Individual differences in perceived similarity and preference for visual art: A multidimensional scaling analysis

Previous studies have shown that individuals may attend to different dimensions in making an overall judgment of similarity between complex stimuli. The present study investigated the nature of differences in the perceived similarity of reproductions of paintings by the use of multidimensional scaling techniques. Using the INDSCAL model, a group of art-trained students are shown to differ significantly from a group of nonart students in terms of their differential weighing of a set of common dimensions. The same subjects’ preferences are examined in relation to these differences by use of the PREFMAP hierarchy of models. While the simplest (vector) model was found to be appropriate for almost all subjects, large differences in vector direction and average subject ideal-point location are found. Implications for future studies of responses to art are discussed.     

Acquisition, extinction and reacquisition of a conditioned response in the cockroach: The effects of orotic acid

Cockroaches can be trained to keep their metathoracic leg out of a saline solution. Isolated metathoracic ganglia learnt faster than headless animals, which in turn learnt faster than intact animals. Extinction took longer in the isolated ganglion than in the other two preparations. Extinction times increased with increasing dose of orotic acid, a precursor of RNA. Orotic acid did not systematically affect the times for acquisition and reacquisition of the learnt response.     

Some puzzling results on the Poggendorff illusion

Results obtained by Weintraub and Krantz on the Poggendorff illusion were critically evaluated. It was also shown that the assimilation theory of the Poggendorff illusion adequately predicted the form of the function that results from rotating one of the oblique arms.     

Matching behavior: Some methodological problems

Two classes of problems associated with specifying the controlling stimuli in matching experiments were discussed. The first class-control of matching behavior by cues other than the standard stimuli-was demonstrated by the results of a pseudomatching experiment. The second class related to the “effective” sample or standard stimulus set and to changes in the S’s matching strategy that may occur in a matching experiment.     

Reflections on thomism and client-centered psychotherapy

Conclusion To summarize, Rogers and Aquinas both stress the importance of existential experience and sense data. Although Rogers is more concerned with human freedom and being than are many modern adjustment psychotherapists, he is still circumscribed by his initial positivistic assumptions about the nature of man in his therapy. but these assumptions may be in the process of change.But like Aquinas, Rogers has a deep respect for the person, a respect for his emotions, a respect for his whole existential being.³⁸ Rogers once stated that the client-centered point of view is devoid of thequid pro quo aspect of most experiences we call love. It is the simple outgoing human feeling of one individual for another, a feeling it seems ... which is even more basic than sexual or parental feelings. It is a caring enough about the person that you do not wish to interfere with his development, nor to use him for any self-aggrandizing goals of your own. Your satisfaction comes in having set him free to grow in his own fashion.³⁹ Isn't this the spiritual detachment of real Christian love?He has taught at the University of California at Los Angeles and at Loyola University (Los Angeles), and has been a staff psychologist at the Metropolitan State Hospital, Los Angeles. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Psychotherapists.Portions of this paper were presented at the 16th Annual Scientific Session, Guild of Catholic Psychiatrists, Los Angeles, 1964.