The coding of constrained and preselected movement distance: Same-limb versus switched-limb reproduction

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the codes subserving the retention of movement extent information. Each experiment compared preselected and constrained movements in two independent movement tasks: same-limb reproduction and switched-limb reproduction. When movement direction was the same for both criterion and reproduction movements (experiment 1), same-limb reproduction was more accurate than switched-limb performance. With movement direction altered, however, switched-limb reproduction was equal to same-limb reproduction (experiment 2). These results were confirmed in experiment 3 which manipulated both movement direction and reproduction limb in a within-subject design. Furthermore, while preselected reproduction was superior to constrained reproduction in all three experiments, the two groups were not differentially affected by either the movement task or direction variables. The overall findings were interpreted as providing support for a multiple-cue memorial representation of movement extent and the notion of coding flexibility.     

Parent and self-report ratings of executive function in adolescents with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus.

Parent and self-report ratings were obtained for 28 adolescents with myelomeningocele and congenital hydrocephalus using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998a, 1998b) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000; Guy, Gioia, & Isquith, 1998). Parents rated their children as having significantly more problems, compared to published norms, on the BRIEF but not the BASC. Adolescents rated themselves as having significantly more problems, compared to parent ratings, on scales comprising the BRIEF Behavioral Regulation Index; but not on common scales of the BASC. Parents also reported more problems on the BRIEF Global Executive Composite than on all three primary BASC indices, and more problems on the BRIEF Metacognition Index than on the BRIEF Behavioral Regulation Index. We conclude that the BRIEF captures salient executive dysfunction among individuals with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus, and may be useful in identifying needs for intervention that might not be identified by broad-band behavior rating scales alone.     

Parent and Self-Report Ratings of Executive Function in Adolescents with Myelomeningocele and Hydrocephalus

Parent and self-report ratings were obtained for 28 adolescents with myelomeningocele and congenital hydrocephalus using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998a, 1998b) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF; Gioia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000; Guy, Gioia, & Isquith, 1998). Parents rated their children as having significantly more problems, compared to published norms, on the BRIEF but not the BASC. Adolescents rated themselves as having significantly more problems, compared to parent ratings, on scales comprising the BRIEF Behavioral Regulation Index; but not on common scales of the BASC. Parents also reported more problems on the BRIEF Global Executive Composite than on all three primary BASC indices, and more problems on the BRIEF Metacognition Index than on the BRIEF Behavioral Regulation Index. We conclude that the BRIEF captures salient executive dysfunction among individuals with myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus, and may be useful in identifying needs for intervention that might not be identified by broad-band behavior rating scales alone.     

The role of awareness in human conditioning

The cognitive view of human classical conditioning is that Ss are active in thinking about the pattern of stimulus events which occurs, the demands of the situation, and the kind of responses which they give. A question crucially central to conditioning theory is whether these thoughts and expectations determine conditional responding. This paper reports on two conditioning and personality experiments, employing the standard procedure of a single cue CS-UCS schedule and masking task, which assess awareness of stimulus contingencies and demand characteristics by means of a postexperimental questionnaire. Results were quite clear in showing no significant relationship between measures of awareness and eyelid conditioning.     

Evaluative conditioning: Overview and further options

Abstract

The demonstration of evaluative conditioning by Baeyens, Eelen, and Van den Bergh confirms our previous findings and extends the evidential basis for conditioning without awareness. The case made against their findings by Shanks and Dickinson is not supported by the methodological claims they advance. We suggest alternative control procedures and argue that evaluative conditioning plays an adaptive role in the formation of preferences.