A user-interactive graphics-based computer system for analysis of the EEG

Computer technology provides a powerful high-resolution tool for the analysis and understanding of the electroencephalogram (EEG). A system of user-interactive graphics-based computer programs analyzing the power spectral density (PSD), coherence, and phase-angle relationships of the EEG is described, along with the mathematical algorithms used. The analytic variables inherent in coherence analysis are reviewed. These variables include choices of sampling parameters, auto- and cross-spectral algorithms, smoothing techniques, and use of the γ²(f) or γ(f) value for coherence. These variables in the analysis itself have a net interactive effect on the calculated results that often makes comparability of data across studies impossible. Thus, it is proposed that studies include a graph showing the authors’ derived coherence values for a set of standard test signals to enhance scientific communication.     

Clinician's molar and molecular stuttering analyses of expanded and nonexpanded speech

Twenty speech pathologists measured total words and completed molar and molecular stuttering analyses from audio-recorded contrived samples of stuttered speech. Each subject completed a criterion referenced test prior to performing the experimental tasks. Analyses were performed under two conditions: Condition I consisted of samples presented at 100 wpm as recorded (nonexpanded); Condition II consisted of parallel samples recorded at 100 wpm as recorded (nonexpanded condition); Condition II consisted of parallel samples recorded at 100 wpm but presented at 59 wpm via a speech time expander. Results indicate that presentation of expanded samples (Condition II) significantly increased subject accuracy for the specific disfluency form-types word repetitions and part-word repetitions. Similar trends were noted for sound prolongations and hard contacts. Theoretical, experimental, and clinical implications are offered.     

THE RELATIONSHIP OF ‘EXCHANGE-ORIENTATION’ AND ‘COMMITMENT’ SCALES TO MARRIAGE ADJUSTMENT*

Believing that “exchange” and “commitment” are basic dimensions associated with marriage adjustment (MA), scales measuring these three dimensions were administered to 40 married couples. Exchange was predicted to be negatively correlated with MA, commitment positively associated with it, and an individual's exchange and commitment qualities were predicted to affect his partner's MA. The hypotheses were all supported. Further analyses, however, revealed that husbands' MA was more strongly associated with their own exchange and commitment scores than those of their wives. However, wives' MA was equally associated with their own and their husbands' exchange and commitment scores. The implications of this finding for women's position in marriage are discussed.     

Lateralization in haptic processing: An apparatus for analyzing manual strategies

We describe an apparatus for testing laterality in haptic processing in the discrimination of nonsense shapes in humans or monkeys. The system, which permits either mono- or dichhaptic discrimination, automatically provides data on the measurement of accuracy along with information on hand exploratory strategies.     

Software for the generation and display of random-dot cinematograms on the Macintosh computer

The software packageDotMovie 1.3.8 was designed to create and display dynamic random-dot cinematograms for studies of motion perception on Macintosh II microcomputers. In each frame of the cinematogram, some dots move in random uncorrelated directions, while other dots move with constant speed in one direction. As the relative number of dots moving in a correlated direction increases, the observer sees flow in the direction of the movement. The software described facilitates the creation of random-dot cinematograms, their presentation, and collection of data from subjects’ responses.     

The role of religion in coping with childhood cancer

The role of religion in the crisis of childhood cancer was explored through interviews with 265 members of 118 families that had a child with cancer. Measures of family and patient religiosity were related to a broad spectrum of parental and patient perceptions and activities. Evidence was obtained that the religion related positively to familial support of the patient and efforts to keep school performance at pre-illness levels. There were signs of a narrowing of the family's social field while relationships with close friends were strengthened. Religion appeared to act as a protective-defensive system that motivated efforts by family members to cope constructively with the crisis of illness.This work is based on data from National Cancer Institute Project 212-46-1061, principal investigator, William J. Zwartjes, M.D.     

The psychiatrist

This short story concerns a court-appointed psychiatrist who must evaluate the sanity of a young woman who killed her eight-month-old daughter. The woman tells of her pain and helplessness at being unable to comfort her infant daughter, who speaks of her own mortality with terrible dread! The story attempts to convey something of the experience of the professional working on the borderline of the real and the unreal, the possible and the impossible, tragedy and absurdity and having to make decisions that have major life consequences.