Point biserial correlation coefficient and its generalization

The problem of measuring the association between two characters, one quantitative and the other qualitative, is discussed. The formula for the large sample standard error of the point biserial correlation coefficient under general conditions is derived. The point multiserial correlation coefficient is introduced and some of its properties are examined. Tests of different hypotheses appropriate to these types of problems are formulated.I wish to pay my sincerest thanks to Dr. C. R. Rao, Dr. S. K. Mitra, and the reviewers for their valuable suggestions.     

Couples treatment for major depression: critique of the literature and suggestions for some different directions

Current couples approaches to the treatment of depression show considerable promise for some couples, but have substantial room for improvement – in terms of efficacy as well as applicability and acceptability to a broader population. Although conjoint approaches have been shown to be efficacious in reducing couple distress and are possibly efficacious in ameliorating depression that co-occurs with couple distress, methodological problems hamper generalization from the published findings. Therefore, it is not clear that most depressed persons are likely to benefit from currently available conjoint formats. Most basically, there may often be obstacles that prevent or delay partner involvement, highlighting the need for treatments that can enhance relationship functioning without relying on a conjoint format. Existing treatment delivery systems may also fail to reach a considerable segment of the population. Developing a more flexible set of options for implementing couple-focused treatment, as well as rethinking dominant assumptions about depression, may be integral to extending the viability of couples therapy for depression.     

Predictors of academic performance among Indian students

There are two dominant strains in the literature on academic performance, the attribution studies and the self-efficacy studies. The present study attempted to incorporate these two strains while examining the academic performance of engineering undergraduate students in India. Time management and perceived stress were included in the model to predict grade goals and academic performance. Two age groups were compared to assess the impact of developmental change on the predictors of academic performance. Two studies were conducted with 372 first year students and 232 third, fourth and fifth year students from the same engineering institute. Different predictors emerged for the two groups, reflective of developmental change. Self-efficacy emerged as an important predictor for the older students.     

Effect of schizotypy on responding maintained by free-operant schedules of reinforcement

Deviations from otherwise reliable patterns of responding in human performance on schedules of reinforcement could be associated with personality characteristics, such as psychometrically-measured schizotypy. The present study examined differences between high and low scorers on four schizotypy subscales (unusual experiences, cognitive disorganisation, introvertive anhedonia and impulsive non-conformity) on a random-ratio (RR) and random-interval (RI) schedule of reinforcement. Results showed a higher rate of responding on the RR than RI schedule, consistent with the differences in performance normally observed between these schedules. However, these differences were dependant on whether or not participants scored high or low on the schizotypy subscales, as well as the specific schedule parameters between the schedules. Specifically, high scorers on the unusual experiences (UE) subscale of the O-LIFE(B) were the only group in Experiment 1 not to show a difference in schedule performance, suggesting high scores on this subscale are linked to altered RR and RI performance. Experiment 2 explored this finding further using different schedule parameters, and confirmed that high scorers in UE did not differ in response rates between the two schedules.     

Internalized Misogyny as a Moderator of the Link between Sexist Events and Women’s Psychological Distress

This study examined the relationship between internalized misogyny and two other forms of internalized sexism, self-objectification and passive acceptance of traditional gender roles. In addition, it examined the moderating role of internalized misogyny in the link between sexist events and psychological distress. Participants consisted of 274 heterosexual women who were recruited at a large southern university in the United States and completed an online survey. Results indicated that internalized misogyny was related to, but conceptually distinct from self-objectification and passive acceptance. Findings also indicated that greater experiences of sexist events were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. In addition, internalized misogyny intensified the relationship between external sexism and psychological distress.     

Neuromarketing in predicting voting behavior: A case of National elections in India

Political choice has huge importance, either expressed in the balloting place or in the exit poll, in bringing a political party to power and thus impacting the economy and society's welfare. Research in leadership and decision-making suggests that the physical characteristics and traits of an individual influence the consumer's trustworthiness. Despite being a less explored research area, studying the impact of specific verbal and non-verbal cues of a political leader through a technological lens, such as eye-tracking has been sparsely talked about. Three sets of experiments were conducted to study voters' visual attention and reactions to gage their willingness to vote. First, an eye-tracking tool was used to record the visual attention and regions of interest (ROI) of voters. Subsequently, a short survey was used to analyze the “willingness to vote”, followed by a pilot study on their attention to non-verbal cues from the candidate. Also, a sentiment analysis of the voters was gathered from social media platforms. The present study analyzed the non-verbal aspects of a political leader with regard to voting intention and found that even a few of the non-verbal cues have an influence on the willingness to vote for a candidate. The findings contribute to the literature of neuro-politics and decision-making by analyzing voters' experiences of two political leaders, Narendra Modi (NaMo) and Rahul Gandhi (RaGa) based on non-verbal cues. Political parties and candidates should focus on non-verbal cues to increase their chances of winning elections. In addition, practitioners from the industry should incorporate appropriate non-verbal cues while designing ad campaigns, personal branding, PR campaigns, and CEO addresses.     

The Incommensurability Thesis: Has It Lost Its Bite?

Journal of Indian Council of Philosophical Research - Incommensurability constitutes the focal point of Kuhn’s departure from the prevailing traditions in Philosophy of Science. The paper...