Classical physical abstraction

An informal theory is set forth of relations between abstract entities, includingcolors, physical quantities, times, andplaces in space, and the concrete things thathave them, or areat orin them, based on the assumption that there are close analogies between these relations and relations between abstractsets and the concrete things that aremembers of them. It is suggested that even standard scientific usage of these abstractions presupposes principles that are analogous to postulates of abstraction, identity, and other fundamental principles of set theory. Also discussed is the significance of important disanalogies between sets and physical abstractions, including especiallymodal andtemporal aspects of physical abstractions, which is related to the problem of the characterizingconstancy, of colors, physical attributes, and locations in space.     

An axiomatic formulation and generalization of successive intervals scaling

A formal set of axioms is presented for the method of successive intervals, and directly testable consequences of the scaling assumptions are derived. Then by a systematic modification of basic axioms the scaling model is generalized to non-normal stimulus distributions of both specified and unspecified form.     

AN ATTEMPT AT EXPERIMENTAL MODIFICATION OF HYPNOTIZABILITY THROUGH REPEATED INDIVIDUALIZED HYPNOTIC EXPERIENCE

In an initial attempt to investigate whether the level of hypnotic susceptibility can be experimentally modified, ten subjects of moderate susceptibility were given individualized hypnotic experience in 4–10 sessions and tested with objective hypnosis scales before and after the experience. Some quantitative and qualitative results are presented. They indicate that in most individuals routinely measured hypnotizability can be changed for the better within a certain range, but that dramatic changes as a rule will not take place.     

Trade-offs in detecting letters and comprehending text.

Critics of the letter detection task have questioned whether findings from that paradigm reflect normal reading processes. The present study addresses these questions using a new computerized version of the letter detection task in which reading rate along with letter detection and comprehension accuracy are examined. Previous letter detection findings were replicated with this new computerized task. Different conditions were compared in which detection and comprehension instructions were manipulated as well as the salience of the target letters. The requirement to comprehend had small effects on letter detection accuracy and reading rate, and letter detection only modestly reduced comprehension. Thus, the procedures developed in this study permit examination of the component processes contributing to performance in the letter detection task.