Eye-tracking the cancellation and focus model for preference judgments

By means of a relatively new eye-tracking method that allows for a test situation much closer to reality, we recorded and examined gaze time and fixation number within the cancellation and focus paradigm, a feature-matching model for preference judgments between two alternatives. In line with the cancellation and focus model we found that when subjects encountered the second option in each pair, shared features were canceled out and thus given less consideration whereas unique features were focused on more. We also investigated the role of feature attractiveness as a second important factor in preference judgments and found a U-shaped relationship between attractiveness and visual consideration intensity; that is, attractive and unattractive features received more attention than did those of intermediate attractiveness. Finally, we tested the ability of two models, Franklin’s rule and the WReSt (Weighted Recalled Stepwise Comparing) heuristic, to predict the preference ratings.     

Matters of Interest: The Objects of Research in Science and Technoscience

This discussion paper proposes that a meaningful distinction between science and technoscience can be found at the level of the objects of research. Both notions intermingle in the attitudes, intentions, programs and projects of researchers and research institutions—that is, on the side of the subjects of research. But the difference between science and technoscience becomes more explicit when research results are presented in particular settings and when the objects of research are exhibited for the specific interest they hold. When an experiment is presented as scientific evidence which confirms or disconfirms a hypothesis, this agrees with traditional conceptions of science. When organic molecules are presented for their capacity to serve individually as electric wires that carry surprisingly large currents, this would be a hallmark of technoscience. Accordingly, we propose research on the ontology of research objects. The focus on the character and significance of research objects makes this a specifically philosophical project.     

Toward More Effective Stakeholder Dialogue: Applying Theories of Negotiation to Policy and Program Evaluation1

Borrowing from the negotiation literature, we tested 2 factors that might improve stakeholder dialogue in program and policy evaluation. Undergraduate stakeholders (61 pairs) engaged in dialogue about their universities' alcohol policies. Pairs were randomly assigned to levels of accountability audience and dialogue structure. The audience for the videotaped dialogue was described as holding either (a) views about the policy similar to the participant's, consistent across audience members (homogeneous), or (b) mixed views, on both sides of the issue (heterogeneous). Pairs approached the dialogue with either (a) problem‐solving goals or (b) no particular strategy. Dyads accountable to a heterogeneous audience and given problem‐solving instructions exhibited the most effective dialogue. Accountability to a heterogeneous audience facilitated satisfaction with and optimism about dialogue. Accountability to homogeneous audiences and adopting no particular strategy yielded the least positive perceptions of dialogue. Implications for stakeholder dialogue, and for the role of social psychology in evaluation are discussed.     

Les remèdes du droit aux souffrances de la personne malade

Can law eliminate suffering? For a long time, the suffering has been only compensated. Indeed, the compensation of the physical and moral sufferings was allowed. But can law remove suffering? In fact, the French national law provides humans and technical means so as to eliminate pains. Now the law states that people's suffering justifies medical care and treatments.     

Monitoring syllable boundaries during speech production

This study investigated the encoding of syllable boundary information during speech production in Dutch. Based on Levelt's model of phonological encoding, we hypothesized segments and syllable boundaries to be encoded in an incremental way. In a self-monitoring experiment, decisions about the syllable affiliation (first or second syllable) of a pre-specified consonant, which was the third phoneme in a word, were required (e.g., ka.No 'canoe' vs. kaN.sel 'pulpit'; capital letters indicate pivotal consonants, dots mark syllable boundaries). First syllable responses were faster than second syllable responses, indicating the incremental nature of segmental encoding and syllabification during speech production planning. The results of the experiment are discussed in the context of Levelt's model of phonological encoding.     

Three stress groups on their stressors and reactions to stressors in five studies

A comparison of means and SDs for responses from three stress groups on the Student-life Stress Inventory in five studies over 13 years.     

Who chooses a pSTEM academic major? Using social psychology to predict selection and persistence over the freshman year

Many social psychological variables, in addition to knowledge-based factors such as academic preparedness, have been investigated individually as sources of the persistent gender gap in pSTEM (physical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The present work tested all of these factors simultaneously and longitudinally, in a sample drawn from an incoming freshman class measured at three timepoints over the course of their first year. One thousand nine hundred and twenty-nine students completed a survey with items assessing eleven social psychological constructs and were asked for permission to obtain institutional data regarding their academic preparedness and choice of academic major before matriculation, after the first semester, and at the end of freshman year. These social psychological and academic variables were used to predict pSTEM major status. Across multiple timepoints, and over and above academic preparedness, greater Math and Science Self-Efficacy, rejection of the stereotype that scientist careers are unsociable in nature, having a pSTEM role model in high school, and lower endorsement of communal goals were consistently related to the selection of a pSTEM major. Students who endorsed entity theories of math and science abilities were also less likely to select a pSTEM over life and social sciences major. As a set, the factors accounted for roughly half of the gender difference in pSTEM major selection. Interventions aimed at reducing the gender gap in pSTEM major selection might do well to focus on these more psychological factors as well as academic ones.     

Relations of Neuroticism and Attentional Control with Symptoms of Anxiety and Aggression in Non-Clinical Children

The present study examined the associations between neuroticism and attentional control and the occurrence of symptoms of psychopathology in children. A large sample of non-clinical children aged 9 to 17 years (N = 409) completed questionnaires measuring neuroticism, attentional control, and symptoms of anxiety and aggression. Results demonstrated that neuroticism was positively associated with symptoms of anxiety and aggression, whereas attentional control was negatively linked to such symptoms. Regression analyses showed that both neuroticism and attentional control accounted for an independent and significant proportion of the variance in children’s anxiety and aggression symptoms. Further, tentative support was found for the notion that neuroticism and attentional control have an interactive effect on symptoms of anxiety and aggression. Results did not show that age had an influence on the emergence of this interaction.