Children's Road Crossing: A Window Into Perceptual–Motor Development

ABSTRACT— Most research on perceptual–motor development has focused on changes occurring during infancy and toddlerhood. In this paper, we describe our work on the development of perceptual–motor development during late childhood and early adolescence in the context of an important applied problem: bicycling across traffic-filled roads. Specifically, we have examined the gaps between cars that children and adults accept when bicycling across intersections, using an immersive, interactive bicycling simulator. This work highlights both methodological advances in using immersive, interactive virtual environments to study perceptual–motor functioning as well as theoretical advances in understanding the problem of moving the self in relation to other moving objects. We conclude with ideas for future research and practical implications of this work.     

Multiple regression analyses in artificial-grammar learning: the importance of control groups

In artificial-grammar learning, it is crucial to ensure that above-chance performance in the test stage is due to learning in the training stage but not due to judgemental biases. Here we argue that multiple regression analysis can be successfully combined with the use of control groups to assess whether participants were able to transfer knowledge acquired during training when making judgements about test stimuli. We compared the regression weights of judgements in a transfer condition (training and test strings were constructed by the same grammar but with different letters) with those in a control condition. Predictors were identical in both conditions-judgements of control participants were treated as if they were based on knowledge gained in a standard training stage. The results of this experiment as well as reanalyses of a former study support the usefulness of our approach.     

Reactions to and Desire for Prognostic Testing in Choroidal Melanoma Patients

To determine if choroidal melanoma patients want cytogenetic prognostic information. Ninety-nine choroidal melanoma patients completed a questionnaire regarding their opinions about receiving prognostic information. The perceived usefulness of prognostic information was evaluated in patients who had undergone cytogenetic testing. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, and interest in supportive counseling during test receipt were assessed. Ninety-seven percent of respondents reported that they would have wanted prognostic information at the time of their treatment and 98% of respondents reported that supportive counseling should be offered when prognostic information is given. Patients who had received a more favorable prognostic result were more likely to endorse the usefulness of cytogenetic testing than were patients who had received a less favorable prognostic result. Psychological status did not vary significantly as a function of cytogenetic test result. Prognostic information was important to patients with choroidal melanoma, even in the absence of prophylactic measures which might improve prognosis.     

Responding under time pressure: Testing two animal learning models and a model of visual categorization

Two experiments are reported, which employed a Pavlovian eyelid conditioning procedure with human participants. The experiments tested the predictions of three models of the time-course of processing under time pressure. These were the extended generalized context model (Lamberts, 1998), and two variants of the Rescorla-Wagner model (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972), which were activated in cascade mode. Reinforcement schedules in the experiments were equivalent either to an AND rule or to an XOR rule. The time available for processing the conditioned stimulus and initiating a conditioned response was manipulated by varying the interval from the onset of the conditioned stimulus to the onset of the unconditioned stimulus. The results were in accord with the predictions of one of the two variants of the Rescorla-Wagner model.     

Covariance structure analysis in experimental research: Comparing two word translation models

Covariance structure analysis is a statistical technique in which a theoretical model, or a covariance structure, is constructed, and the covariances predicted by the theoretical model are compared with those of the observed data. The adequacy of the model in reproducing the sample covariances is reflected by estimates of the parameters of the model and measures indicating the goodness of fit. Covariance structure analysis is frequently used for analyzing data obtained in nonexperimental or quasiexperimental research, but is seldom employed in experimental research. In this paper, the applicability of this technique in experimental research is discussed and illustrated by covariance structure analysis studies in which two models for word translation—the symmetrical model and the asymmetrical model—are described, refined, and contrasted.     

A Note on Justice,Care, and Immigration Policy

Should a “caring” immigration policy give special treatment to would-be immigrants who are near neighbors? It is argued that, while those on our borders requesting entry have some special claim, it should not drown out the claims of more distant applicants for citizenship.     

The Crisis of Narrative in Contemporary Culture

This article explores the crisis of narrative in contemporary culture. It begins by examining the challenge represented by the mass media for the continuing art of storytelling. Taking up Walter Benjamin's warning that we are moving from an age of narrative experience to an age of instant information, it analyses the implications of the post-modern 'cult of simulation' for education, historiography and ethics. The paper concludes by advocating a critical hermeneutic approach as the most apt response to this contemporary dilemma. Only by means of such hermeneutic retrieval, inspired by the work of Ricoeur and Gadamer, can we avoid the current reduction of temporal experience to a 'depthless present' without past or future, thereby reaffirming the crucial narrative dimensions of historical memory and hope.