Value judgments and value predicates

The Journal of Value Inquiry -     

The effect of encoding training on perceptual recall

The effect of encoding training on tachistoscopic performance was measured by training groups of Ss in either an octal or a standardized English encoding of nine place binary numbers. A control group of Ss was allowed to encode ad lib during an equivalent training period. Performance was measured before, during and after the encoding training. It was found that imposing a code on S impaired tachistoscopic performance both during and for some time after the encoding training. Possible reasons for this effect are discussed.     

Investigations of a mirror-image transfer effect in pigeons

In two separate experiments, pigeons trained binocularly to peck a key on which an oblique line (e.g., 60 degrees counter-clockwise rotation from horizontal) was projected yielded bi-modal angularity generalization gradients in extinction, with peaks of responding at both the training stimulus and its mirror image (in this case 120 degrees ). This mirror-image transfer effect may be analogous to an "octave effect" in auditory generalization, but Mello's finding of a mirror-image reversal transfer effect following monocular training in pigeons suggests an alternative interpretation.     

An Existential View Of Vocational Development

The paper is an attempt to point out that the literature of existential philosophy has produced a meaningful theory of vocational development. The theory not only appears to be cogent, but also lines up closely with current thinking in the field. The contrast with various authors is an attempt to illucidate through similarity the ultimate ramifications of the existential theory. An equally important aspect of this theory is that within it one discovers an explanation of work alienation. Finally, there is every reason to believe that the existentialists have produced only a small portion of the potential theoretical model.     

Cooperative Guidance and Instructional Programs for Leadership Preparation

This article outlines a sequential series of leadership programs, from elementary school to college level, that will serve to integrate the guidance and instructional processes. Leadership is viewed as one of the four main categories of talent: “academic, creative, kinesthetic (e.g., crafts, athletics), and psychosocial (e.g., leadership).” It is suggested that potential participants for leadership training might be identified by screening and nomination, case study, program planning and placement, and follow-up and evaluation. A four-front program of counseling-instructional activities including individual counseling, group counseling, seminars, and advanced classes is described. It is hypothesized that the interaction of teachers and counselors in actual curriculum building will lead to genuinely individualized educational programming.     

The Pavlovian basis of reciprocal inhibition therapy

While there is a slight disagreement between Wolpe’s views and Pavlov’s statements concerning the application of experimental psychology to the study of psychiatry, Wolpe indicates that he owes much to Pavlov. A Pavlovian analysis of therapy by reciprocal inhibition, which includes the physiological constructs as well as Pavlovian methodology, will increase our understanding of Reciprocal Inhibition therapy. The major techniques of Reciprocal Inhibition therapy are discussed in the terms of Pavlovian method and theory. Desensitization based on systematic relaxation appears to be effective because the excitatory stimulus is presented when the subject’s cortex is predominantly in an inhibitory state while relaxed. Assertive training relies mainly on building up the excitatory process by use of the second signal system. Thought-stopping is analogous to the external inhibition procedure with the use of the second signaling system as the “extra” stimulus. Deductions from Pavlov’s typology predict that an excitable subject will be difficult to desensitize and somewhat easier to train in assertive behavior and thought-stopping. Some implications of relating Pavlovian method and theory to Reciprocal Inhibition therapy are discussed.     

Binocular summation in the perception of form at brief durations

Visual form identification at brief durations was studied under: (a) monocular presentation; (b) dichopic presentation where the same form was presented successively on noncorresponding areas; and (c) dichopic presentation where the same form was presented on corresponding areas simultaneously and successively. Form identification for noncorresponding area dichopic presentation was at the level to be expected from 2independent chances to perceive. Both simultaneous and successive dichopic presentation on corresponding areas gave identification accuracy significantly above the level predicted by the assumption of independence. However, the binocular summation was not complete. When the same amount of energy entering the visual system in a binocular presentation was given in a monocular stimulation, the latter condition gave significantly better identification.