Lexical derivation

A recent point of controversy in linguistics has been the correct treatment of derived nouns such asrefusal, destruction, andeageness. Two positions, the transformationalist approach and the lexicalist approach, have been proposed to account for the relationship between these nouns and their base forms (refuse, destroy, eager). The two approaches differ over how they resolve an incompatibility among the basic assumptions of transformational grammar. Positive linguistic arguments given by Chomsky (1970) favor the lexicalist account. Empirical predictions are suggested from the application of the two approaches to psycholinguistic situations. Experimental findings are reviewed, including those from a research program contrasting lexical derivation and the attributes of imageability and concreteness. The results fail to support either position, and throw doubt upon the idea that there is a genuine phenomenon to be investigated. This gives rise to a dilemma over the relationship between linguistics and psychology, which may be resolved either by rejecting the conception of linguistics as the explanation of linguistic intuitions or by rejecting the notion of a direct link between linguistics and psychology.     

Assumed Similarity of Attitudes About AIDS Among Gay and Heterosexual Physicians

Heterosexual and gay physicians indicated their own attitudes on several issues related to the AIDS epidemic and attributed a position on each issue to the target group "most people." The heterosexual physicians' attitudes were more negative than the gay physicians' attitudes. Both groups judged that "most people" hold attitudes more negative than their own. The distance between own and attributed position as much greater for the gay individuals. This distance effect was due primarily to differences in self-ratings between the two groups. Own and attributed position correlated positively for each group of physiaans. Additionally, the tendency to assume similarity was marginally stronger for heterosexuals with high than low homophobia. Theoretical interpretation is presented.     

Effect of power to harm on retaliative aggression among males and females

The present studies examined the effect of differential power to cause harm to one another on individuals' retaliative responding. Participants with less, equal, or greater power relative to their target set shocks for one another in the context of a reaction-time task. Those in the less power condition consistently set higher shocks for their targets than did participants in greater or equal power conditions. Female participants were less likely than males to use an extreme violent response. The effects of power were seen most clearly when the target was male. Results are discussed in terms of equity considerations in human aggressive interactions.     

A microprocessor-(Heath ET-3400) based backup control system for laboratory experiments

This paper describes a psychology laboratory experimental control system that utilizes a PDP-11/10 minicomputer to perform both instrument control and data acquisition functions. The minicomputer is backed up by a Heath ET-3400 microprocessor trainer system which performs control functions only. Major components of the hardware and software comprising This system are described.     

Toward operationalizing a psychoeducational definition of learning disabilities

An operational definition of “learning disabilities” is presented from the standpoint that classificatory psychoeducational definitions must ultimately relate to educational processes. Thus the condition should be described in terms of abilities crucial to educational achievement, and noneducational criteria should not be employed. It is pointed out that the most generally accepted current definition — which identifies children as “learning-disabled” on the basis of behavioral criteria, while excluding others because of etiological and other nonbehavioral factors — overlooks functional similarities among such groups as educable mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed children. These similarities warrant the inclusion under the rubric of “learning-disabled” of some children who may also be grouped within other diagnostic categories. Consequently, the profferred definition is based on a primary concern with day-to-day learning and management issues. Concepts subtended by the definition are operationally defined, and its relationship to programming is discussed.     

Female aggression as a function of attitudes toward women

The aggressive behavior of female subjects who held either liberal or traditional beliefs concerning the role of women in modern society was investigated as a function of provocation by traditional or liberal male opponents. Traditional female subjects responded more aggressively than liberal females. The male opponent's attitude had no effect on female aggression.This article is based on an honors thesis submitted to the Honors and Experimental College of Kent State University by the second author.     

Integrating the criminal justice system into mental health service delivery: the worcester diversion experience

The substantial number of persons with mental illness encountered in many sectors of the criminal justice system has spurred actors from various agencies within that system to take actions aimed at reducing the growth of this population. These actions have included the development of specialty police units, jail diversion programs, and other mechanisms for channeling persons with mental illness out of the criminal justice system and into mental health treatment. The courts, too, have become involved in this effort with the recent development of the "mental health court," the latest of the "specialty" or "problem solving courts." These courts have not been without their critics, however, nor are they the only feasible approach to court-based diversion. This paper identifies and explores a range of options for structuring the relationship between criminal courts and local mental health systems. Beginning with a discussion of the rationale motivating the development of mental health courts, two alternatives to this specialty court model are discussed. One involves judges dealing with defendants having mental illness and substance abuse on a case-by-case basis. The other takes advantages of linkages that may already exist between most courts and the mental health providers who conduct their forensic assessments, expanding the role of these providers to serve as boundary spanners between courts and the components of local mental health systems. Regardless of the model adopted, however, appropriate linkages must exist between the courts and relevant providers. A case study is provided that demonstrates how the status of a locale's linkages can be evaluated and how the information derived from such evaluation can be used to improve the linkages between police, courts, and health and human services agencies.