The effect of repetition on the perception of single letters)

Single letters were presented for from one to five flashes, with S required to report what he saw after each f1ash. The clarity of the letter increased sharply with repetition. Since the letters were no larger than one-third of a degree in size, clarity could not have .been increased by S making different fixations from f1ash to f1ash and combining them into a total percept. Nor was S guessing, since this could be ruled out by other indicators. Thus, it was concluded that repetition of the stimulus can have a direct effect on the clarity of a S’s percept of that stimulus.     

Two learning models for responses measured on a continuous scale

Two linear operator models are presented for a class of learning situations in which the response is on a numerical scale and the subject is given the magnitude of his error on some or all of the trials. Theoretical expressions are developed for sequential dependencies, mean learning curves, variances, and covariances, which permit a number of tests of goodness of fit.This work was supported by Grant G-12986 from the National Science Foundation. The author wishes to express his appreciation to J. H. Alexander for his cogent assistance.     

Axiomatic foundations of a three-set guttman simplex model with applicability to longitudinal data

In this paper the usual two-set Guttman simplex model is extended to three sets. The axiomatic foundations of this extention are presented. Two cases are discussed. In Case 1 there is a three-set joint order, while in Case 2 there is a two-set joint order consistent across all levels of the third set. Case 2 represents the first clear formulation of a longitudinal developmental scale. The model is discussed in terms of its most straightforward application, longitudinal developmental data, and in terms of other possible applications.This research was supported in part by NSF grant BNS 8108145.     

The placebo and the therapeutic uses of faith

The holistic movement in modern medicine has raised questions concerning the very character of the religion-medicine dialogue. A truly mutual interaction between theology and medicine must require of the theologian a serious interest in and understanding of medicine if the notion of the body-mind unity is to be taken seriously from the point of view of pastoral care. This paper suggests that this discussion may be enriched by a theological analysis of the placebo, which has lately been the subject of controversy within medical circles. Finally, it is suggested that the value of the placebo reposes in its serving as a symbol of the dynamics of faith in medical care.