The integrative action of the cerebral hemispheres

In four experiments, right-handed subjects were asked to identify uppercase letters presented tachistoscopically in the right (R) or left (L) visual field or in both visual fields simultaneously (RL). When R, L, and RL trials were randomized together and RL trials consisted of the same letter in each visual field (Experiments 1 and 2), 11 of 21 male subjects (Experiment 1) and 9 of 18 female subjects (Experiment 2) showed a strong left-visual-field advantage, and the remainder in each experiment showed an equivalently strong right-visual-field advantage. When the RL trials consisted of a different letter in the two visual fields (Experiment 3), a consistent right-visual-field advantage was observed. It is argued that these results reflect predominantly analytical (left-hemisphere) processing of “different” pairs and relatively holistic processing of “same” pairs, which induces a shift toward a right-hemisphere advantage in some subjects. The main purpose of three of the four experiments was to test five probability models of hemispheric integration: (1) statistical summation, which assumes that the hemispheres operate independently; (2) redundancy, which assumes that RL decisions reflect only processing by the more specialized hemisphere; (3) complete dependency, according to which RL decisions are the mean of Rand L decisions; (4) integration, which assumes that R and L decisions can be represented as vectors in a joint RL space; (5) correlation, according to which the Rand L decisions are assumed to be statistically dependent. Whether R, L, and RL trials were randomized together or RL trials were presented in separate blocks, models 1 and 4 could be clearly rejected. In general, the best predictor of RL performance was model 5. It is argued that the hemispheres function as an integrated system in letter identification.     

Case Study: The Case of Joyce F.

This case review identifies the use of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) principles and concepts while detailing the plight and fight of one woman in overcomingagoraphobia with panic attacks. It illustrates how the frequency of anxiety disorder symptoms can be lessened, their intensity minimized and their duration reduced. Techniques plus the value of persistence, boldness, risk taking, eagerness to learn, gumption and guts in confronting her symptoms cognitively, emotively and behaviorally are meant to come through the following narrative explanation.     

Developing rich and quickly accessed knowledge of an artificial grammar

In contrast to prior research, our results demonstrate that it is possible to acquire rich, highly accurate, and quickly accessed knowledge of an artificial grammar. Across two experiments, we trained participants by using a string-edit task and highlighting relatively low-level (letters), medium-level (chunks), or high-level (structural; i.e., grammar diagram) information to increase the efficiency of grammar acquisition. In both experiments, participants who had structural information available during training generated more highly accurate strings during a cued generation test than did those in other conditions, with equivalent speed. Experiment 2 revealed that structural information enhanced acquisition only when relevant features were highlighted during the task using animation. We suggest that two critical components for producing enhanced performance from provided model-based knowledge involve (1) using the model to acquire experience-based knowledge, rather than using a representation of the model to generate responses, and (2) receiving that knowledge precisely when it is needed during training.     

Growth to Freedom or Support for Life?

This article reviews the recent contributions of Amartya Sen and John McMurtry to theory of international development and social justice. The author argues that both fail to give an adequate account of the current transformation of collective life and the provision of collective goods. Without such an analysis, theories of justice are incomplete. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The Potential of Animal-Assisted Therapy Within the Supervisory Alliance

Chandler identified eight generalized benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) for a person’s growth. These beneficial areas include (a) motivation, (b) distress tolerance, (c) alternative form of nurturance, (d) physical soothing, (e) genuine acceptance, (f) interactional enjoyment, (g) increased trust, and (h) increased encouragement to overcome barriers. Homestead identified supervision ideals, skills, and barriers within the supervisory alliance. If supervision is negative, this experience may disrupt the supervision relationship, process, and requirements. If not properly addressed, potential harm may come to the supervisee, supervisor, and possibly the client’s welfare. This review will identify how these eight areas of AAT may benefit the supervisory alliance to ensure the best care for the supervisee, supervisor, and the client.     

A Paradigm for the Telephonic Assessment of Suicidal Ideation

A three‐stage paradigm for telephonically assessing suicidal risk and triaging suicidal callers as practiced in an Employee Assistance Program Call Center was investigated. The first hypothesis was that the use of the procedure would increase the probability that callers would accept the clinician's recommendations, evidenced by fewer police interventions. The second hypothesis was that there would be an increase in confirmed appointments with providers. Samples involved three separate 6‐month periods. Results indicate the effectiveness of the paradigm with both hypotheses supported. Follow‐up data for the year after completion of this study yielded similar results.     

THE FREQUENCY OF REISS SCREEN DIAGNOSES IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE OF ADULTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

One hundred and eighty adults with mental retardation who were actively using community services were assessed with the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior (Reiss, 1988). The proportion of persons exceeding the cutoff on the 26-item total was 49%. The proportions of persons exceeding cut-off on the eight scales ranged from 8.4% (Avoidant Personality Disorder) to 19.4% (Aggressive Behavior). Multiple diagnoses were found in 27% of subjects. There were no associations with age but a small number of gender differences were observed.     

Global obligations,collective capacities,and ‘ought implies can’

Philosophical Studies - It is sometimes argued that non-agent collectives, including what one might call the ‘global collective’ consisting of the world’s population taken as a...