Individual differences in hypothetic-deductive reasoning: importance of cognitive skills and flexibility

Recent investigations show that people's differential performance when solving reasoning tasks is due to differences not only at computational level, but also at the rational or intentional level. This study is within the framework of this context and it specifically analyses individual differences in hypothetic-deductive reasoning, taking into account the characteristics associated with the task itself (content and instructions) as well as the individuals' differential characteristics. Two hundred and seventy-six students from the University of Santiago de Compostela participated in this study. Several psychometric tests were administered and participants were requested to solve various reasoning tasks. The results obtained confirm that, in effect, the differences between competent and non-competent reasoners are observed at both the above-mentioned levels: cognitive skills and abilities (algorithmic level) and cognitive flexibility (intentional level).     

Gaining access to shiftworkers through labor unions

In this paper, we provide the procedures used to gain access to shiftworkers who served as subjects in a work-sleep study. Our experiences in gaining the cooperation of labor union organizations and their members are described in detail, as are characteristics of the surveyed workers.     

Choices and preferences: testing the effect of nationality

This paper presents exploratory research comparing French and UK life assurance literature. It highlights a number of critical differences in the approaches taken between the two countries, and places these in the context of the literature on cultural differences. The differences are illustrative of Samli's transference of Hofstede's findings to marketing. The implications of these findings are explored. Although there can be a universal Pan European approach, the research indicates the need to take national cultural considerations into account if one is not to perpetrate a jarring counter‐culturalism. It also seems likely that life assurance is not a prime candidate for global branding. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications.     

Beliefs About the Causes of Four Types of Rape

Beliefs about the causes of stranger, acquaintance, date, and partner rape and treatment and punishment for the types of rape were examined among college students. Three causes of rape—victim precipitation, male pathology, and male hostility—varied as a function of the type of rape, with female precipitation higher for partner and date rape than for acquaintance and stranger rape. Male hostility and male pathology were lowest for partner rape. These findings suggest that the perceived causes of rape that blame the perpetrator or victim, rather than societal or general causes of rape, vary with the type of rape. Recommended punishment varied directly with the closeness of the relationship. Additionally, gender differences and interactions of gender and ethnicity (Caucasian and Hispanics) were found across type of rape.     

Counseling Latino University Students: Psychosociocultural Issues for Consideration

Salient issues for Latino students on predominately White university campuses are identified and discussed. In particular, university counseling center (UCC) service providers can help diminish or diffuse educational and social difficulties of Latino students by considering psychosociocultural issues in counseling, such as university cultural environment, ethnic identity, acculturation, and social support from family and mentors. These concepts are illustrated and discussed through vignettes. Specific strategies for UCC service providers are also presented. Finally, attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide competent psychosociocultural services to Latino students are identified.     

Cross-national evidences of a school-based universal programme for promoting prosocial behaviours in peer interactions: Main theoretical communalities and local unicity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of prosocial behaviour against aggression in a school-based universal intervention adapted in two different (non-Western) countries, Colombia and Chile. Using a randomised pretest–post-test design (and controlling for participants' gender and parents' level of education), current results highlighted different effects of a similar programme in both sites. First, the school-based universal programme designed for promoting prosocial behaviours in the peer context obtained a positive cross-national effect on prosocial behaviour rated by three informants (i.e. self, peer and teacher reports). In Colombia, this effect was moderated by the initial level of prosociality of the participants and their level of education. Mediational two-wave model corroborated that the improvement on prosocial behaviours in both countries (moderated in the case of Colombia) predicted significantly lower level of physical aggression. Characteristics of the implementation considering different cultural and historical backgrounds were discussed.     

Taking Care of Each Other: How Can We Increase Compliance with Personal Protective Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile?

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective measures (e.g., social distancing, handwashing, and mask wearing) have been adopted as a cornerstone to limit the spread of the disease. Yet, the effectiveness of these measures depends on people's levels of adherence. In this article, we apply social-psychological research to the study of compliance with personal protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. We consider three possible models underlying adherence: (1) sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors, (2) instrumental factors, and (3) normative factors. We draw on data from a longitudinal nonrepresentative panel study (Study 1, n = 32,304) and a cross-sectional representative survey (Study 2, n = 1,078) to explore the impact of these different factors on personal protective measures compliance. Findings show the strongest support for the role of instrumental and normative factors, in that people who comply with protective measures report to a greater extent that relatives and friends comply too and tend to perceive high risk of COVID-19. We finish by proposing policy recommendations to promote effective strategies to contain the spread of the virus.