Parallel and competitive processes in hierarchical analysis: perceptual grouping and encoding of closure.

The role of perceptual grouping and the encoding of closure of local elements in the processing of hierarchical patterns was studied. Experiments 1 and 2 showed a global advantage over the local level for 2 tasks involving the discrimination of orientation and closure, but there was a local advantage for the closure discrimination task relative to the orientation discrimination task. Experiment 3 showed a local precedence effect for the closure discrimination task when local element grouping was weakened by embedding the stimuli from Experiment 1 in a background made up of cross patterns. Experiments 4A and 4B found that dissimilarity of closure between the local elements of hierarchical stimuli and the background figures could facilitate the grouping of closed local elements and enhanced the perception of global structure. Experiment 5 showed that the advantage for detecting the closure of local elements in hierarchical analysis also held under divided- and selective-attention conditions. Results are consistent with the idea that grouping between local elements takes place in parallel and competes with the computation of closure of local elements in determining the selection between global and local levels of hierarchical patterns for response.     

HMMTree: A computer program for latent-class hierarchical multinomial processing tree models

Latent-class hierarchical multinomial models are an important extension of the widely used family of multinomial processing tree models, in that they allow for testing the parameter homogeneity assumption and provide a framework for modeling parameter heterogeneity. In this article, the computer program HMMTree is introduced as a means of implementing latent-class hierarchical multinomial processing tree models. HMMTree computes parameter estimates, confidence intervals, and goodness-of-fit statistics for such models, as well as the Fisher information, expected category means and variances, and posterior probabilities for class membership. A brief guide to using the program is provided.     

SIMSTAT: Bootstrap computer simulation and statistical program for IBM personal computers

SIMSTAT is a computer program that provides bootstrap confidence intervals and estimates distribution parameters for 27 univariate and bivariate statistics. Because it permits variation of the bootstrap sample size, it is a convenient tool for research planning, allowing comparison of power estimates and estimator precision for various estimators and/or sample sizes. SIMSTAT also is a useful tool for studying the robustness of various statistics on real-world data and may be helpful in teaching statistical principles.     

The Rev.: An IBM BASIC program for Bayesian test interpretation

The Rev. is a BASIC computer program for IBM-PC-compatible systems that provides Bayesian estimates of “true” scores from multiple scores measuring the same construct. Psychological reports often include test scores from earlier evaluations without objectively incorporating them into current findings. Using Thorndike’s formulas for objectively combining test scores while providing estimates with reduced standard errors, the Rev. is an interactive program that facilitates test interpretation by combining information from many test administrations. The user provides four easily obtainable pieces of information for each test administration. The output includes an estimated “true” score and the standard error of the estimate.     

Interfacing Apple and IBM computers for the analysis of clinical biofeedback

This paper demonstrates a method of transferring research data from a remote clinic to a large university mainframe for data manipulation and statistical analysis. Data collected by an Apple //e computer were transferred to an IBM 3031 mainframe by sending data files to an IBM PC by telephone modem or by direct hardwire connection to the PC. The IMB PC performed data-formatting routines and then uploaded the files to the mainframe for storage. Advantages and disadvantages of sending data over telephone lines via a modem are discussed.     

A general experiment programming system for the IBM 1800

A system is described that meets some user requirements of programming ease, general applicability, and simultaneous multiple S and laboratory operation. The system is based on an extremely flexible time-sharing real-time monitor and a user-level task-oriented programming language which together free the user from all multiple S bookkeeping programming. The conceptually simple language consists of simple commands for operations at the level of experimental procedure, such as displaying stimuli, collecting and timing responses, providing time delays, and recording data. Other commands support string manipulation, arithmetic, and disk I/O. The system is programmed only for the IBM 1800; however, it represents a successful approach to laboratory computerization.     

Computer program for standardization of curriculum-based probes

This computer program will compute standard scores with any desired mean and standard deviation. The program requires the user to enter the raw scores of each member of the sample to be standardized. The program accepts input from the computer keyboard, stores data in files on a floppy disk, and produces output on the printer.     

MINI-CPT: A continuous performance test program for the Tandy PC-8 Pocket Computer

MINI-CPT programs the miniature PC-8 computer (2K RAM) to administer a continuous performance test. After training to criterion, MINI-CPT presents a randomized series of 360 stimuli at 1-sec intervals. Upon completion of the 6-min task, statistics including reaction time (RT) mean, standard deviation, and distribution; errors of omission and commission; a percent correct score adjusted for response bias; and RTs for each of the 90 targets are displayed or printed via a PC-3 printer. User options include selecting immediate RT feedback, limiting the task to 3 min, and designating the randomization seed to generate replicable stimulus sequences. MINI-CPT provides a portable, inexpensive measure of attention suitable for use in field research in attentional-deficit disorders, circadian rhythm disturbances due to shift work or jet lag, and, in neuropsychological rehabilitation, as a directed-attention training device with immediate feedback.     

A psychometric analysis of the Personal Attributes Questionnaire

The psychometric properties of the Personal Attributes Questionnaire were examined in independent samples of male and female high school students, college students, and adults. In each of the six samples a two-factor structure (masculinity/instrumentality and femininity/expressivity) paralleling the empirically derived scales was found. Additional factor analyses of negative masculine and feminine traits were reported. Discriminant analyses revealed highly significant differentiation between the sexes. The reliabilities (Cronbach alpha) of the unit-weighted scales in each sample were also satisfactory.Support for this research was provided by NASA Grant NSG 2065 (Robert L. Helmreich, Principal Investigator) and NSF Grant BNS 78-08911 (Janet T. Spence and Robert L. Helmreich, Principal Investigators). The article was prepared while the second author was a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, with support from the Spencer Foundation, NIMH Grant 5T32MH14581-03, and the University of Texas Research Institute.