Investigating the Links Between Cultural Values and Belief in Conspiracy Theories: The Key Roles of Collectivism and Masculinity

Research suggests that belief in conspiracy theories (CT) stems from basic psychological mechanisms and is linked to other belief systems (e.g., religious beliefs). While previous research has extensively examined individual and contextual variables associated with CT beliefs, it has not yet investigated the role of culture. In the current research, we tested, based on a situated cultural cognition perspective, the extent to which culture predicts CT beliefs. Using Hofstede's model of cultural values, three nation-level analyses of data from 25, 19, and 18 countries using different measures of CT beliefs (Study 1, N = 5323; Study 2a, N = 12,255; Study 2b, N = 30,994) revealed positive associations between masculinity, collectivism, and CT beliefs. A cross-sectional study among U.S. citizens (Study 3, N = 350), using individual-level measures of Hofstede's values, replicated these findings. A meta-analysis of correlations across studies corroborated the presence of positive links between CT beliefs, collectivism, r = .31, 95% CI = [.15; .47], and masculinity, r = .39, 95% CI = [.18; .59]. Our results suggest that in addition to individual differences and contextual variables, cultural factors also play an important role in shaping CT beliefs.     

Visual analysis of changes of motion in reaction-time tasks

Subjects observed a random-dot pattern moving uniformly in the vertical direction (vector V1). The motion vector abruptly changed to V2, both in speed and direction simultaneously. It was found that the time of simple reaction to such changes V1 --> V2 can be described by a function of a single variable, [w(V1 - V2c) + (1 - w) V2N], 0 < w < 0.5, where V2c and V2N are the components of V2 collinear with and normal to V1. The choice-reaction time for changes in direction that are accompanied by changes in speed can be described by a function solely of the absolute value of V2N. Unlike the simple-reaction time, the choice-reaction time was independent of the initial speed of motion. The processes that may be engaged in simple and choice reactions to motion are discussed.     

Visual short-term memory: Central capacity limitations in short-term consolidation

We investigated whether there are central capacity limitations on consolidating information in visual short-term memory (VSTM). Subjects performed a visual memory task (deciding if two displays were the same or different) and a speeded tone pitch discrimination. When the tasks were performed concurrently, interference was observed in both tasks, suggesting that VSTM consolidation requires central resources. The cost of consolidating information in VSTM (as indexed by tone task performance) did not change as the number of to-be-consolidated items was increased, in contrast to previous work that used verbal materials (Jolic?ur & Dell'Acqua, 1998 Jolic?ur, P. and Dell'Acqua, R. 1998. The demonstration of short-term consolidation. Cognitive Psychology, 36: 138–202. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Results from Experiments 2 and 3 suggest that this apparent difference reflected a contribution from verbal coding in previous studies. Experiments 1 and 4 provided evidence that the capacity limitations had a central locus and were not merely due to preparing for a secondary task.     

Developing clinical effectiveness in psychotherapy training: Action research

This study is an evaluation of a new approach to clinical training in Transactional Analysis using the methodology of action research. The evaluation focuses on the second year of training and placement‐based clinical practice at the Metanoia Institute, UK. The design of the training year was research‐based and used the concept of an ‘internship’ year. The design aimed to close the gaps between clinical practice, supervision and formal training; facilitate translation of theory into practice; and integrate findings from the ‘common factors’ research into effectiveness of psychotherapy. Training and supervision methods were linked and focused on emerging issues in clinical practice and the development of students’ capacity for critical reflection and a research attitude to practice. The evaluation was a naturalistic study which used quantitative and qualitative methodology within the action research framework to reflect on the impact of the training on the participants, the organisation and the clinical practice. The quantitative outcomes show that the project developed the effectiveness of students’ clinical practice and reflexivity. Qualitative analysis gives insight into the experiences of the participants and the emotional impact of the research process.     

Congruency-induced blindness: a cost-benefit analysis

Targets are identified more accurately when they are presented during an incongruent response (e.g., a left-pointing arrowhead presented during a right key press) than during a congruent response (e.g., a left-pointing arrowhead presented during a left key press). This effect, referred to here as congruency-induced blindness, has been hypothesised to result from the occupation of feature codes. According to the code occupation hypothesis (Behav. Brain Sci.; J. Experim. Psychol.: Human Percept. Perform.; Vis. Cogn., in press), only costs of congruency between features of a planned or executed action and a to-be-perceived target should be observed; neither costs nor benefits of incongruency are predicted by this account. In the present study, we investigated costs and benefits in identifying left and right targets directly by manipulating neutral response type and the symbols used to cue the neutral response, which produced four neutral conditions. Three important results emerged: (1). a significant main effect of RSI (suggesting that increasing temporal overlap between a planned action and target presentation interferes with perceptual reports of the target), (2). a significant main effect of congruency (showing that impairment is code-specific), and (3). clear-cut costs with little evidence for benefits. Other complex patterns of results provided additional information relevant for extant theories of perception-action interactions.     

