Apparent Distortions in Photography and the Geometry of Visual Space

In this paper I contrast the geometric structure of phenomenal visual space with that of photographic images. I argue that topologically both are two-dimensional and that both involve central projections of scenes being depicted. However, I also argue that the metric structures of the spaces differ inasmuch as two types of “apparent distortions”—marginal distortion in wide-angle photography and close-up distortions—which occur in photography do not occur in the corresponding visual experiences. In particular, I argue that the absence of marginal distortions in vision is evidence for a holistic metric of visual space that is spherical, and that the absence of close-up distortions shows that the local metric structure possesses a dynamic variable curvature which is dependent upon the distance away of objects being viewed at a given time.     

Problem formulation for multi-criteria decision analysis: report of a workshop

This paper reports on a workshop on Problem Formulation in Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis held at SPUDM97. The focus of the workshop was the problem formulation phase which occurs between the analyst meeting a person with a ‘mess’ and the time he or she begins to analyse a structured problem with several alternatives scored against several attributes or criteria. The objectives were: to share experience on procedures which might be transferable between the methodologies; to demonstrate different skills used by the analyst in structuring decision problems; and to catalyse a discussion on the problem formulation phase of an analysis. Three analysts, who generally approach problems using multiattribute methods, addressed the same problem. The problem used was constructed to be realistic to three decision makers, who had been trained in the issues of concern. There were two sessions. Each analyst was assigned a decision maker and formulated the problem independently in the first session, held in parallel. They were each observed by two observers and many of the audience at the workshop. The three formulations were presented along with the comments of the observers and discussed at a second plenary session. This paper reports the three formulations and observations, remarking on the ‘tricks of the trade’ employed by the analysts in formulating the problem. The analysts also describe their thinking and their aims in adopting their approach and style of interaction. More general remarks on the process of decision analysis are also offered. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radical hope in revolting times: Proposing a culturally relevant psychological framework

Growing research supports the link between individual expressions of hope and psychological well‐being. In this paper, we draw on psychological theories of hope, racial and ethnic studies, and the literature on radical healing to propose a framework of radical hope. Although the proposed multidimensional framework integrates cultural practices of People of Color in the United States, it is flexible enough to be adapted to other contexts. The paper begins by providing a brief review of the literature that conceptualizes the concept of hope in the field of psychology as a prelude to comparing the concept to the interdisciplinary notion of radical hope. Based on this body of work, we then introduce a culturally relevant psychological framework of radical hope, which includes the components of collective memory as well as faith and agency. Both components require an orientation to one of four directions including individual orientation, collective orientation, past orientation, and future orientation. The framework also consists of pathways individuals can follow to experience radical hope including (a) understanding the history of oppression along with the actions of resistance taken to transform these conditions, (b) embracing ancestral pride, (c) envisioning equitable possibilities, and (d) creating meaning and purpose in life by adopting an orientation to social justice. We conclude with a proposed research agenda for radical hope.     

Development and administration of a measure to assess adolescents' participation in leisure activities.

This paper describes the development and administration of a measure (a self-report questionnaire) to assess the participation of adolescents in leisure activities. Questionnaire items were generated through a content analysis of focus group interviews with 130 young people aged 12 to 18 years. Specifically, the activities of approximately a thousand adolescents were investigated through a three-factor leisure typology--achievement, social, and time-out leisure--together with the leisure parameters of enjoyment, freedom of choice, and frequency of participation. Further, leisure engagement was examined based on gender and age (i.e., changes in activity participation across the adolescent years). The results are discussed in terms of the practical and theoretical implications of the relationship between gender and age in leisure activity participation.     

Perceptions of multiple risk factors for heart attacks

There is increasing evidence that in some diseases such as coronary heart disease, risk factors may interact synergistically, resulting in greater likelihood of disease than would be produced by the sum of the risk factors. These two studies aimed to examine the extent to which 210 undergraduate students and 28 heart attack patients perceive risk factors to combine synergistically. Respondents read one of four vignettes, describing information about risk factors (with high and low smoking and family history), and estimated a man's likelihood of a heart attack in a hypothetical case. In both studies an interaction was found with either a family history or smoking eliciting ratings of high likelihood of heart attack, providing no evidence of synergistic models. This finding may reflect respondents' beliefs or the insensitivity of this paper-and-pencil method in detecting synergistic effects.     

Microcomputers and Psychometric Assessment

A general overview is presented of recent developments in the field of automated psychometric assessment, with special emphasis on microcomputer-based systems. The potential advantages and disadvantages of computerised assessment in comparison to more traditional methods are discussed in some detail, and particular reference is made to a recent large-scale validation study of a microcomputer-based system. Minimum system requirements for this type of application are briefly outlined and a number of example applications are listed. Finally, consideration is given to likely future trends in this area.     

Teachers'' ability to identify peer-rejected children: A comparison of sociometrics and teacher ratings

The effectiveness of teachers in identifying children who experience peer relationship difficulties was examined by comparing populations selected by teacher ratings and sociometric nomination procedures. While significant overlap was found, substantial differences (both false-negatives and false-positives) emerged. An examination of populations selected and not selected by teachers revealed that they were successful in identifying those who experienced the most sever peer rejection. Further, it apperars that they were most likely to select children exhibiting academic difficulties.