Slope of regard as a distance cue

It is proposed that some distance cues are learned when a perceptual parameter that varies with observation distance is regularly associated with objects whose distances are perceived because another distance cue operates. If that is the way distance cues can come into existence, it may be possible to identify a parameter that varies with distance but is not a known distance cue and to show that it functions as one. The slope of regard with which an object on the ground is viewed is such a potential distance cue. Its angle varies approximately with the reciprocal of distance. An experiment was done that showed that this slope angle functions as a distance cue. Subjects who looked through a device that altered slope angles gave estimates of the dimensions of an object on the ground. Perceived sizes, which vary inversely with distance, were found to be altered in accordance with the altered slope angle.     

Improved real-time control on the apple by mimicking an on-board 60-Hz clock

By delivering the vertical synch pulse to the maskable interrupt, it is possible to supply the Apple with a functional on-board 60-Hz clock that operates virtually independently of the CPU. This modification makes it easier to program more complex experiments involving independent control over stimulus exposure duration and the timing of response latency.     

A software system for real-time control of psychological experiments

This paper describes an all-purpose experimental system, “APES,” for use in a microprocessor-controlled behavioral pharmacology laboratory. APES is an assembly language program that can run on any of the DEC PDP-11 family processors under an RT-11 single-job operating system. Its main purpose is the real-time control of psychological experimentation. The capabilities of the system are: (1) system generation of all operant or Pavlovian conditioning paradigms, (2) collection and storage of both behavioral and physiological data in a machine-readable format for later statistical analysis, and (3) operation that can be accomplished by individuals who have no computer programming experience.     

Self-directed career exploration: A comparison of CHOICES and the Self-Directed Search

This study compared student satisfaction ratings for CHOICES, an interactive computer-based career guidance program, and the Self-Directed Search,a pencil-and-paper career planning guide. During the first testing session, subjects (N = 75) completed a biographical data sheet and were alternately assigned to either the CHOICES or the SDS treatment. Later, each subject completed the other treatment and two research instruments designed to assess their reactions to both treatments. Results indicated a user preference for CHOICES over the SDS, although both programs received positive ratings. The findings were discussed in terms of user reactions to career guidance programs and the selection of the most cost-effective treatment.     

The missionary syndrome

Early sexual explorations of children that are of a traumatic nature are often labeled by the child as bad or wrong and subsequently repressed. The guilt that results from the labeling may be intensified at a later date by some other similar incident, and at this time the person may make a binding commitment or promise to God to serve Him in some dutiful way. If, at a later date, these plans to serve God cannot be realized, depression, phobias, or conversion symptomatology may occur, which we have referred to as the Missionary Syndrome.Ray O. Sexton, M.D., is a psychiatrist in private practice in Memphis, TennesseeWith Dr. Sexton, he maintains a private practice in Memphis, Tennessee.