Modality effects in the coding reproduction of rhythms

The temporal coding assumption is that time of presentation is coded more accurately for auditory events than for visual events. This assumption has been used to explain the modality effect, in which recall of recent auditory events is superior to recall of recent visual events. We tested the temporal coding assumption by examining the coding and reproduction of quintessentially temporal stimuli-rhythms. The rhythms were produced by sequences of short and long auditory stimuli or short and long visual stimuli; in either case, the task was to reproduce the temporal sequence. The results from four experiments demonstrated reproduction of auditory rhythms superior to that of visual rhythms. We conclude that speech-based explanations of modality effects cannot accommodate these findings, whereas the findings are consistent with explanations based on the temporal coding assumption.     

A need to belong: the impact of institutional diversity ideologies on university students’ belonging and interracial interactions

Social Psychology of Education - This study investigated the impact of diversity ideologies (i.e., colorblindness vs. multiculturalism) on students’ sense of belonging (SOB) to the university...     

In search of the neurobiological underpinnings of the differential outcomes effect

Correlating unique rewards with to-be-remembered events (the Differential Outcomes Procedure [DOP]) enhances learning and memory performance in a range of species. Recently, we have demonstrated that the DOP can be used to reduce or eliminate the learning and memory impairments associated with animal models of amnesia and dementia. This powerful phenomenon, the Differential Outcomes Effect (DOE), has led to the question: How does such a simple manipulation exert such dramatic influence on learning and memory performance? A revised two-process account of the DOE states that using the DOP results in the activation of reward expectancies through Pavlovian mechanisms. The use of unique reward expectancies alters the nature of cognitive processing used to solve discrimination tasks. The change in cognitive processing is represented by utilization of a different memory system than that commonly used to acquire and remenber information when a Nondifferential Outcomes Procedure (NOP) is used. Using neurochemical manipulations, it has been demonstrated that different, potentially independent, brain systems modulate memory performance when subjects are trained with a NOP versus a DOP. This memory-based DOP/NOP distinction resembles other dissociative memory theories in which two psychological processes are purportedly served by distinct neurobiological mechanisms. In addition, such results have important ramifications for the treatment of memory disorders because they demonstrate that stimulus and behavioral manipulations, like drugs, can influence neurotransmitter functioning.     

Suicide Potential and Behavior in Children Ages 4 to 12

ABSTRACT: From a population of 662 children 12 years of age and under, seen at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, during the years 1970 to 1974, 34 severely depressed children were identified who were also self-abusive and/or suicidal. Case study revealed fragmented, pathological homes, where the children's affect disorders and behaviors were symptomatic of acute family breakdown, marital disharmony, and observed and experienced violence, both verbal and physical. Follow-up on all available children, at least three years posttreatment, revealed that no child had committed suicide. Treatment evaluation by the parents was highly positive, with the great majority of children showing fair to good recovery and adjustment.     

A randomized controlled trial of internet-based therapy in depression

Depression is among the most prevalent disorders worldwide. In view of numerous treatment barriers, internet-based interventions are increasingly adopted to “treat the untreated”. The present trial (registered as NCT01401296) was conducted over the internet and aimed to assess the efficacy of an online self-help program for depression (Deprexis). In random order, participants with elevated depression symptoms received program access or were allocated to a wait-list control condition. After eight weeks, participants were invited to take part in an online re-assessment. To compensate for common problems of online studies, such as low completion rates and unclear diagnostic status, reminders and incentives were used, and clinical diagnoses were externally confirmed in a subgroup of 29% of participants. Relative to the wait-list group, program users experienced significant symptom decline on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; primary outcome), the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS), the Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Compared to wait-list participants, symptom decline was especially pronounced among those with moderate symptoms at baseline as well as those not currently consulting a therapist. Completion (82%) and re-test reliability of the instruments (r = .72–.87) were good. The results of this trial suggest that online treatment can be beneficial for people with depression, particularly for those with moderate symptoms.     

The economy and absenteeism: a macro-level study

Despite much speculation, little is known about the net effects of the economy on the employed workforce. To fill this gap, we used state-level data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to examine the effects of the condition of the economy, as indicated by the unemployment rate, on incidence rates of absence reportedly due to symptoms of illness and violent acts in the workplace for 43 states from 1992 to 2009. Our results suggest that the unemployment rate is positively associated with these indicators of absenteeism, and that these effects are delayed in time.     

Physical Attractiveness Bias in Employee Termination

We examined the impact of attractiveness on employment termination decisions. After viewing a file that contained a poor performance review and a badge with a photograph of an extremely attractive, moderately attractive, or unattractive employee, 178 participants were asked if they would terminate the employee, rated how much they liked the employee, and made a judgment of attribution of her poor performance. Participants were willing to terminate the unattractive woman more frequently than the moderate or extremely attractive women. The participants also liked the unattractive woman less than the others. When asked to rate causes of poor performance, no differences were found based directly on attractiveness, but attributions mediated the relationship between liking ratings and termination decisions.