Toward a translational model of Stroop interference

Models of the Stroop effect that postulate single, centralized processing stations are fundamentally incorrect. A translational model is proposed in which parallel processing systems are hypothesized that are linked by a translation mechanism. Each system processes information using its own internal code specifically linked to the type of information the system processes. Information is passed between these systems via the translation mechanism. Evidence supporting this model comes from both the literature and the experiments reported in this article. Of primary importance is the demonstration that the pattern of interference that emerges is dependent upon the cognitive system used to process the information.

     

Spatial maps of directed visual attention

Simple reaction times (RTs) to a visual target are facilitated when the target occurs at a location expected by an observer, and are slowed when the target occurs at the mirror-symmetric location contralateral to the expectancy (e.g., Posner, 1978; Posner, Snyder, & Davidson, 1980). The spatial extent of this attention effect was examined by inducing subjects to expect the target at one location and introducing occasional probe flashes at other locations throughout the visual field. The results indicated that RTs to these probes were equivalent to those obtained at the expected location so long as the probe was in the same hemifield as the subject's expectancy. Conversely, RTs to probes in the hemifield opposite the expectancy generated uniformly slower response times. These results were obtained when the expected location varied in eccentricity from 2 degrees to 16 degrees along the horizontal meridian. In addition, when the expected and unexpected locations were within the same hemifield, no expectancy effects were observed. Under these conditions, the frequently used metaphor that directed visual attention operates like a spatially restricted "beam" appears inaccurate. The implications of these findings for current views of directed attention are considered.     

A comparison of classical eyelid conditioning in adults and infants

In a classical conditioning procedure an eyeblink-eliciting tap to the glabella (the flat region of skin between the eyebrows) was presented 500 ms after the onset of a mild l-kHz tone. As tone-tap presentations proceeded, the probability of an eyeblink during the latter part of the tone increased in both infants (median age 8 months) and adults, but the infants were slower to condition than the adults and were more variable. Overall, the latency of the conditioned response to tone was significantly longer for infants than for adults, but the latency of the unconditioned response to tap was significantly shorter for infants than for adults.     

I Don't Like You Because You're Hard to Understand: The Role of Processing Fluency in the Language Attitudes Process

Two experiments examined the effects of processing fluency—that is, the ease with which speech is processed—on language attitudes toward native‐ and foreign‐accented speech. Participants listened to an audio recording of a story read in either a Standard American English (SAE) or Punjabi English (PE) accent. They heard the recording either free of noise or mixed with background white noise of various intensity levels. Listeners attributed more solidarity (but equal status) to the SAE than the PE accent. Compared to quieter listening conditions, noisier conditions reduced processing fluency, elicited a more negative affective reaction, and resulted in more negative language attitudes. Processing fluency and affect mediated the effects of noise on language attitudes. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.     

Psychological and physical adjustment to breast cancer over 4 years: identifying distinct trajectories of change.

The goal of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of adjustment to breast cancer over 4 years as well as to distinguish among the different trajectories. The mental and physical functioning of 287 women with breast cancer who remained alive and disease free through 4 years of follow-up were examined. The majority of women showed slight and steady improvement in functioning with time, but subgroups of women were identified who showed marked improvement and marked deteriorations over time. Age successfully distinguished different trajectories of physical functioning. Indices of personal resources (i.e., self-image, optimism, perceived control) and social resources (i.e., social support) successfully distinguished different courses of mental and physical functioning.