An electrophysiological method for the study of binocular rivalry

A technique is described for recording cortical evoked responses from human Ss in binocular rivalry. Each target is illuminated with flickering light at different frequencies upon a steady background. While the S continuously indicates with a response key which target he is seeing, the cortical responses are tape recorded. The tape recording is later analyzed by average response computer separately for each eye, seeing and not seeing. This simultaneous record of the functioning of both eyes eliminates confounding variables found in earlier methods. Controls are included for rivalry changes during a stimulus cycle and for S motor response time.     

A portable,audible-Interval signal device1

Described here is a compact and battery-operated unit that produces a short audible signal at uniform intervals, variable from 2 sec to 2 min.     

Inspection time and everyday functioning: A longitudinal study

We tested whether level and/or changes in inspection time (IT) in an elderly sample (70–85 years at baseline) predicted future independence in everyday functioning, independent from chronological age. Sixty-eight participants were initially assessed on IT and cognitive abilities in 2003, reassessed on IT in 2005, and then completed the Everyday Problems Test, a test of independence in everyday living, in 2008. Controlling for age, lower fluid reasoning at baseline (Raven’s-subset) and slowing IT over 18 months independently predicted poorer everyday functioning in 2008, together accounting for one-third variance. This supports the proposition that IT has utility as a biomarker for less favourable ageing.     

Is What You Feel What They See? Prominent and Subtle Identity Signaling in Intergroup Interactions

Individuals often signal group affiliations to others, and the display of such identity signals is frequently rather subtle. While prior work has focused on understanding an individual's choices of subtle versus prominent signals, in this work, we look at the downstream consequences of such choices. Specifically, we explore how the prominence of identity signals may affect one's behavior in intergroup interactions. Drawing from literature on processing fluency, we propose that the use of difficult to process (subtle) identity signals in intergroup interactions leads signalers to experience identity threat, lowering confidence in their identity and leading them to engage in behaviors to recover from this experience. Across three different identity domains (college affiliation, political affiliation, and brand loyalty), we show that when individuals use difficult to process identity signals, they derogate out‐group members in communication and behave less cooperatively in intergroup interactions. We find that these effects depend upon the observability of the signals by out‐group members and only occur for individuals who are highly identified with the in‐group. We also find that the effects are attenuated when behavior towards members of the out‐group is made public. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An Integrative Clinical Approach to Cultural Competent Psychotherapy

To provide effective psychotherapy in cross-cultural situations, cultural issues need to be adequately addressed. We describe core concepts of cultural competence relevant for psychotherapists to consider. A contextualized approach to conducting cultural competent assessment and formulation is recommended, including the use of DSM-5 Outline for Cultural Formulation and Cultural Formulation Interview. We introduce a cultural competent framework to help therapists become more mindful of culturally relevant interactions in therapy. Finally, a three-tier system is proposed for the examination of psychotherapy models through a cultural lens. The concepts and framework described can be flexibly and pragmatically integrated into a therapist’s regular clinical work, increasing the therapy’s effectiveness across diverse populations.