Discrimination of loudness similarity

Interval and ratio scale values were derived from measures of variability in the discrimination of loudness similarity. The interval values are linearly related to interval values based on equisection judgments (Garner, 1954), cumulating jnds (Riesz, 1933), and the dispersion of absolute judgments (Gamer, 1952). Scale values based on three diverse discriminability procedures and on the method of equisection are thus in good agreement. The ratio lvalues, however, are at variance with ratio values determined by direct ratio estimations (Stevens, 1955).     

Revised Beck Depression Inventory scores of inner-city adolescents: pre- and postpartum

The revised Beck Depression Inventory was administered to 109 (69.0%) black, 33 (20.9%) Hispanic, and 16 (10.1%) white adolescents who were attending prenatal and postpartum clinics offered by two inner-city hospitals at 28 wk. of pregnancy, 5 wk. postpartum, and 6 mo. postpartum. The mean Beck scores significantly decreased between 28 wk. of pregnancy and 5 wk. postpartum but did not change between 5 wk. and 6 mo. postpartum. The levels of depression were comparable to those previously reported for nonpregnant adolescent females. Using a Beck cut-off score greater than 20 as indicative of depression, 134 (84.8%) were never depressed; 11 (7.0%) became depressed after delivery; 8 (5.1%) ceased being depressed after delivery; and 5 (3.1%) were depressed throughout.     

Participating in social enquiry and action

This paper describes the collaborative endeavours of residents and a wide range of professional workers in a particular area of Nottingham, with reference to a community psychology approach to addressing sources of psychological distress. The activities include a survey of people's views about living in the area and the factors they identify as affecting their health; and initiatives in community participation and action. One hundred and twenty three people were interviewed by members of the Sneinton and Bakersfield Community Forum. Harmful influences upon health and causes of stress were revealed as litter, dog dirt, air and traffic pollution, feeling unsafe to go out at night and lifestyle-related issues such as smoking and diet. Public meetings, the local press and short written reports were used to publicize these results and encourage further involvement. Many local residents and professionals are now active in a network of groups which address social and environmental concerns.     

Cognitive mediation in general psychiatric outpatients: a test of the content-specificity hypothesis

We investigated the degree of content specificity evident in the negative cognitions associated with anxiety and depression in two large samples of general psychiatric outpatients. Standardized measures of affect and cognition were analyzed in a multiple regression design. As predicted by Beck's (1967, 1976, 1987) cognitive theory of psychopathology, thoughts of loss and failure were specifically associated with depression, whereas cognitions of harm and danger were uniquely predictive of anxiety. In addition, hopelessness was specific to depression and not to anxiety. Dysfunctional beliefs showed no consistent association with either mood state. The implication of these results, as well as related findings, is discussed in terms of a cognitive perspective on the differentiation of emotional disorders. Also discussed are the methodological difficulties encountered in research on cognitive-affective relationships.     

Contrast and spatial variables in texture segregation: testing a simple spatial-frequency channels model

Observers were shown patterns composed of two textures in which each texture contained two types of elements. The elements were arranged in a striped pattern in the top and bottom regions and in a checked pattern in the center region. Observers rated the degree to which the three regions were seen as distinct. When the elements were squares or lines, perceived segregation resulting from differences in element size could be canceled by differences in element contrast. Minimal perceived segregation occurred when the products of the area and the contrast (areal contrasts) of the elements were equal. This dependence of perceived segregation on the areal contrasts of the elements is consistent with a simple model based on the hypothesis that the perceived segregation of the regions is a function of their differential stimulation of spatial-frequency channels. Two aspects of the data were not consistent with quantitative predictions of the model. First, as the size difference between the large and small elements increased, the ratings at the point of minimum perceived segregation increased. Second, some effects of changing the fundamental frequency of the textures were not predicted by the model. These discrepancies may be explained by a more complex model in which a rectification or similar nonlinearity occurs between two stages of orientation- and spatial-frequency-selective linear filters.     

The evolution of leadership during group development

This paper is based on the view that the theory of the group-as-a-whole is illuminated and clarified by a developmental perspective. Beck's theory of group development is used as the framework within which the evolution of four leadership roles across nine developmental phases are discussed. Leadership is defined as a shared function in which four participants play important roles in a dialectical process through which the structure of a group is developed, maintained, reinterpreted or modified as needed. Data are presented on verbal participation and on a sociometric questionnaire to illustrate changes in the four leaders' behavior and the members' perceptions of them across the phases of group development.