Uncovering mental processes with factorial experiments

The analysis of reaction time (RT) additivity and interactions via factorial manipulation is a widely used and potentially powerful tool for elucidating mental processing; however, current implementation is limited by the scope of systems for which predictions are available, as well as statistical weakness. Predictions for an expanded set of system dimensions (serial/parallel, independent/dependent, and selective/nonselective influence) are given. The theorems are not limited to particular families of distributions. Statistical considerations are examined in the context of an exemplary nonadditive parallel system which adequately fits “additive” data but will only be rejected as additive when power is increased beyond the traditional criteria.     

A new technique for testing the eliciting effects of fish color patterns

This new technique provides an alternative to the use of stimulus fish with paint applied to their body surfaces or fish dummies for testing the eliciting effects of different color patterns. The stimulus fish are fitted with thin plastic suits, with the pattern to be tested painted on each suit. Small numbers of stimulus fish are required. They adjust readily to the suit and rarely show agitated movements during testing. Suited-up stimulus fish may better simulate the appearance of free-living conspecifics than dummy fish that show no breathing activity or unassisted swimming movements. At the same time, suited-up fish provide some variation in stimulus characteristics particularly relative to swimming movement.     

Eliminating invalid self-report survey data.

A sample of 6,370 students in Grades 6 to 8 completed a questionnaire on their attitudes and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. A subsample showed questionable data based on three criteria: missing responses, invalid responses, and inconsistent responses. Analysis indicated that this subsample was significantly different from the main group on demographic variables and self-reported life-time tobacco use. Results support efforts to identify and eliminate invalid data.     

Evaluating Gender Discrimination Claims: Is There a Gender Similarity Bias?

A rich literature exists that examines individuals' perceptions of affirmative action in organizations. However, little is known regarding the evaluation of reverse gender discrimination claims arising from gender-based preferential treatment. This study investigated the possible existence of a gender similarity bias in evaluations of gender discrimination allegations using a laboratory experiment in which the strength of evidence against the defendant company and the gender of the plaintiff were manipulated. Our sample consisted of 120 undergraduate students (60 men, 60 women) from diverse racial/ethnic groups (35% Asian, 6% African American, 18% Hispanic, and 41% Caucasian). Results suggested that female mock jurors favored female plaintiffs over male plaintiffs. In contrast, there were no gender-related differences in perceptions of male plaintiffs. Thus, although women did not disadvantage male plaintiffs, there was a tendency for them to be favorably biased in favor of female plaintiffs. As expected, this tendency was greatest under conditions of evidential uncertainty about the company's guilt.     

Independence and separability in the perception of complex nonspeech sounds

All sounds are multidimensional, yet the relationships among auditory dimensions have been studied only infrequently. General recognition theory (GRT; Ashby & Townsend, 1986) is a multidimensional generalization of signal detection theory and, as such, provides powerful tools well suited to the study of the relationships among perceptual dimensions. However, previous uses of GRT have been limited in serious ways. We present methods designed to overcome these limitations, and we use these methods to apply GRT to investigations of the relationships among auditory perceptual dimensions that previous work suggests are independent (frequency, duration) or not (fundamental frequency [ f0], spectral shape). Results from Experiment 1 confirm that frequency and duration do not interact decisionally, and they extend this finding with evidence of perceptual independence. Results from Experiment 2 show that f0 and spectral shape tend to interact perceptually, decisionally, or both, and that perceptual interactions occur within, but not between, stimuli (i.e., the interactions suggest correlated noise across processing channels corresponding to perceptually separable dimensions). The results are discussed in relation to lower level sensory modeling and higher level cognitive and linguistic issues.     

Protecting Our Daughters: Intersection of Race, Class and Gender in African American Mothers’ Socialization of Their Daughters’ Heterosexuality

Using a framework of intersectionality and Black feminist thought, this paper provides a conceptual exploration of the socialization process among African American mothers and daughters, with special attention given to the ways in which African American girls become aware of their mother’s attitudes and beliefs concerning romantic relationships. Edmondson Bell, E. L., Nkomo, S. M. (1998). Journal of Comparative Family Studies, 29, 285–295 labeled this process armoring. I propose a model of sexual risk for low income African American girls in which the armoring process serves as the focal point. I then provide a conceptual discussion, comparing my proposed model to current social cognitive models in its ability to comprehensively explain the correlates and predictors of sexual behavior among this population. Implications concerning sexual risk prevention efforts are also discussed.     

Suicide Terrorists: Are They Suicidal?

Are suicide terrorists suicidal? A review of the worldwide literature on suicide terrorism uncovered five published empirical studies describing data collected from potential suicide terrorists or the surviving friends and families of deceased terrorists. The many discrepancies uncovered between suicide terrorists and other suicides on key factors known to underpin suicidality, suggest that such terrorists are not truly suicidal and should not be viewed as a subgroup of the general suicide population. Nonetheless, methods developed by suicidologists, such as the psychological autopsy, will help increase our understanding of the individual and group factors that underpin suicide terrorism.     

Exploring Thematic Nightmare Content and Associated Self‐Harm Risk

Nightmares have been shown to be robust predictors of self‐harm risk, beyond depressive symptoms and hopelessness at times. However, few studies have investigated associations between nightmare content and increased self‐harm risk. This study explored associations of thematic nightmare content with history of self‐harm, and risk of self‐harm phenomena the morning following a nightmare. A mixed‐method diary study was performed. Prospective nightmare reports were obtained from 72 participants. A total of 47 nightmare reports met inclusion criteria and were analyzed for themes using inductive thematic analysis. Chi‐square and bootstrap Pearson's correlation tests were performed to assess the associations between nightmare themes and self‐harm history, and risk of self‐harm phenomena following a nightmare. “ Powerlessness to Change Behavior” was associated with a history of self‐harm engagement, whereas “Financial Hardship” indicated reduced risk. Themes were not significantly associated with increased risk of self‐harm phenomena following a nightmare. Content may be of use in detecting lifetime history of self‐harm engagement, particularly in populations where disclosure is seen as taboo. However, nightmare symptom severity remains a better indicator of risk. Evidence for the utility of nightmare content in assessing immediate self‐harm risk is presently lacking. Replication with increased power is recommended.