A new probe technique for the identification of serial learning processes

We describe a new serial learning probe technique which permits identification of functional stimuli for each individual item immediately following the trial on which it has been learned. Some empirical evidence indicating the validity of the serial probe technique is also presented. The potential superiority of the probe technique over alternative experimental methods for determining the basic processes involved in serial learning is noted.     

Developing comprehensive,individualized community-based services for children and youth with emotional and behavior disorders: Direct service providers' perspectives

Increased attention to the plight of children and youth with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) and their families has led to innovations in the manner in which these individuals are served. Two such innovations have been the development of public systems of comprehensive, community-based care and individualized wraparound services. This study was part of one community's attempt to merge these two innovations and provide individualized wraparound services to children and youth with EBD through the auspices of public agencies. Direct service providers were surveyed to gather their input into how such services could best be developed and implemented. The survey focused on existing barriers to providing services and specific service priorities for system development. Methods and results are presented. Implications for the local system and future research needs are discussed.     

Characteristics of Adult Caretakers of Children and Youth Served by an Urban Child Welfare Agency

The child welfare system of the early 1990s was marked by the proliferation of home-based services. Research on the effectiveness of various home-based interventions indicates results have been equivocal. The need to make explicit the specific characteristics of the adults and children targeted for home-based services, particularly families from diverse cultural backgrounds, has been identified as a critically needed contribution to the literature. In this study, the characteristics and service utilization experiences of adults and families served in an urban, home-based, child welfare program was examined. The results are discussed in relation to findings on the characteristics and experiences of adults and families served in other settings. Implications for future research and service delivery are discussed.     

Sexual segregation in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus): a transactional analysis of adult social dynamics.

Female agonism against males and male interventions in social transactions between the sexes are 2 explanations for the low rates of social engagement observed between male and female squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). These possibilities were evaluated by comparing the frequency, structure, and content of transactions between the sexes in 3 experimental social units: male-female pairs, single-male-multifemale groups, and multimale-multifemale groups. Affiliative transactions between the sexes occurred 3-5 times less often in multimale-multifemale groups than in male-female pairs and in single-male-multifemale groups. Intermale agonism in the multimale-multifemale groups often coincided with ongoing transactions between the sexes, whereas female agonism against males was rather uncommon in all social units. The results failed to support the female agonism hypothesis and indicate a need for more detailed studies of intermale social dynamics.     

Luria's Neuropsychological Evaluation in the Nordic Countries

The publication of Luria's Neuropsychological Investigation (LNI) by Christensen in 1975 introduced Luria's evaluation procedures to worldwide neuropsychology. The LNI demonstrated the benefit of a thorough qualitative analysis of an individual patient's functioning as well as the usefulness of a comprehensive theory of brain functioning. This article reviews the experiences that led to the development of the LNI, discusses its use and extension in Scandinavian countries, and presents clinical and research applications of the LNI in diagnosis and rehabilitation. A series of case examples provides justification and validity for the continued use of the LNI and related procedures. Discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the LNI and consideration of possible modifications of the procedures and interpretative methods provide the rationale for continued development of Luria's approach.     

The History of Family Therapy in South Africa

The history of family therapy in South Africa is presented from 1960 up to the present. The early days leading to the establishment of the South African Association of Marital and Family Therapy, national conferences, publications, national and international links are discussed.     

The Identification of Early Risk Factors for Severe Emotional Disturbances and Emotional Handicaps: An Epidemiological Approach

Epidemiological methodology is used to examine the relationship between early childhood risk factors and future identification as having a Severe Emotional Disturbance or as having an Emotional Handicap (SED/EH) at age 13. Data were obtained from 1979/1980 Florida birth records that were electronically linked with 1992/1993 Florida school records. An epidemiological perspective was chosen due to its ability to model both individual and community-level risk. In regards to increasing an individual's risk of SED/EH, two factors, gender (being male) and low maternal education (mother not completing high school at the time of the child's birth), were found to have particularly strong effects. When examining effects of these risk factors upon overall rates of SED/EH in the community, maternal education and marital status (being unmarried at the time of the child's birth) were associated with a large proportion of the cases. Health/biological markers were moderately associated with SED/EH on the individual level, but were related to a relatively small percentage of cases in the population. In addition, effects varied based upon ethnic/cultural heritage. Researchers are encouraged to consider using an epidemiological perspective and its potential utility in the field of community psychology and public policy is discussed.     

Why It Can't Happen to Me: The Base Rate Matters,But Overestimating Skill Leads to Underestimating Risk1

Undergraduates (N = 330) estimated their risk for aversive events (e.g., motor vehicle accident), in which we varied personal control (e.g., driver = self or other) and bogus base rates (high vs. low). Base rate data influenced risk estimates, but people underestimated their risk if they were the agent (e.g., the driver) rather than if another person was the agent. Justifications for estimates suggested that the base rate was perceived to be the risk for the average person. Most people then adjusted their estimates for a negative outcome downward because they believed that they were better than average on a skill (e.g., driving skill) that was perceived to be causally related to the event.