Searching for impossible objects: Processing form and attributes in early vision

In five experiments, we investigated the extent to which form (shape) and metric attributes (three-dimensional, 3-D, orientation), both defined by relations between une elements, are processed in early vision. Search for a target defined by an abstract property of form (i.e., impossibility) was slow and serial. In contrast, search for a 3-D orientation target was considerably easier. Subsequent experiments suggest that this difference reflects the fact that 3-D orientation is derivable from localized sets of lines, whereas impossibility is an idiosyncratic property of the complete set of relations between lines. We conclude that only “gross” aspects of form are available in early vision as the complete set of line relations is not processed preattentively. However, localized processing of line relations is sufficient to derive 3-D orientation.     

Rationale and directions for an increased emphasis on the therapeutic relationship in family therapy

This paper argues the need for an increased emphasis on the therapeutic relationship in family therapy. The ways in which the field of family therapy has eschewed the importance of the therapeutic relationship are discussed. Therapeutic alliance research from the field of individual psychotherapy and research on the importance of relationship factors to family therapy are reviewed. Suggestions for family therapy theory, practice, and research are presented.An earlier version of this article was presented at the 1992 Western Canadian Conference on Family Practice.     

Heuristic and statistical support for protocol analysis with SHAPA Version 2.01

This paper describes SHAPA Version 2.01, an interactive program for performing verbal protocol analysis. Verbal protocol analysis is a time-consuming activity that has hitherto typically been done by hand, whereas SHAPA represents an attempt to build a software environment to aid (but not replace) researchers in this activity. SHAPA allows researchers to develop an encoding vocabulary, to apply it to raw verbal protocol files, and to perform various types of data aggregation and data reduction. When performing verbal protocol analysis, researchers often try out different possible coding schemes before settling on the most effective one. SHAPA has been designed to support quick alterations to an encoding vocabulary and to support the rigorous statistical analysis of content and patterns (sequential data analysis) in protocol data. It is intended as an exploratory, as well as analytical, tool and has been designed to be easy for novices to learn and use, yet fluid and powerful for experts. A prototype version of SHAPA has already been used by a sample of researchers, and their experiences and requests have guided the programming of the present much more powerful version.     

Memory for stereotype-related material–a replication study with real-life social groups

This paper reports a study comparing the memorability of information that either confirmed, disconfirmed, or was irrelevant to, particular real-life social group stereotypes. Memory for both stereotype-confirming and stereotype-disconfirming material was enhanced relative to that for material which was stereotype-irrelevant. Further, there were no differences between the memory for stereotype-confirming and -disconfirming information. Implications for stereotype stability and change are noted.     

Group therapy in Leningrad

The author traces the development of group therapy in the Soviet Union based on a review of the literature and his experiences in Leningrad as a Faculty Exchange Scholar. Although early approaches used hypnotherapy and educational techniques, the Bolshevik revolution introduced the concept of the collective, which subsequently influenced group therapy. Recently, personality-focused models and approaches similar to those in the West have been advocated, especially at the Bekhterev Institute in Leningrad. The author describes his experiences supervising two Soviet clinicians who coled a therapy group for inpatient schizophrenics using techniques he developed in the United States.     

Schizophrenic group process: A comparison and replication using the HIM-G

In order to test the robustness of our model for treating schizophrenic patients in group therapy, we replicated our previous study of an inpatient schizophrenic group and also explored process in an outpatient schizophrenic group using the Hill Interaction Matrix (HIM-G). In agreement with the prior study, the results showed the groups to have a uniquely high Confrontive score, representing the highest level of group work in the Hill system, and the rank order of HIM-G scores of the groups correlated significantly with each other. This suggests that our clinical approach can be taught to different therapists and has reliability across setting.Parts of this paper were presented in a poster session at the American Group Psychotherapy Association Annual Meeting in San Francisco, February 21–25, 1989.     

Psychosituational classroom intervention: Rationale and description

Based on consideration of the environmental role in determining behavior, an approach to direct intervention with a pupil in a classroom is described. Assumptions underlying the intervention approach, examples of the method, and cautions in its use are presented.     

Group climate in a stress discussion group for medical interns

In order to better characterize group process, the short form of the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQS) was used to study a stress discussion group for medical interns. This group was found to be significantly different from a normative psychotherapy group sample along three major dimensions: Engaged, Avoiding and Conflict. The group members were cohesive, involved and open, yet respectful of each other's privacy. These results are discussed with respect to the group's goals and leadership.The authors thank George Fein, Ph.D., for statistical assistance.