Dimensional shift and the transfer of attention

Dimensional shift was examined by generating gradients of two-dimensional stimulus generalization for intradimensional and extradimensional transfer of attention. Undergraduates discriminated between lines varying in length and orientation. Stimulus values were relevant on one dimension and irrelevant on another. For intradimensional transfer, the Phase 2 transfer task involved discriminating between new values on the dimension that was relevant in Phase 1. For extradimensional transfer, Phase 2 involved discriminating between new values on the dimension that was irrelevant in Phase 1. Extradimensional transfer was learned in twice the number of trials that were required for intradimensional transfer. In Experiment 1, generalization gradients obtained at different stages of Phase 2 training showed that control by the relevant dimension was maintained throughout the intradimensional transfer. In the extradimensional transfer, however, control by the previously relevant dimension was gradually lost before control by the new relevant dimension was acquired. Experiment 2 showed that the advantage of intradimensional over extradimensional transfer could not be attributed to cue-specific stimulus generalization. Experiment 3 showed that in extradimensional transfer the irrelevant dimension in Phase 1 retarded acquisition of control by the new relevant dimension in Phase 2. Experiment 4 showed that the irrelevant dimension masked control by the relevant dimension in the generalization test, but verified the conclusion from Experiment 3 that learned irrelevance contributed to the intradimensional-extra-dimensional transfer difference.     

Awareness Effects of a Youth Suicide Prevention Media Campaign in Louisiana

Research on the efficacy of mediated suicide awareness campaigns is limited. The impacts of a state‐wide media campaign on call volumes to a national hotline were analyzed to determine if the advertisements have raised awareness of the hotline. We use a quasi‐experimental design to compare call volumes from ZIP codes where and when the campaign is active with those where and when the campaign is not active. Multilevel model estimates suggest that the campaign appears to have significantly and substantially increased calls to the hotline. Results from this study add evidence to the growing public health literature that suggests that mediated campaigns can be an effective tool for raising audience awareness.     

"Outsider Within" the Firehouse: African American and White Women Firefighters

Prior findings regarding (a) the subordination of African American women firefighters through imposed exclusion, (b) expanded definitions of tokenism and workgroup composition, and (c) the omnirelevance of race/ethnicity in Black women's perceptions of work experiences are extended to White women firefighters. A nationwide sample of 24 White women firefighters completed a 20-page survey and 1 hr interview developed from these previous findings. Both groups experienced insufficient instruction, hostility, silence, hyper-supervision, lack of support, and stereotyping and supportive as well as strained relationships with coworkers. Specific enactments of these global commonalties often varied along racial/ethnic lines. The present data, which start with the experiences of Black women then examine the experiences of White women, model an important methodological approach for understanding difference.     

Suicide Risk by Military Occupation in the DoD Active Component Population

Suicide risk based on occupational cohorts within the U.S. military was investigated. Rates of suicide based on military occupational categories were computed for the Department of Defense (DoD) active component population between 2001 and 2010. The combined infantry, gun crews, and seamanship specialist group was at increased risk of suicide compared to the overall military population even when adjusted for gender, age, and deployment history. The results provide useful information that can help inform the DoD's suicide prevention mission. Data limitations and recommended areas for future research are discussed.