Simple matrix methods for analyzing diffusion models of choice probability, choice response time, and simple response time

Diffusion processes (e.g., Wiener process, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process) are powerful approaches to model human information processes in a variety of psychological tasks. Lack of mathematical tractability, however, has prevented broad applications of these models to empirical data. This tutorial explains step by step, using a matrix approach, how to construct these models, how to implement them on a computer, and how to calculate the predictions made by these models. In particular, we present models for binaries choices for unidimensional and multiattribute choice alternatives; for simple reaction time tasks; and for three alternatives choice problems.     

Clarification of the dual task dilemma: Lateralized effects for perfunctory and purposeful tasks in left- and right-handed males

The hypothesis that behavioral asymmetries with the dual task paradigm represent manual dominance was investigated with right- and left-handed males performing verbal and spatial tasks ordered by complexity. Lateralization was assessed for nonideational (perfunctory) and ideational (purposeful) components of tasks with multivariate and ANCOVA procedures. The outcomes of prerequisite tests showed the assumptions for conducting ANCOVA procedures were not satisfied with different handedness groups in the same design. However, results of the multivariate analyses suggest lateralized effects are more likely to represent the cognitive task when interference is high and may represent manual dominance when interference is low.     

Relationships between academic intrinsic motivation and anxiety in children and young adolescents

To test the hypothesis that academic intrinsic motivation and anxiety are negatively related when both are differentiated into academic subject areas, two self-report inventories measuring academic intrinsic motivation and anxiety were administered to fourth and seventh graders. Each inventory was differentiated into the subject areas of reading, math, social studies, and science to determine whether the relationship between academic intrinsic motivation and anxiety would vary according to subject area. The results supported the hypothesis and showed that the relationship is differentiated according to subject area. Fourth and seventh graders differed in the pattern of relationships. For seventh graders, negative correlations between academic intrinsic motivation and anxiety occurred only within corresponding subject areas, while for fourth graders the negative correlations occurred both within corresponding and between noncorresponding subject areas. Implications for assessment and school intervention are advanced.