DOMINANCE AND INEQUALITY IN X-RATED VIDEOCASSETTES

Feminists have been concerned about the debasement of women in sexually explicit material. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of domination and sexual inequality in x-rated videocassettes through a content analysis of 45 widely available x-rated videocassettes. The sample was randomly drawn from a list of 121 adult movie titles widely available in family videocassette rental stores in southern California. Over half of the explicitly sexual scenes were coded as predominantly concerned with domination or exploitation. Most of the domination and exploitation was directed by men toward women. Specific indicators of domination and sexual inequality, including physical violence, occurred frequently. The growth of the videocassette rental industry and the popularity of x-rated films, coupled with the messages these films convey, is a cause for concern.     

The influence of the minority on perception: A note on a possible alternative explanation

This research note raises some concerns about possible alternative explanations to studies using perceptual change as indicative of minority vs majority influence. Having failed to replicate the original study (S. Moscovici & B. Personnaz, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 1980, 16, 270–282), using the same and an alternate measuring procedure, inspection of additional data introduces the role of suspiciousness in explaining this and previous findings. An informal study adds further credence to this explanation.     

A large computer looks at the distributed computing problem

The various ways in which a large computer can be of service to a small laboratory processor are discussed. The Cambridge Project and the Consistent System (a collection of programs, models, and data) are briefly described.     

Can a small dedicated machine find happiness in a company that pioneered time-sharing?

In the context of an automated psychophysical laboratory, the adequacies and inadequacies of a small computer are discussed. Attention is given to the rationale for choosing the implementation in particular a dedicated small system as opposed to time-shared use of a larger system. The variables discussed include cost, flexibility, language level, and storage capabilities in addition to reliability. A compromise position that appears most viable for the future is also suggested.     

On timing events in computer-controlled experiments

This paper considers the problem of timing events in computer-controlled experiments. A digital clock is defined as a time-mark generator or “ticker” and a counter. A discussion of time-mark generators commonly used in computers is followed by a consideration of several ways in which computer clocks are implemented and used. A framework for the latter discussion is provided by a classification of clocks in terms of whether the ticker or the counter (either or both) is internal or external to the computer.     

Spelling-sound effects in reading: Time-course and decision criteria

In these studies, we examined predictions of the time-course model of word recognition (Seidenberg, 1985b; Seidenberg, Waters, Barnes, & Tanenhaus, 1984). The model suggests that effects of irregular spelling or pronunciation should be specific to more slowly recognized words, such as lower frequency items, as shown in previous studies and replicated here. The model also explains why effects of irregular pronunciation are more robust in naming than in lexical decisions: Only the effects in lexical decisions depend on subjects’ response criteria. We show that these criteria are affected by the composition of the stimuli in an experiment (i.e., whether irregularly spelled words are present) and by pressure to respond quickly. In contrast to the dual-route model of word recognition, the time-course model accounts for these task differences without assuming that subjects strategically control access to phonology.