A Multi‐Source,Multi‐Study Investigation of Job Performance Prediction by Political Skill

Political skill is a social effectiveness construct with a demonstrated capacity to predict job performance. However, because performance prediction research in this area to date has made exclusive use of self‐reports of political skill, and due to frequent distrust of self‐ratings of constructs in important personnel decisions, there is a need to investigate how multiple alternative sources of political skill and job performance measures relate, thus raising both theoretical and methodological issues. In three studies, employing a triadic data collection methodology, and utilising both cross‐sectional and longitudinal designs, this research tested the hypotheses that employee political skill, measured from the perspective of employees' assessor A, will positively predict job performance rated by assessor B (i.e. Hypothesis 1a), and vice versa, that employee political skill measured by assessor B will predict job performance ratings measured by assessor A (i.e. Hypothesis 1b).     

A computer-oriented system for high-speed recording of operant behavior

A method is described by which large quantities of data, generated at high and variable rates from a large number of test boxes, are recorded on a single eight-channel punched paper tape. The data, which include a record of the occurrence time of each event in 1/10-sec units, are in a compact form, suitable for conversion to standard Hollerith punched card codes and for decoding and summarizing by a large digital computer. Experience with the system has demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and reliability, and low operating cost.     

Pharmacotherapy of delusional disorders in the context of offending and the potential for compulsory treatment

Delusional disorder is an uncommon mental illness with an estimated prevalence of 0.03%. Its low prevalence has likely contributed to the paucity of research interest in this area, leading to substantial gaps in knowledge concerning its treatment and management. In the absence of a robust literature, most clinicians rely on their experience and guidelines for treating schizophrenia when treating patients with delusional disorder. This article reviews the available literature that is specific to the treatment of delusional disorder. In addition, it focuses on specific forensic and medicolegal aspects of managing patients with delusional disorder.     

Using modeling and vicarious reinforcement to produce more positive attitudes toward mental health treatment

In this study, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of a video, developed for this study and using principles of cognitive learning theory, to produce positive attitudinal change toward mental health treatment. The participants were 35 men and 45 women who were randomly assigned to watch either an experimental video, which included 3 positive 1st-person accounts of psychotherapy or a control video that focused on the psychological construct of self. Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 2-week follow-up levels of attitude toward mental health treatment were measured using the Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Help Scale (E. H. Fischer & J. L. Turner, 1970). The experimental video group showed a significantly greater increase in positive attitude than did the control group. These results support the effectiveness of using the vicarious reinforcement elements of cognitive learning theory as a basis for changing attitudes toward mental health treatment.     

An inexpensive,portable, printing event recorder for behavior studies

An inexpensive, field-portable event recorder for monitoring insect or other animal behavior is described. The recorder consists of a 16-key event code keyboard and a 99.99-min timer interfaced to a low-cost printing calculator. The event code number and the elapsed time (.01-min resolution) from the start of an observation period are printed whenever an event key is pressed. The recorder is operable over a temperature range of 0°C to 50°C, with a timing error of less than ±.05% of the 99.99-min full-scale timing range. Periods longer than 99.99 min can be monitored, provided the return to zero of the timer is noted and taken into consideration.