A computer-based test battery for the assessment of static and dynamic spatial reasoning abilities

A battery of 10 computerized tests of spatial ability is described. It includes 5 tests that require reasoning about static spatial displays and 5 tests that require reasoning about dynamically displayed spatial information. An integrated software package for task presentation and data analysis is described, along with a summary of results from a validation study comparing performance on the computer-based tests with performance on standardized paper-and-pencil tests of spatial abilities. Finally, research applications of the current battery are discussed.     

Shame in pastoral psychotherapy

This essay contends that pastoral psychotherapy is an arena of shame for clients and therapists. If unacknowledged, shame can undermine therapy and injure all participants. The approach is to provide a succinct typology of shame, to describe how shame is woven into the structure and process of psychotherapy, and to offer seven ways therapists can work creatively with shame in psychotherapy and turn it into a healing resource.     

The role of religious values in coping with cancer

The relationship between transcendent meaning attribution, religious orientation, and psychological well-being was studied in cancer and noncancer patients to test the hypotheses that intrinsic religious values and life meaning enhance coping and well-being during the course of the life-threatening illness. Subjects were 44 patients receiving medical treatment for cancer and noncancer medical conditions. In the cancer group, higher levels of attributed life meaning were positively linked with intrinsic religious orientation, and associated with lower levels of despiar, anger-hostility, and social isolation. Cancer patients scored higher than noncancer patients on depersonalization, suggesting the presence of psychic numbing in response to their illness. Noncancer group results were characterized by positive correlations between the two groups in coping styles and salience of life meaning attribution. A rationale for the observed differences in coping styles between the two groups is presented, highlighting perceived life threat as a key differentiating variable.     

Matrix formulas for part and partial correlation

General formulas for part and partial correlation of any order are derived in terms of multiple correlation coefficients, standard partial regression weights, and validities. The relationship between part correlation and the independent contribution of a predictor is discussed.     

Do zoo visitors induce attentional bias effects in primates completing cognitive tasks?

Animal Cognition - While previous research has focused on the impact of visitors on zoo-housed animals’ behavior, here, we evaluated the impact of visitors on the performance of four...