Two types of phenomenal instructions for size and distance judgments of objects presented on a two-dimensional plane

Demand characteristics were studied in a simple situation in which observers made size and distance estimates of stimuli presented on a two-dimensional linear perspective drawing. Half the Ss were asked questions stressing phenomenal report: The other half were asked the same questions preceded by instructions stressing the objective nature of the stimulus configuration but requesting, nonetheless, phenomenal report. Instructions resulted in a significantly greater perspective size illusion but did not affect the distance estimates. No meaningful correlations between size and distance estimates were found.     

A simple histological technique for localizing electrode tracks and lesions within the brain.

Histological procedures are necessary in brain stimulation or lesion work to determine the neural area which has been stimulated or damaged. Preparation of brain tissue often involves embedding and staining techniques that require specialized training, and the expense of a technician and a large assortment of special apparatus and supplies. In addition, the results of such techniques are unavailable for at least several days. A photographic method, which requires little special skill and a minimal amount of apparatus, is described here. Results can be available within minutes after the subject is sacrificed. This method has been shown to be adequate for the gross determination of lesion boundaries and electrode or cannula tip loci in brains of rats, cats, and squirrel monkeys.     

Women's Interests—Fact or Fiction?

The data used in this study were made available through the Center for Interest Measurement Research and the Student Counseling Bureau, University of Minnesota. Computer analysis was provided by the Numerical Analysis Center, University of Minnesota. While attempting to increase the number of A and B+ scores on the women's SVIB by varying the composition of the criterion group on marital status, it was found that the desired effect was achieved by using a different item selection and weighting system from Strong's original one and not by varying the marital status of the criterion group. The experimental scoring keys developed in the study also acted selectively on original scores of B and B—, raising or lowering them, and generally reducing their number. These findings went beyond the original hypotheses and intent of the study and suggested an explanation for the apparent heterogeneity of women's interests and the resulting difficulty in measuring them.     

Relational perception and modes of perceiver operation

Judgments were made of the size of a small, luminous (inner) square appearing in the center of a somewhat larger, variable (outer) square, the whole pattern appearing in the dark. Accuracy of judgment was greatest when the outer square was constant from trial to trial but deteriorated when the outer square also varied in size, reaching a lower limit less than the accuracy produced under the absolute judgment condition (no outer square presented). An application of multiple discriminant analysis and the use of a maximum likelihood observer model provided estimates of the extent to which Os responded to inner and outer size variation as separate aspects of stimulation. Although Os differed markedly in this respect, their ability to identify inner square size under the various conditions did not reflect this difference.