Stimulus recognizability judgments as a function of the utility of physical dimensions in recognition-discrimination problems

The effect of different Retraining conditions on the scaling of random forms for recognizability was examined. Pretraining conditions were defined by exposure to recognition-discrimination problems structured to emphasize or de-emphasize metron variability. Analyses of the results of the scaling task indicated that exposure to problems designed to emphasize metron variability within the “compactness” and “jaggedness” physical dimensions resulted in more extensive use of those dimensions, while no similar effect resulted from training with problems emphasizing an “x-axis areal asymmetry” physical dimension.     

An investigation of overlap in children's speech

The simultaneous speech of six 4-year-old girls was investigated within three-party conversation. The data reveal two major types of overlap, one providing instances of turn completion projections and the other reflecting tension for the turn at speaking. The data are discussed in terms of the Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson (1974) model of conversational interaction.     

Tactile letter recognition: Pattern duration and modes of pattern generation

Measurements were made of the ability of subjects to identify vibrotactile patterns presented to their fingertips. The patterns were letters of the alphabet generated on the tactile display of the Optacon. Five different modes of pattern generation were examined. Two of the modes, static and scan, involved full-field presentations of the letters. In the remaining three modes, patterns were generated by presenting parts of the letters sequentially. In one mode, the letters were exposed by a slit passing across them. In the other two modes, the patterns were generated as though the letter were being drawn on the skin. Performance in all five modes was examined as a function of pattern duration, with durations ranging from 4 to 1,000 msec. Increasing duration, up to 400 msec, resulted in generally improved performance, although the functions relating performance and duration differed according to the mode of presentation. Contrary to previous results, the static mode produced the best overall performance level. Some possible reasons for the disagreement between the present results and previous results and some models of cutaneous pattern recognition are discussed.     

Patient — heal thyself

(This is a story of a courageous woman who refused to accept the fact that her medical disease was incurable or irreversible. This paper was written about 18 months ago. Since then, the author has continued her struggles, her risk-taking searches, and her hope. -Ed.)     

Difference threshold for intensity of tactile stimuli

The difference threshold (DL) for brief tactile stimuli (taps) and vibrotactile stimuli was determined using a 2IFC procedure. The measurements were made at several intensities both in quiet and in the presence of a background vibration. The results show that in the absence of background vibration the DLs for higher intensity stimuli are similar for both taps and vibration, whereas at lower intensities the DL is larger for taps. In the presence of background vibration the DL for vibratory stimuli is elevated to a much greater extent than it is for tap stimuli. The DL is affected by both the intensity of the signal and the intensity of the background vibration.     

Psychological needs associated with MMPI-2 scales in a nonclinical sample

The psychological needs derived from the Adjective Check List (ACL; Gough & Heilbrun, 1983b) that are associated with MMPI-2 scales were studied among 198 nonclinical participants. Both the Depression (D) and Psychasthenia (Pt) scales were negatively correlated with needs for achievement and dominance and positively correlated with needs for abasement and succorance (dependence). The Schizophrenia (Sc) scale was negatively associated with need for affiliation and positively associated with need for abasement. The Social Introversion (Si) scale was associated negatively with needs for achievement, dominance, affiliation, heterosexuality, exhibition, and autonomy and associated positively with needs for succorance, abasement, and deference, reflecting good construct validity for Scale Si. MMPI-2 Masculinity-Femininity (Mf) did not correlate with the ACL Masculinity and Femininity scales, suggesting poor concurrent validity for Mf.     

Divine foreknowledge and Newcomb's paradox

Conclusion Newcomb's Paradox thus serves as an illustrative vindication of the compatibility of divine foreknowledge and human freedom. A proper understanding of the counterfactual conditionals involved enables us to see that the pastness of God's knowledge serves neither to make God's beliefs counterfactually closed nor to rob us of genuine freedom. It is evident that our decisions determine God's past beliefs about those decisions and do so without invoking an objectionable backward causation. It is also clear that in the context of foreknowledge, backtracking counterfactuals are entirely appropriate and that no alteration of the past occurs. With the justification of the one box strategy, the death of theological fatalism seems ensured. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A0985044 00003