The effect of prior recall on multiple response recognition

Certain investigators have found that recognition is impaired when a recall test is interpolated during the retention interval. One possible explanation of this finding is that interpolated recall leads subjects to employ a more stringent recognition criterion. In the two experiments reported here, the influence of the recognition criterion was eliminated by using a multiple-response test requiring subjects to rank a recognition list consisting of old and new items. Nevertheless recall impaired subsequent recognition in both experiments, the effect being most marked for lowly ranked items. The recognition test in the first experiment was carried out in two stages. This made possible a direct examination of whether recall has an effect on the recognition criterion. No evidence for such an effect was obtained. Other ways in which recall may affect the recognition criterion are discussed.     

Apparatus accurate delays for auditory feedback experiments

This note describes a way of modifying a tape recorder for producing accurately controllable delays for experiments with delayed auditory feedback. Any value of delay from 80 millisec. to 1.2 sec. can be obtained to the nearest millisec., and the range could be extended by some minor changes. The delay is continuously monitored on a digital electronic timer.     

Women's Interests—Fact or Fiction?

The data used in this study were made available through the Center for Interest Measurement Research and the Student Counseling Bureau, University of Minnesota. Computer analysis was provided by the Numerical Analysis Center, University of Minnesota. While attempting to increase the number of A and B+ scores on the women's SVIB by varying the composition of the criterion group on marital status, it was found that the desired effect was achieved by using a different item selection and weighting system from Strong's original one and not by varying the marital status of the criterion group. The experimental scoring keys developed in the study also acted selectively on original scores of B and B—, raising or lowering them, and generally reducing their number. These findings went beyond the original hypotheses and intent of the study and suggested an explanation for the apparent heterogeneity of women's interests and the resulting difficulty in measuring them.     

A portable solid-state stimulus programmer

This paper describes a miniature solid-state timing device particularly useful for presenting repetitive signal sequences in classical conditioning experiments. The device uses transistors, silicon-controlled rectifiers, and four-layer diodes, and is powered by 20-hour rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Visual monitoring is provided for the unelapsed ITI and battery charge. Ranges are; ITI, 15 sec. to 5 min., ISI, 0–50 secs., CS duration, 0.5 to 30 sec., US duration, 0.5 to 30 sec. The CS and US durations are adjustable and the onset of the latter may be at any time after the CS onset. Cycling is continuous and automatic; the outputs are in the form of relay closures.     

Relational perception and modes of perceiver operation

Judgments were made of the size of a small, luminous (inner) square appearing in the center of a somewhat larger, variable (outer) square, the whole pattern appearing in the dark. Accuracy of judgment was greatest when the outer square was constant from trial to trial but deteriorated when the outer square also varied in size, reaching a lower limit less than the accuracy produced under the absolute judgment condition (no outer square presented). An application of multiple discriminant analysis and the use of a maximum likelihood observer model provided estimates of the extent to which Os responded to inner and outer size variation as separate aspects of stimulation. Although Os differed markedly in this respect, their ability to identify inner square size under the various conditions did not reflect this difference.     

Detection of auditory signals presented at random times

One hundred msec tones of 1000 Hz at four intensities were presented according to two Poisson schedules in a background of wide band noise and as increments to a 1000 Hz tone. Each 15 minute test session was run under fixed conditions and one of three instructions to detect the signals; the two Ss were free to respond at any time. The data analyzed were several inter-response and signal-response distributions, and they were compared with a theory due to Luce. Discrepancies between the theory and data indicate needed modifications of both the theory and the procedure.     

Gallbladder distention and the effects of several drugs on heart rate,respiratory movements and cortical potentials in cats with hypothalamic lesions

The effects of chronic hypothalamic lesions and various drugs on the viscero-visceral reflexes of cats have been investigated, utilizing measurement of the bioelectrical activity of the cerebral cortex. After coagulation of the posterolateral hypothalamus the heart rate decreased by 40–60 beats per minute, but eventually it regained its initial value. The viscero-visceral reflexes from the gallbladder to the heart were preserved after the operative procedure. Chlorpromazine and atropine blocked both arousal and the cardiorespiratory response to stimulation of the gallbladder. Similar effects were produced by novocaine and pantocaine.     

A CONTRADICTED HYPOTHESIS RELATED TO SZONDI'S THEORY: The Szondi Test as used on alcoholics

R amfalk , C. W., and R udhe , L. A contradicted hypothesis related to Szondi's theory. The Szondi Test as used on alcoholics. Scand. J. Psychol ., 1961, 2 , 100–104.—(1) The Szondi test was applied to 18 alcoholics, 18 total abstainers, and 18 'normals'. (2) According to the definition of consistency proposed in this study there is no consistent relation at the 1 per cent level of significance between any two selections of photographs made by alcoholics. (3) The results contradict theoretical claims based on Szondi's technique.