Avatar‐based counselling for young people within school counselling. Qualitative analysis of client experience

Background

This study is a qualitative analysis of clients’ experiences of a new avatar based counselling intervention, based on the ‘ProReal’ software ( www.proreal.world ). The intervention was piloted in eight secondary schools in the UK in 2016.

Aims

Twenty‐nine participants (53% of the full sample) were interviewed about their use of the software, experience of the intervention, process of change and views about its helpfulness.

Materials and Methods

Interviews were semi‐structured and were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis shows that the intervention was potentially attractive to these clients, particularly those enthusiastic about digital software and clients who found visual communication helpful. The software provided additional opportunities for clients to communicate their inner worlds to the counsellor and supported the development of insight. Male clients, in particular, commented on its helpfulness.

Discussion

There is an indication that digital imagery supported the process of change in counselling and the development of meaning bridges: both internally and with the counsellor (Stiles, 2011; Stiles et al., 1990). However, the software could be experienced as an obstacle when clients wanted to talk about specific problems or ‘vent’ their feelings. All clients who reported that they did not find the software helpful were female. There were a number of suggestions about developing the software to increase opportunities for expression as well as appropriateness for clients from different minority ethnic backgrounds.

Conclusion

Use of digital software in counselling has a potential to enhance communication and support a process of change, particularly with male clients, those who find visual communication helpful, and clients enthusiastic about digital technology. Further research is needed to develop the intervention and compare it to the use of other creative media in counselling.     

Spiritual advisors and old age psychiatry in the United Kingdom

This survey investigates the role and views of NHS spiritual advisors across the United Kingdom on the provision of pastoral care for elderly people with mental health needs. The College of Health Care Chaplains provided a database, and questionnaires were sent to 405 registered NHS chaplains/spiritual advisors. The response rate was 59%. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out. Spiritual advisors describe their working patterns and understanding of their roles within the modern NHS, and their observations of the level of NHS staff awareness of the importance of spiritual issues in the mental health care of older adults. They provide insights into possible negative and positive perceptions of their roles at a service level, and contribute suggestions of topics relevant to shared education between pastoral care and clinical services. This survey further highlights ethical and operational dimensions at the point of integration of the work of spiritual advisors and multidisciplinary teams.     

Consolidation of multifeature items in visual working memory: Central capacity requirements for visual consolidation

In the present study, we examined whether greater attentional resources are required for consolidating two features (e.g., color and orientation) than for consolidating one feature (e.g., color) in visual working memory (WM). We used a dual-task procedure: Subjects performed a WM task and a secondary probe task, sometimes concurrently. In the WM task, subjects decided whether two displays (containing one to four objects composed of one or two features) were the same or different. In the probe task, subjects made a speeded discrimination response to a tone. Performance in both tasks was impaired when they were performed concurrently; however, performance costs in the tone task were not greater for multi- than for single-feature conditions (when the orientation and conjunction conditions were considered). Results suggested that equivalent attentional resources were necessary for consolidation of single-orientation or multifeature items.     

Career transitions and their causes: A country‐comparative perspective

This empirical paper investigates how individuals conceptualize causes of career transitions, focusing on the three European countries of Austria, Serbia, and Spain in comparison to the USA and China. Collectively, these countries represent four separate cultural regions according to Schwartz. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with members of three occupational groups: business people, nurses, and blue‐collar workers. Analysis of the data generates greater insight about the existence of both region‐specific patterns as well as potentially universalistic tendencies regarding perceived causes of career transitions. Perceptions of internal (to the person) drivers of career transitions as activating forces are evident in all five countries. The overall results support contemporary notions of occupational careers that are highly individualized, a characterization strongly emphasized in the current career literature. In the European culture clusters, causes of career transitions are attributed internally and externally. China, representing the Confucian cultural region, stresses external causes for career transitions. By contrast, in the USA only internal attributions of causes are reported.