Contextual Strength and the Subordinate Bias Effect: Comment on Martin, Vu, Kellas, and Metcalf

Martin, Vu, Kellas, and Metcalf (this issue) claim to have demonstrated that the subordinate bias effect (when preceding context instantiates the subordinate meaning of an ambiguous word that has a highly dominant meaning, reading time on that word is lengthened) can be eliminated by strong context. They argue that this provides evidence critical to discriminating between competing models of lexical ambiguity resolution: the reordered access model (in which access of meanings for an ambiguous word is exhaustive but in which the order of access is influenced by prior disambiguating context) and the context-sensitive model (in which access is selective in the presence of prior disambiguating information). We argue that there are methodological problems with their demonstration, but even if there were not, it is unclear that the subordinate bias effect is appropriate for discriminating between competing models of lexical ambiguity resolution (the reordered access model and the context-sensitive model). The effect is an empirical finding and not a fundamental tenet of the reordered access model.     

The working through of patients' suicides by four therapists.

In 1976 four psychotherapists in training at one institution had patients who committed suicide. The therapists met as a group over a one-year period. This paper presents brief case summaries, explores the reactions of each therapist, presents conclusions regarding the mourning process following patients' suicides, and puts forth implications and suggestions for training programs. The authors conclude that it is necessary for therapists, supervisors, and training programs to recognize the inevitability of crises and tragedies when working with disturbed persons and that, though the process of mourning must be worked through individually, training settings can permit therapists to experience the pain and loneliness while providing opportunities for mastery and growth.