Auditory and visual similarity effects in recognition and recall

The role of auditory and visual factors in short-term recall and recognition performance was evaluated. Auditory similarity, but not visual similarity, was found to be predictive of the probability of a correct response and response confidence for both types of tests. The results were interpreted as support for a single-trace model of recall and recognition performance.     

Parallel scanning of physical and category information

In Sternberg's memory scan paradigm, subjects were required to scan for category membership or physical identity. In Experiment I, the scan rate when checking for either type of relationship at the same time was less than the sum of the scan rates when checking for either relationship separately. In Experiment II, presenting memory sets consisting of items from a single category affected the category scan function but not the physical scan function. The results were interpreted as evidence for the capacity to conduct parallel scans of independent memory encodings when retrieving remembered information.     

Modular interfaces for on-line applications

Analog signals, generated by BASIC R/T plot commands, are used to control a modular interface system. The interface system converts the analog signals to either BCD or decimal formulated pulses which are used to drive up to 10 relays. The system is coupled to a LAB 8/E minicomputer that permits precise timing of intersignal intervals as well as the simultaneous recording of many response variables.     

An introduction to state notation and SKED

SKED is a minicomputer operating system based on the functional use of state notation as a programming language. An overall view of the operating system, state notation, and the hardware necessary to simultaneously control as many as 12 experimental stations is provided.     

A second-generation motor rhythm analysis system

This report describes the design and operation of a second-generation motor rhythm analysis system (MRAS). The system enables quantification of spatial and temporal characteristics of movements performed in synchronization with audio-visual rhythmic stimuli. The MRAS also provides for assessment of preferred tempo in performance of repetitive movements. In addition to discussing the rationale for developing the system, consideration is given to procedures for its utilization in research regarding motor rhythm and preferred tempo.     

Interventional relevance and retrofit programming: Concepts for the improvement of clinician acceptance of computer-generated assessment reports

A brief historical review of research on the use of computers in mental health service delivery is presented. The computer-assisted psychiatric assessment project (PAU) at the Salt Lake City VA Hospital is briefly described in the perspective of previous research. It is noted that the initial design for the PAU was deficient in the development of a computer generated reporting scheme which is totally acceptable to clinicians. Two conceptual innovations, interventionally relevant reporting and retrofit programming, are introduced. These are described as providing solutions to the problem of obtaining clinician acceptance of computer-generated assessment reports. Pilot research on the use of these concepts is presented.     

Underwater audiogram of the California sea lion by the conditioned vocalization technique

Conditioning techniques were developed demonstrating that pure tone frequencies under water can exert nearly perfect control over the underwater click vocalizations of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Conditioned vocalizations proved to be a reliable way of obtaining underwater sound detection thresholds in Zalophus at 13 different frequencies, covering a frequency range of 250 to 64,000 Hz. The audiogram generated by these threshold measurements suggests that under water, the range of maximal sensitivity for Zalophus lies between one and 28 kHz with best sensitivity at 16 kHz. Between 28 and 36 kHz there is a loss in sensitivity of 60 dB/octave. However, with relatively intense acoustic signals (> 38 dB re 1 μb underwater), Zalophus will respond to frequencies at least as high as 192 kHz. These results are compared with the underwater hearing of other marine mammals.