Preventive and corrective maintenance of access to knowledge

Access to large portions of our knowledge is unstable, so that recall fluctuates depending upon momentary context. Laboratory interventions can stabilize access for a time, either by preventing the loss of precarious access (preventive maintenance) or by re-establishing lost access (corrective maintenance). This paper describes two methods of measuring the magnitude and duration of such intervention effects. Preventive maintenance effects are measured by the degree and the persistence of asymmetry of up- versus down-fluctuations on successive attempts to recall. The preventive maintenance effect of a single successful recall trial has a half-life in excess of 1 month. The methods are suitable for comparing the effectiveness of various schedules and types of maintenance interventions for a variety of semantic memory content and for diverse subject populations.     

Culture-specific models of men's sexual aggression: intra- and interpersonal determinants

The role of intra- and interpersonal variables was examined in samples of Asian American (N = 91) and European American (N = 377) men. A path model for Asian American men suggested 2 interpersonal paths and 1 intrapersonal path to sexual aggression. For Asian Americans, concern about social standing is a risk factor among those who hold misogynous beliefs and who use alcohol before sex. Concern about the negative reputational impact of sexual aggression is a protective factor among Asian Americans who do not hold these negative attitudes. A European American model suggested only an intrapersonal path to sexual aggression consisting of misogynous beliefs, with interpersonal variables not being predictive of sexual aggression. These results suggest both individualist and collectivist determinants of Asian American sexual aggression, whereas only individualist determinants were found for European American sexual aggression.     

Complexities in International Organizational Socialization

The growing number of expatriates highlights the importance of organizational socialization as these people strive to adjust to a new work environment in a foreign country. Research hypotheses presented by Feldman (1997) are reviewed for their impact on future research. The complexities of organizational socialization or work adjustment within an international context are believed to transcend the bounds of simple linear relationships. Five of the hypotheses are discussed to illustrate these complexities and to offer new ideas for future research.     

A graphical method to aid the sequential analysis of observational data

In this paper, two methods of sequential analysis are applied to hypothetical observational data. The first method employs the conventional “conditional probability” approach, illustrated using the GSEQ program (Bakeman & Quera, 1995). In order to overcome some of the difficulties associated with the conditional probability approach, the second method employs a new “normalized and pooled” approach. Essentially, by normalizing periods of time preceding, during, and following each occurrence of a nominated “given” behavior, the proportion of time units devoted to a “target” behavior can be estimated and then pooled across all occurrences of the given behavior. A summary diagram representing the likelihood that the target behavior precedes, occurs concurrently with, and follows the given behavior can then be constructed. Elements of this summary diagram can also be quantified. Given the graphical nature of the output, and its ease of use, the normalized and pooled approach may help to promote the use of sequential analysis in applied settings.     

Perceiving and naming a series of figures

Bartlett (1932) observed in one of his experiments that his subjects, when presented with a series of figures, tended to name them with reference to their general trend of development, sometimes anticipating the outcome rather than making an immediate identification. Two recent experiments have studied the effect of verbal “set” upon perception, and the present study was designed to show both the effect of the objective frame of reference and of verbal suggestions upon the naming of a series of figures. A series of 10 figures was presented to one group with instructions to name them. A second group was shown the same figures in exactly the reverse order. The distribution of responses was significantly different for the two groups, showing the effect of the different settings. Other groups were given the same figures, but with preliminary suggestions as to what they were to see, and their responses show some modifications. Individual variations in quality of response are also discussed, and the general implications of the method and materials for research on conceptual thinking are briefly surveyed.     

Factor analysis calculations by tabulating machines

I.B.M. tabulating equipment can be of considerable help in reducing the time and increasing the accuracy of multiple factor analysis, even if used for only a part of the calculations. Once the plugboard is wired and those cards punched which are used over and over again, problems involving any number of variables can be handled with dispatch. The correlation matrix is listed, the totals verified, and the signs changed on the tabulator. Then the factors and the residual coefficients are calculated by means of a calculator. Tucker's procedure has been modified by using a calculator instead of a multiplying punch, by reducing the number of cards used, by simplifying checks on calculations, by simplifying plugboard wiring, and by preparing work sheets on tabulator paper. Extraction of factors from 24 variables at the rate of one in four hour's time seems to justify the use of the tabulating equipment on small problems.Tucker, Ledyard R. The centroid method of factor analysis by punch cards. Microfilm Negative No. 1623, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago.     

A further study of the pendulum phenomenon

A first series of experiments had demonstrated certain conditions eliciting or inhibiting a “pendulum” phenomenon in the visual perception of apparent movement. The present study consists of five further variations designed to show more clearly conditions of occurrence and non-occurrence of this type of movement. The main findings are:

(i) Altering the axis of display to vertical significantly reduces the frequency of pendular-movement perception;

(2) Altering the position of metronome from behind to the side of the visual display, gives results almost identical with those where the metronome was inaudible, but, when the metronome is illuminated in this position, all forms of movement perception are reduced, and no pendular movement is reported.

The results for all the ten conditions, including the five of the first series are summarized, and the following possible factors are discussed: past experience, physiological nystagmus, and intervening adaptation. All three may be required to account for the perceptual phenomena under investigation and the dichotomizing of explanations into “experiential,” or “physiological,” appears to be arbitrary and inconsistent with the complexity of the observed facts.