Visual search for dimensionally redundant pop-out targets: parallel-coactive processing of dimensions is location specific

Three visual search experiments investigated redundancy gains for single and dual odd-one-out feature targets that differed from distractors in orientation, color, or both. In Experiment 1, redundant-target displays contained (a) a single target defined in 2 dimensions, (b) dual targets each defined in a different dimension, or (c) dual targets both defined in the same dimension. The redundancy gains, relative to single nonredundant targets, decreased from the first condition on, with violations of J. Miller's (1982) race model inequality (RMI) manifested only in the first 2 conditions. Experiment 2 systematically varied the spatial separation between dual targets each defined in a different dimension. Violations of the RMI were evident only when the 2 targets occupied nearby locations. Experiment 3 provided evidence of RMI violations by dimensionally redundant targets at both precued (likely) and noncued (unlikely) display locations. Taken together, these results suggest that there is coactivation of a common mechanism by target signals in different dimensions (not by signals in the same dimension), that the coactivation effects are spatially specific, and that the coactivated mechanisms are located at a preattentive, perceptual stage of processing.     

Left anterior lobectomy and category-specific naming

Damasio and colleagues (1996) have proposed that the left anterior temporal region supports knowledge pertaining to living objects, whereas more posterior temporal regions play a critical role in naming nonliving things. Accordingly, one might expect that left-sided anterior temporal lobectomy should have a more profound effect on the naming of living as opposed to nonliving things. As part of a multicenter collaborative project, seventy-nine patients (all left-hemisphere speech dominant) were tested pre- and post-left-temporal lobectomy on a task that required naming of living and nonliving items equated for name frequency, familiarity, and visual complexity. Consistent with the proposals of Damasio et al. (1996), left temporal lobectomy impaired naming ability, particularly for living things. When individual outcomes were considered, twice as many patients showed a relative decline in naming living as opposed to nonliving things.     

Video game experience and its influence on visual attention parameters: An investigation using the framework of the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA)

Experts with video game experience, in contrast to non-experienced persons, are superior in multiple domains of visual attention. However, it is an open question which basic aspects of attention underlie this superiority. We approached this question using the framework of Theory of Visual Attention (TVA) with tools that allowed us to assess various parameters that are related to different visual attention aspects (e.g., perception threshold, processing speed, visual short-term memory storage capacity, top-down control, spatial distribution of attention) and that are measurable on the same experimental basis. In Experiment 1, we found advantages of video game experts in perception threshold and visual processing speed; the latter being restricted to the lower positions of the used computer display. The observed advantages were not significantly moderated by general person-related characteristics such as personality traits, sensation seeking, intelligence, social anxiety, or health status. Experiment 2 tested a potential causal link between the expert advantages and video game practice with an intervention protocol. It found no effects of action video gaming on perception threshold, visual short-term memory storage capacity, iconic memory storage, top-down control, and spatial distribution of attention after 15 days of training. However, observations of a selected improvement of processing speed at the lower positions of the computer screen after video game training and of retest effects are suggestive for limited possibilities to improve basic aspects of visual attention (TVA) with practice.     

Wie können Langzeittherapien mit kürzeren Behandlungen verglichen werden?

Long-term psychotherapy is not recommended in the current guidelines, which are based on the criteria of evidence-based medicine, as there is a lack of confirmation for long-term psychotherapy by efficacy studies. Using the example of psychoanalytic long-term psychotherapy this article describes six dilemmas which impede the realization of efficacy studies for long-term psychotherapy. Finally, basic elements of a study design are proposed, which are considered as being adequate to compare (psychoanalytic) long-term psychotherapy with shorter treatment forms in terms of outcome and cost-effectiveness. The anxiety and personality disorders (APD) study is briefly described as an example of a study realizing the proposed design.     

Path Models of the Relationships of Instrumentality and Expressiveness to Social Self-Efficacy, Shyness, and Depressive Symptoms

This study was designed to examine path models of the relationships of instrumentality, expressiveness, and social self-efficacy to shyness and depressive symptoms in college students. Models indicated strong relationships between social self-efficacy and instrumentality; the relationship of instrumentality to depressive symptoms was mediated by its relationship to social self-efficacy. The relationship of social self-efficacy to depressive symptoms was direct and was also mediated by its relationship to expressiveness. These findings provide new information on how gender role-related personality traits may be protective against depression.     

Verhaltensgenetik

Behavioural genetics has provided ample evidence for the influence of genes on personality traits and psychological disorders. In this review, the methodological strategies of behavioural genetics are described and study results with special relevance for psychotherapists are highlighted.Moreover, some traditional myths and misunderstandings are discussed. In particular, two findings are underscored: While genetic factors substantially contribute to the development of personality traits, environmental influences shared by the members of a family appear to be virtually absent. In contrast, environmental factor specific to an individual seem to play an important role.Second, genes do not only have a direct impact on the development of psychological disorders, but also act in an indirect way by increasing the probability of exposure to stressful life events which in turn function as risk factors for psychological disorders. It is concluded that research should incorporate both genetic and environmental factors to be able to evaluate their relative impact and elucidate the interaction of nature and nurture.     

Care for Caregivers: Understanding the Need for Caregiver Support

Most long‐term care for older adults in the United States is provided by informal caregivers (Ahmad, 2012 ), the majority of whom experience an intense range of emotions from satisfaction to loneliness. Counselors must consider this emerging population of caretakers and learn methods to encourage clinical services to address their need for support. This article delineates experiences and challenges of informal caregivers and provides suggestions for effective clinical services for caregiver populations.     

Das ABC der farbigen Außenarchitektur

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