Selective attention and changes in clinical state

Thirty inpatients of a psychiatric unit were given the Mini-Mult and a series of auditory selective attention tasks in order to test the hypotheses that (1) impaired attention is related to degree of pathology, and (2) improvement in clinical state leads to improved ability to selectively attend. The results showed that the relationship between the Mini-Mult and the listening tasks is significant only when the subjects had to exclude irrelevant stimuli (interference condition). The results also indicated that the relationship between clinical changes and changes in attentional performance is significant. The findings were discussed in terms of a quantitative theory of attention.     

In defence of a ratio model for movement detection at threshold

Sutherland (1961) proposed that the detection of motion might depend upon the ratios of firings in cells sensitive to movement in opposite directions. Sekuler and his collaborators have argued that the notion of a ratio mechanism at threshold is wrong. The findings and arguments upon which this conclusion was based are challenged, an explicit model is described which provides an account of data previously held to be inconsistent with a ratio model, and an experiment is reported which provides unequivocal support for the ratio model and whose findings are inconsistent with the predictions from Sekuler's “independence” model.     

CULTURAL VARIATION IN PROBABILISTIC THINKING: ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY*

This study reviews research on cultural differences in “probabilistic thinking” and presents some intra- and inter-cultural findings. Strong differences are shown to exist between people raised under Asian and British cultures on measures of this ability. These differences were found to out-weigh any influence of subculture, religion, occupation, arts/science orientation and sex. Generally, Asians were found to adopt a less finely differentiated view of uncertainty both numerically and verbally than did the British sample. Numerical probabilities assessed by the Asians were more extreme and less realistic than those assessed by the British sample. Possible antecedents of these differences are outlined, and cultural differences in probabilistic thinking are shown to be compatible with decriptions of cultural differences in business decision making. It is argued that there are qualitative cultural differences in ways of dealing with uncertainty.     

Rational stage-directed therapy: A cognitive experiential system using hypnosis,imagery, cognitive restructuring,and developmental staging

Conclusion Although RSDT is a relatively new form of therapy, we believe there is reason for great optimism regarding the efficacy of the RSDT model. Communications from our colleagues using the model in a variety of settings have been very favorable. We believe the experimental studies that have been conducted on the RSDT model demonstrate that it has generated significantly better outcomes when compared with other therapeutic models and those results obtained from no therapy controls. We think the effectiveness of RSDT has been admirably demonstrated through comprehensive research designs In comparison with outcome studies conducted on other forms of therapy. We look toward the future with optimism as more practitioners begin to use the RSDT model and additional evaluation studies are conducted.     

The relative efficacy of simulation experiments

A complex in-basket simulation and a paper-and-pencil scenario experiment were used to study relationships between organizational leadership and gender. Separate samples completed identical attitude instruments in the independent studies. Analysis revealed that substantially more of the total variance was accounted for in the simulation study than in the scenario investigation. Also, more overt, gender-based responses were observed in the scenario study. It was concluded that social simulation may tap a deeper level of psychological process and may elicit more subject involvement than typical experimental methods. Thus, the more complex procedures of the simulation, as compared to those of a typical method such as a scenario study, are justified in the study of organizational behavior.     

Entry-Level Employment Prospects for Women in College-Student Personnel Work

Women are no longer underrepresented in student-personnel preparation programs. Although this situation is noteworthy, it may not be without potentially frustrating consequences for the increased number of female master's degree graduates who are seeking a limited number of entry-level positions. Whether the increase in women will have deleterious effects on placement remains to be seen. In the meantime, women (and men) should be made aware of the inherent free-market employment risks when contemplating a career in student-personnel work.