Functional anatomy of the null hypothesis and of tests of it

The author compared simulations of the "true" null hypothesis (zeta) test, in which sigma was known and fixed, with the t test, in which s, an estimate of sigma, was calculated from the sample because the t test was used to emulate the "true" test. The true null hypothesis test bears exclusively on calculating the probability that a sample distance (mean) is larger than a specified value. The results showed that the value of t was sensitive to sampling fluctuations in both distance and standard error. Large values of t reflect small standard errors when n is small. The value of t achieves sensitivity primarily to distance only when the sample sizes are large. One cannot make a definitive statement about the probability or "significance" of a distance solely on the basis of the value of t.     

Opportunities of online analysis1

The question of whether tele-analysis is an acceptable way of conducting analysis has been discussed since it has become available. Merchant (2016) and others concluded that ‘the essentials of a genuine analytic process are not necessarily precluded’ (p. 1). In this paper, the author goes a step further and examines potential advantages of tele-analysis. There may be benefits for patients with a history of physical or sexual abuse who value the distance. The potential for a ‘safe place’ for work with erotic transference is also examined. In a further section the author is interested in allowing the analyst the freedom to practise in an authentic way, congruent with their personality. Also explored is the concept of the interactive field including the technological medium, which is subject to synchronistic events. Finally, the author gives examples of a deep connection between patient and analyst which came about despite the physical distance.     

The rise and (surprisingly rapid) fall of psycholinguistics

Psycholinguistics re-emerged in an almost explosive fashion during the 1950s and 1960s. It then underwent an equally abrupt decline as an independent sub-discipline. This paper charts this fall and identifies five general factors which, it is argued, were responsible for its demise. These are: (a) an uncompromisingly strong version of nativism; (b) a growing isolation of psycholinguistics from the body psychology; (c) a preference for formal theory over empirical data; (d) several abrupt modifications in the Standard Theory in linguistics; and (e) a failure to appreciate the strong commitment to functionalism that characterizes experimental psychology. In short, what looked like a revolution two decades ago turned out to be merely a local reformation that occurred along side of and largely independent from the real revolution in the cognitive sciences.     

The role of visual interference in producing the long-term modality effect

Typically, recall of the last of a list of auditory items greatly exceeds recall of the last of a list of visual items. This modality effect has been found in serial recall, free recall, and recall using the distractor paradigm in which each to-be-remembered item is preceded and followed by distractor activity. One source of the auditory advantage may be visual interference that reduces recall of visual stimuli. In three experiments, sources of visual interference were minimized. Although this manipulation reduced the modality effect, it did not eliminate the effect.     

Sex,sin, and the church: The dilemma of homosexuality

A parallel is suggested between the way blacks have been treated in this country with the way some people view homosexuality. A critique of the origins of the homosexuality taboo and of the argument that homosexual persons are uniquely pathological follows. Though the Judeo-Christian tradition seems to have played a negative role in the past, the contemporary church, in concert with other institutions, can generate a moral force to help overcome homophobia.This paper is based on a presentation to the annual meeting of the Association for the Scientific Study of Religion: Southwest, Dallas, Texas, March 1986.     

What Price Attractiveness? Stereotype and Risk Factors in Suntanning Behavior

Two experiments examined stereotype and risk factors in suntanning. In the first, subjects formed more positive impressions of a target described as having a suntan than of a control target. Ratings were not as positive, however, if the tan was portrayed as having been intentionally sought. A negative facet to the tan stereotype, in terms of perceived vanity, was also observed. In the second, subjects observed a videotape documenting the risks associated with sun exposure either before or after responding to a questionnaire dealing with attitudes and beliefs about suntanning. The results were consistent with the interpretation that the tape influenced observers in the direction of perceiving a tan as less attractive and enhancing their concern about the dangers of tanning. Subjects displayed the "optimistic bias" effect (Weinstein, 1980) in their estimated likelihood of getting skin cancer. While those with higher reported tan levels were more likely to endorse the attractiveness stereotype associated with a suntan, there was minimal evidence that these individuals were apprehensive or concerned about the risk factors. Their responses to a number of items suggested a measure of resistance or denial. Women generally indicated greater awareness and concern about risks than did men. The results of both studies suggest the important role played by images perceived to be associated with suntanning. In the context of mounting evidence regarding the carcinogenic properties of sun exposure, implications for changes in tanning behavior were considered.