Error patterns in a chord keyboard response task

Errors in a serial choice-reaction time experiment employing two-finger chord responses to alphabetic stimuli are shown to be distributed in a significantly non-random fashion. Two factors are postulated which are relevant to prediction of the error response. These are the presence or absence of a common finger, and the difference in finger separation, between the actual and the required response. It is suggested that the chord response is coded in terms of a pattern (the distance between the two response components). Responses which mirror the correct response about the centre of the hand are also shown to be significantly more frequent.     

Characteristics of Schizogenic Families During a Joint Story-Telling Task

For a joint family story-telling task, families with a schizophrenic offspring were compared to normal families on the completeness and clarity of the final composite stories and on their interactional behavior. The composite stories from schizogenic families were more “vague and confused”, fragmented, and less complete as to the five components required to satisfy the task instructions. Schizogenic families displayed more conflict, failure, and confusion during the interactional task than control families, and, fathers and mothers of schizophrenic offspring displayed more “anxiety and tension”, “depressive mood”, “evasiveness” and “lack of interest” than fathers and mothers of normal families. Mothers of schizophrenic offspring were also described as more “hostile” than control mothers. Comparing schizogenic families from which the patient was absent during the task with schizogenic families with the patient present, and with control families, indicated that the central findings were not attributable to the immediate presence and participation of the schizophrenic member.     

Evaluation of visual display surfaces by real users early in the design stage

Groups of non-computer scientists were tested to evaluate the potential of an as yet non-existent interactive terminal with a screen diagonal of one meter. A simulated large image terminal provided limited realistic interactions using software developed to give close proximity to the predicted visual effect. Subjective responses from 101 subjects were elicited from a questionnaire designed to evaluate specific aspects of the “terminal” in use. From this data, two types of screen (lenticular and plain) and two types of interaction devices (touch and remote pointer) were analyzed experimentally using a two-way factorial design. Potential end-users provided positive feedback concerning future use of the Large Image Terminal. Building a realistic mock-up revealed screen contaminations which would not have been discovered until a much later stage. Although statistical analysis of screen evaluations was equivocal, the questionnaire was sufficiently penetrating to separate the positive and negative features. This methodology was invaluable in guiding the design process. Copies of the questionnaire may be obtained from the authors at the Heriot-Watt address.     

Sequential Analysis: Monitoring counselling sessions via skin resistance

Very little has been published on the application of the galvanic skin response (GSR) to counselling and psychotherapy, since research has concentrated on applications to lie detection and biofeedback. Dr Ian N. Marshall developed Sequential Analysis in 1968-69, as a system of psychotherapeutic procedures monitored by GSR, but most of his work remains unpublished. Certain meter techniques are described. It is suggested that the ‘paradoxial’ phenomena would be explained by correlating high/low resistance with withdrawal/involvement rather than with relaxation/arousal. The procedures of Sequential Analysis are described briefly. Finally it is suggested that giving oneself sessions is an effective method for training as a counsellor or psychotherapist, because of the experiential understanding of the processes so obtained.     

Preemployment screening procedures: How human resource managers perceive them

A survey of Human Resource practitioners' perceptions of pre-employment screening procedures was conducted. The results indicated differences between tests in terms of perceived accuracy and offensiveness, as well as other attributes. Regression analyses suggested that beliefs about validity, the number of other companies using these procedures, perceived offensiveness of the test, and ease in passing the test were important factors in the willingness to use a particular test. Conversely, perceptions regarding the discriminatory impact of the test and the cost of using the test generally were not related to willingness to use the test. Limitations of this study, which was primarily exploratory, are noted.     

Racial Identity Development Among Gifted Black Students: Counseling Issues and Concerns

A review of the literature suggests that a paucity of information exists regarding how culture-specific issues such as being both Black and gifted influence the psychological needs and personality development of gifted Black students. Stellar attempts, however, are currently underway to develop theories and perspectives of racial identity development among Black students. These theories and perspectives are discussed in an attempt to understand and address the psychological and social needs of gifted Black students.     

The influence of personal and family factors on achievement needs and concerns of African-American and Euro-American college women

The relation of personal and family factors to three types of achievement was examined. A sample of 172 African-American and 105 Euro-American women completed four instruments assessing gender role attitudes, daydream achievement, daydream affiliation, n Ach and n Aff, and a demographic profile. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance showed that African-American more than Euro-American women described themselves as masculine and androgynous and reported more traditional achievement-related daydream activity. Racial differences were also observed for family factors' contributions to gender role attitudes. However, personal variables contributed to gender role attitudes for both groups. Gender role attitudes were also differentially associated with n Ach, daydream achievement, and daydream affiliation. The results are interpreted as support for the continued need to consider structural and cultural influences when investigating women and achievement.