Objective measurement of the independent variable: A neglected methodological aspect in community-based behavioral research

The importance of adequately measuring independent as well as dependent variables in studies evaluating therapeutic services provided to antisocial children is indicated. Data were obtained from a study in which 139 antisocial children were stratified according to age and then randomly placed into 14 groups. The children were randomly assigned to either of 2 treatment strategies or to a control treatment strategy. The effect of the treatments was evaluated by 2 pre-post selfrating scales, by a prepost inventory completed by therapists, and by behavioral observations of both children and their therapists. Measurements of the children's and therapists' behaviors were secured at each weekly 2-hr, meeting for approximately 30 weeks. Very few significant differences occurred between the treatment and control groups on the dependent variables. The findings indicated that independent checks are necessary to insure that therapeutic strategies are actually being implemented, thus providing for an adequate test of their effects on the dependent variables.     

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.