Evaluation of visual display surfaces by real users early in the design stage

Groups of non-computer scientists were tested to evaluate the potential of an as yet non-existent interactive terminal with a screen diagonal of one meter. A simulated large image terminal provided limited realistic interactions using software developed to give close proximity to the predicted visual effect. Subjective responses from 101 subjects were elicited from a questionnaire designed to evaluate specific aspects of the “terminal” in use. From this data, two types of screen (lenticular and plain) and two types of interaction devices (touch and remote pointer) were analyzed experimentally using a two-way factorial design. Potential end-users provided positive feedback concerning future use of the Large Image Terminal. Building a realistic mock-up revealed screen contaminations which would not have been discovered until a much later stage. Although statistical analysis of screen evaluations was equivocal, the questionnaire was sufficiently penetrating to separate the positive and negative features. This methodology was invaluable in guiding the design process. Copies of the questionnaire may be obtained from the authors at the Heriot-Watt address.     

Preemployment screening procedures: How human resource managers perceive them

A survey of Human Resource practitioners' perceptions of pre-employment screening procedures was conducted. The results indicated differences between tests in terms of perceived accuracy and offensiveness, as well as other attributes. Regression analyses suggested that beliefs about validity, the number of other companies using these procedures, perceived offensiveness of the test, and ease in passing the test were important factors in the willingness to use a particular test. Conversely, perceptions regarding the discriminatory impact of the test and the cost of using the test generally were not related to willingness to use the test. Limitations of this study, which was primarily exploratory, are noted.     

Racial Identity Development Among Gifted Black Students: Counseling Issues and Concerns

A review of the literature suggests that a paucity of information exists regarding how culture-specific issues such as being both Black and gifted influence the psychological needs and personality development of gifted Black students. Stellar attempts, however, are currently underway to develop theories and perspectives of racial identity development among Black students. These theories and perspectives are discussed in an attempt to understand and address the psychological and social needs of gifted Black students.     

Response

We argue that Shogan's critique, as well as that of Fox, fails to engage with the central focus of our article, which was to characterize and evaluate different approaches to lesbian ethics and to propose an alternative to the more familiar approaches.     

An evaluation of the reliability of probability judgments across response modes and over time

Despite the importance of probability assessment methods in behavioral decision theory and decision analysis, little attention has been directed at evaluating their reliability and validity. In fact, no comprehensive study of reliability has been undertaken. Since reliability is a necessary condition for validity, this oversight is significant. The present study was motivated by that oversight. We investigated the reliability of probability measures derived from three response modes: numerical probabilities, pie diagrams, and odds. Unlike previous studies, the experiment was designed to distinguish systematic deviations in probability judgments, such as those due to experience or practice, from random deviations. It was found that subjects assessed probabilities reliably for all three assessment methods regardless of the reliability measures employed. However, a small but statistically significant decrease over time in the magnitudes of assessed probabilities was observed. This effect was linked to a decrease in subjects overconfidence during the course of the experiment.     

The influence of personal and family factors on achievement needs and concerns of African-American and Euro-American college women

The relation of personal and family factors to three types of achievement was examined. A sample of 172 African-American and 105 Euro-American women completed four instruments assessing gender role attitudes, daydream achievement, daydream affiliation, n Ach and n Aff, and a demographic profile. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance showed that African-American more than Euro-American women described themselves as masculine and androgynous and reported more traditional achievement-related daydream activity. Racial differences were also observed for family factors' contributions to gender role attitudes. However, personal variables contributed to gender role attitudes for both groups. Gender role attitudes were also differentially associated with n Ach, daydream achievement, and daydream affiliation. The results are interpreted as support for the continued need to consider structural and cultural influences when investigating women and achievement.     

Correction processes in early reaching: Reaches by infants to prismatically displaced targets

Summary A comparison was made between trajectories of reaches to visual targets by 6-months-old infants, with and without lateral prismatic displacement. In the No Prism condition, the major element of the movement veered towards the target, confirming the results of Mathew and Cook (1990). In the Prism condition, the prism did not affect hand position or movement direction at the beginning of the major element, but a lateral displacement was evident by the end of the element. This is taken as evidence that shifts in trajectory during the element were not due to visual guidance. It is suggested instead that these shifts may reflect correction based upon somatic feedback about position in relation to the visually specified goal of the movement. Evidence that the hand approached the virtual target supports the suggestion that any visual guidance was confined to the approach phase of the reach. Nevertheless, it appears that visual guidance was operating at this stage, since movement direction was displaced away from the virtual target and towards the real target.     

Divorced mothers' gender role ideology,locus of control,and disciplinary patterns

This study examined gender role ideology, locus of control, and disciplinary patterns of divorced mothers. Data were gathered from 135 divorced mothers and their elementary school-aged children. Eighty-five percent of the subjects were white and 15% were nonwhite (African American, Hispanic, and Native American). Stepwise regression analyses were used to determine variations in child-rearing patterns explained by locus of control and gender ideology. Child-rearing patterns included four parental attitudes. The basic hypothesis that gender role ideology and locus of control are personal resources that influence child-rearing patterns of divorced mothers received clear support. These findings suggest that the relation between single parenthood and child socialization patterns are complex and that sociocognitive beliefs play an important role in single mothers' child-rearing choices.     

Gender differences in self-evaluations of information about current affairs

This study examines how gender is related to self-evaluations of information to discuss current social and political issues. The sample is one of predominantly white (96%) college graduates. Using alumni samples, we look at how members of four classes that span 20 years evaluate their knowledge to hold conversations on a variety of public affairs issues ranging from the Strategic Defense Initiative to government funding of abortion. We find gender differences, with men perceiving themselves more knowledgeable in conversations and women less so. We raise the possibility that they are “doing gender.” The implications of these findings are explored.