Teacher acquisition of functional analysis methodology

The current study examined methods for training teachers to use functional analysis methods. Teachers first received written and verbal instructions detailing attention and demand conditions. They then received training that included modeling, rehearsal, and performance feedback. Finally, probes were taken during ongoing class instruction. Results indicate that teachers acquired the skills and used them in classroom settings.     

The MBTI and social information processing: an incremental validity study

The ability of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI; Myers & McCaulley, 1985) to predict performance on social cognitive tasks tapping information processing effort was assessed. Judgment and intuition interacted to predict amount of attributional adjustment on a dispositional attribution task. The MBTI scales predicted processing above and beyond measures of the five factors, rational-experiential preferences, and causal uncertainty. The relevance of these results for interpretation of the MBTI indexes is discussed.     

Comparisons among the Holden Psychological Screening Inventory (HPSI), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR)

Issues of reliability, item latent structure, and faking on the Holden Psychological Screening Inventory (HPSI), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) were examined with a sample of 300 university undergraduates. Reliability analyses indicated that scales from all inventories had acceptable internal consistency. Confirmatory item principal component analyses supported the structures and scoring keys of the HPSI and the BIDR, but not the BSI. Although all inventories were susceptible to faking, validity indices of the HPSI and the BIDR could correctly classify over two-thirds of test respondents as either responding honestly or as faking.     

The nature and outcomes of work: a replication and extension of interdisciplinary work-design research

Research into the changing nature of work requires comprehensive models of work design. One such model is the interdisciplinary framework (M. A. Campion, 1988), which integrates 4 work-design approaches (motivational, mechanistic, biological, perceptual-motor) and links each approach to specific outcomes. Unfortunately, studies of this framework have used methods that disregard measurement error, overlook dimensions within each work-design approach, and treat each approach and outcome separately. This study reanalyzes data from M. A. Campion (1988), using structural equation models that incorporate measurement error, specify multiple dimensions for each work-design approach, and examine the work-design approaches and outcomes jointly. Results show that previous studies underestimate relationships between work-design approaches and outcomes and that dimensions within each approach exhibit relationships with outcomes that differ in magnitude and direction.     

Crisis phenomena among African adolescents

This study investigated inadequate parent-child relationships, problems with regard to sexuality, and substance abuse among African university students. They reported experiencing positive aspects of the parent-child relationship, such as acceptance, love, understanding, encouragement, and guidance, as well as negative aspects, including inadequate communication and parents' authoritarian attitudes. Numerous sexual issues and the abuse of alcohol and other drugs were perceived as serious problems among teenagers in general. Although an inadequate parent-child relationship appears to contribute to substance abuse and sexuality problems, it cannot be regarded as solely responsible, as a multitude of factors also play a role. The results indicate the need for life-skills training for both adolescents and parents, particularly regarding communication.     

Semantic distance as a predictor of metaphor selection

Empirical research on metaphor has focused on the interpretation and comprehension of figurative language, while ignoring the production or encoding of metaphors. This research presents a basic model that attempts to explain the encoding of metaphors in expressive communication. A basic premise of the model is that similarity in connotative meaning, measured as proximity in semantic space, leads to metaphor selection. Two experiments that tested the premise are described here. The first utilized a semantic differential based on Osgood's work, while the second utilized a specially developed instrument. Results of both experiments supported the hypothesis.     

Children's construction of fantasy stories: Gender differences in conflict resolution strategies

While much work has been done on sex role development in children, conflict resolution, and sex role stereotyping in literature and television, little research has investigated conflict resolution and stereotyping in the fantasies children create themselves. The present study, analyzing gender differences in children's writing of fantasy stories, found significant differences in conflict resolutions they created. Boys used more violent resolutions to solve problems, while girls used more reasoning and analysis. Stories written by both sexes were—more often than not—sex role stereotyped, with female characters in traditional occupations and passive activities.The authors wish to acknowledge the financial assistance received for this research from the Graduate School Faculty Research Grant at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.     

EFFECTS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF DRO AS TREATMENT FOR SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR

A three-part controlled case study is presented in which severe and longstanding self-injurious behavior exhibited by a 9-year-old-boy was treated successfully with differential reinforcement of other behavior. In Phase 1, an experimental analysis demonstrated that the boy's scratching was not maintained by environmental contingencies; instead, it appeared that the self-injurious behavior was a stereotypic (automatically reinforced) response. In Phase 2, the effects of an escalating differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior schedule mediated through token reinforcement (pennies) were evaluated in a reversal design. Results showed that differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior eliminated self-injurious behavior very quickly and for periods of time as long as 30 min. A noteworthy side effect observed during Phase 2 was the occurrence of crying behavior following the nondelivery of reinforcement. In Phase 3, the token program was gradually extended in 30-min increments throughout the day. Additionally, results of a brief multielement manipulation showed that the effects of token reinforcement were superior to those of a more easily administered differential reinforcement of other behavior based on social reinforcement, which differed little from baseline.     

Age-related differences in cardiovascular reactions to mental stress tests in women

Tested 84 healthy, sedentary women in the laboratory during performance of difficult and easy problem-solving tasks. They were divided into three age groups: 19 to 32 years, 33 to 43 years, and 44 to 60 years (n = 28 women per group). Baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure increased with age, whereas skin conductance level was lower in older women. In addition, initial SBP reactions to tasks were positively related to age, even after controlling for baseline blood pressure, aerobic fitness, and Framingham Type A Scale behavior scores. There were no differences in heart rate (HR) or "additional" HR reactions, so the anticipated decline in cardiac sympathetic response with age was not observed. The mechanisms underlying age-related reactions to mental stress are discussed.     

Automated offset compensation for DC biopotential measurements

We describe a design for high-gain DC bioamplifiers with automatic offset nulling capability. Taking advantage of state-of-the-art commercially available linear integrated circuits, the design is suitable for low-level measurements such as EEG and event-related potentials. DC input offsets can be nulled instantly, making multichannel DC amplification feasible without time-consuming manual offset compensation. In addition, both signal and DC offset outputs are provided, permitting concurrent monitoring of slow large-scale DC shifts as well as faster small-signal activity . An alternative AC mode with signal and offset outputs is also provided. This approach lends itself to a wide range of applications in which small DC biopotentials must be measured in the presence of larger, variable DC components.