Scale convergence as a criterion for rescaling: Information integration with difference,ratio, and averaging tasks

Ss lifted pairs of weights simultaneously, one in each hand, and judged either the difference, ratio, or average heaviness of the two weights. Data for the difference and ratio tasks were in general agreement with subtractive and ratio models, but the averaging data showed discrepancies from the constant-weight averaging model similar to those reported in previous psychophysical research. Rescaling was ruled out for the averaging data, because responses to pairs of equal weight were a linear function of subtractive model scale values derived from the difference task data. Scale values for the ratio and difference task data were related exponentially, as were the responses to the pairs, consistent with Torgerson’s conjecture that Ss do not distinguish “differences” from “ratios.” They appear to use the same composition rule but different output functions, depending on the procedures for responding. The scale convergence criterion can thus prevent inappropriate rescaling when a model fails and can dictate rescaling even when a model fits.     

A theory of perceived risk and attractiveness

People judged both the attractiveness and risk of lotteries to win or lose money. The lotteries were designed to test whether risk and attractiveness judgments show systematic deviations from the simple sum of probability-by-utility-products analogous to (S)EU theory. Our results led to an alternative combination rule for probability and outcome information, with a relative weight averaging component and a configural (i.e., sign- or rank-dependent) probability weighting component. Ratings of risk and attractiveness were negatively correlated, but the two tasks showed systematic differences in the rank order of judgments. Both judgments could be fit by the same configural relative weight averaging model, but with different parameters (especially the sign-dependent probability weighting functions). Risk judgments were more sensitive to the probability of losses and zero outcomes compared to attractiveness judgments, which were more sensitive to the probability of gains. There were individual differences on the extent of this difference in probability weights between risk and attractiveness judgments.     

Preschoolers' inferences about gender and emotion: The mediation of emotionality stereotypes

This study examined childrens' stereotypes about sex differences in emotionality. Thirty preschoolers were presented with hypothetical emotional situations and asked to indicate the gender of the expressor and reasons for their choice. Although fear was consistently associated with females, gender attribution was situation specific for anger and happiness. Examination of preschoolers' explanations for gender attributions revealed that females made greater use of sex-role and imagery categories than did males. Furthermore, a significant age difference in the use of categorical and noncategorical responses was reported, with younger children making a greater number of noncategorical explanations. Children who used imagery to mediate gender choice relied primarily on hair color and length as gender-specific cues.     

Is event frequency encoded automatically? The case of alcohol intoxication

The four experiments reported show that sensitivity to event frequency is diminished by alcohol intoxication. In two experiments on confusion between presented and generated words, the function relating estimated to actual frequency was steeper for sober than intoxicated subjects. In two experiments on word-frequency estimates after a word-pronunciation task, the influence of alcohol intoxication was identified at the input as opposed to the test stage. We conclude that these findings are inconsistent with the idea that frequency-of-occurrence information is automatically encoded.