Influence of a stereo surface on the perceived tilt of a monocular line

This study addressed the issue of how a stereo-specified surface influences the perceived twodimensional orientation of a monocularly viewed line. In a series of three experiments, it was found that, in general, when a monocular line was embedded in a disparity field specifying a planar surface slanted about the horizontal axis, the tilt of the line depended on the slant of the surface in which it was embedded and on whether the line was presented in the left or in the right visual field. These results, predicted by perspective geometry, are compatible with the hypothesis that the monocular line is perceived as part of the stereo surface. Moreover, it was found that timing is a crucial factor in determining the strength of the effect. The effect was at a maximum when the monocular line and the stereo surface were presented together, with no prior presentation of the surface. The influence of the stereo surface on the monocular line was substantially reduced, however, when the surface alone preceded the combined presentation of the line and the surface.     

The Effects of Precision Teaching and Self-regulated Learning on Early Multiplication Fluency

Fluent recall of basic facts is essential to the development of more complex math skills. Therefore, failure to develop fluency with basic facts may impede the development of these skills. The present study used a between-group experimental design to investigate whether a basic facts fluency program, implemented within a self-regulated learner (SRL) framework, could lead to increased fluency with multiplication facts for Year 5 and Year 6 New Zealand students (9–10 years old). This study also investigated the extent to which the SRL program altered students’ basic facts practice behavior outside of school hours. The study found that the SRL program resulted in rapid fluency development that was maintained over time. Nomothetic and idiographic analysis confirmed that the program was suitable for use within Tier 1 of the response to intervention framework. In addition, the study also found that students who received the program altered their practice behavior outside school hours. The results from this study show how elements of self-regulated learning and precision teaching can be successfully combined to enhance students’ mathematics achievement.

     

Psychopolitics

Neophyte group therapy trainees often encounter significant difficulties in their initial experiences as group therapists. In this article, we report and discuss the results of a semistructured interview conducted with each of 16 neophyte group therapy trainees in an academic training program. The interview focused on the trainees' subjective experiences related to their initial training and group therapy clinical practice, with particular emphasis on their satisfaction with their training and the role and impact of supervision. All trainees reported strong emotional reactions to their group experience and numerous technical concerns. However, trainees reported a broad range of degrees of satisfaction with their training. Overall satisfaction with training strongly paralleled satisfaction with supervision and the supervisory relationship. Recommendations for improving the group therapy training experience that emerge from the evaluation of the trainees' subjective experiences are suggested.     

Stress processes in HIV-positive African American mothers: moderating effects of drug abuse history

This study examined the mechanism by which stressors, dissatisfaction with family, perceived control, social support, and coping were related to psychological distress in a sample of HIV-positive African American mothers. Additional analyses explored whether women who had a history of a drug abuse or dependence diagnosis differed either on levels of the study variables or the model pathways. The results indicated that HIV-positive African American mothers who had higher levels of stressors perceived their stressors as a whole to be less controllable. Coping resources, available social support and perceived control, were positively associated with active coping and negatively associated with psychological distress. Avoidant coping was the most important predictor of psychological distress. Furthermore, the effect of avoidant coping on psychological distress was stronger for mothers with a history of drug diagnosis. The implications of these findings for targeting interventions are discussed.     

Personhood in a World of Forgetfulness: An Ethnography of the Self-Process Among Alzheimer's Patients

This article assesses the self-construct of Alzheimer's patients residing in a care facility, using qualitative research methods to determine whether a sense of personhood was retained despite the deteriorative consequences of the disease. Through systematic observations of patient actions and interviews with family members and staff, the study assessed the patients' experience of self. The self was conceptualized in social constructionist terms emphasizing how patients configure meaning in seemingly trivial everyday aspects of residential care. The research developed ways of understanding the patients' humanity, confirming that a self-process was sustained despite the effects of the disease. The article explores implications of a contemporary approach to treatment of patients as transformed, yet distinctive, human beings with valid relational and cultural lives.     

A national survey of older smokers: treatment needs of a growing population

Examined smoking and quitting patterns among 289 smokers ages 50 to 74 years who took part in a nationwide survey of American Association of Retired Persons members. Respondents were predominantly chronic, heavy smokers. They had smoked for an average of 45 years, more than one third smoked 25 or more cigarettes per day, and more than two thirds showed evidence of high nicotine addiction. Nonetheless, most were interested in quitting smoking and reported plans to quit in the next year. Concerns about missing or craving cigarettes; losing a pleasure; and being nervous, tense, or irritable after quitting were the most common barriers to quitting reported. These problems were rated as more serious by heavier, longer term smokers and by smokers with lower quitting self-efficacy. The variables most strongly associated with "contemplating" quitting were beliefs in quitting health benefits, recent attempts to quit or cut down, prior attempts to quit, and high self-efficacy. Limitations of these findings are discussed along with implications for the design of treatments geared to the special needs of older smokers.