of program and data storage. The importance of proper, clear, and organized documentation is stressed. The conclusion is that each system can complement the other in a functional computer learning laboratory.     

Neuropsychology and psychopathology: A progress report

This paper summarizes and discusses the contributions of neuropsychological assessment to various forms of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed upon studies done with the Halstead-Reitan battery and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, but studies done with other neuropsychological test procedures are also reviewed. The conclusions reached are that neuropsychological tests are sensitive to functional regional brain disorganization in psychopathology, and that they are useful in the diagnostic process for a number of disorders including schizophrenia, psychopathy, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.     

Extraversion and psychopathology: A multilevel hierarchical review

We examine relations between extraversion and psychopathology, using a four-level hierarchical structure in which the general domain is divided into two aspects (Communal Extraversion, Agentic Extraversion), four consensual facets (Sociability, Liveliness, Venturesomeness, Dominance), and six NEO facets (Gregariousness, Warmth, Positive Emotions, Activity, Excitement-Seeking, Assertiveness). Our review indicates that extraversion’s negative correlations with depression primarily reflect the aspect of Communal Extraversion, the consensual facet of Liveliness, and NEO Positive Emotions. Its negative associations with social dysfunction largely are due to the aspect of Communal Extraversion, the consensual facet of Sociability, and NEO Warmth, Gregariousness, and Positive Emotions. Finally, externalizing and mania are positively related to the aspect of Agentic Extraversion, the consensual facets of Venturesomeness and Dominance, and NEO Excitement-Seeking.     

Need associations and psychopathology.

The 1960 Picture Identification Test (PIT) provides association scores for 210 need dyads derived from 21 Murray needs. Association scores for 16 clinical-control group pairs were analyzed for differences by t test. The clinical groups represented schizophrenic, neurotic, sex disturbance, and behavior disorder categories. Assertive needs produced the largest number od dyads which discriminated (p less than .05) clinical and control groups. Schizophrenic groups had the largest number of differences from normal controls. Schizophrenics tended to under-associate pairs of Assertive needs, as compared to normals, whereas other groups tended to over-associate these needs. Clinical groups in general over-associated 379 need dyads and under-associated 99 dyads (p less than .05). These results suggest that the frustations of maladjusted people, with regard to need association, are most generally related to insuficient conceptual differentiation of needs.     

Modeling the symptoms of psychopathology: A pluralistic approach

Our understanding of mental disorders has traditionally focused on syndromes and symptom clusters rather than on the nature of the symptom and signs themselves. Using a core symptom of depression, anhedonia, as an extended example, this paper illustrates how the development of multiple models of symptoms, at various scales of analysis, may advance the explanation and classification of mental disorders. We begin by outlining the Phenomena Detection Method (PDM), which links different phases of the inquiry process to provide a methodology for conceptualizing the symptoms of psychopathology and for constructing multi-level models of the pathological processes that comprise them. Next, we apply the PDM to anhedonia, building a compositional explanation of this core symptom by way of multiple models across four scales (levels): molecular, neural, cognitive, and phenomenological. Finally, we evaluate our approach in comparison to existing strategies for understanding mental disorders.     

Thought suppression and psychopathology.

Wegner's seminal investigations of effects of thought suppression on later thought frequency have had a significant impact on recent approaches to understanding emotional disorders characterized by the occurrence of persistent, repetitive, unwanted thoughts. Thought suppression has now been implicated as a etiological and/or maintaining factor in depression, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These developments are fairly new, and it has not been until recently that studies have investigated the effects of suppressing thoughts that are actually analogous to problematic thoughts characteristic of emotional disorder. This paper provides a review of this body of work, including the findings and their relevance for existing models of specific disorders. Directions for future research are suggested.     

Diathesis-stress models of psychopathology: A quantitative genetic perspective

When genetics is considered in diathesis-stress models of psychopathology, it is often assumed that heredity provides the diathesis and environmental factors are responsible for the stressor. We discuss two quantitative genetic models relevant to the diathesis-stress construct. One model focuses on genotype-environment interaction, which is the usual way in which genetic influence is represented in diathesis-stress models. A second model—genotype-environment correlation—provides an alternative that represents both genetic and environmental influences relevant to the development of psychopathology. Implications of these models for clinical research are discussed.