Discriminant Analysis Using Mixed Continuous,Dichotomous, and Ordered Categorical Variables

This article proposes an intuitive approach for predictive discriminant analysis with mixed continuous, dichotomous, and ordered categorical variables that are defined via an underlying multivariate normal distribution with a threshold specification. The classification rule is based on the comparison of the observed data logarithm probability density functions. To reduce the computational burden, the analysis is conducted in the context of a confirmatory factor analysis model with independent error measurements. Identification of the dichotomous and ordered categorical variables is discussed. Results are obtained by implementations of a Monte Carlo expectation maximization (MCEM)algorithm and a path sampling procedure. Probabilities of misclassification are estimated via the idea of the “jackknife” method. A real example is given to illustrate the proposed method.     

计算机控制的心理学实验计时问题与新方案设计

计算机作为实验平台广泛应用于心理学实验中。本文指出计算机控制心理学实验的计时误差具有随机性、不可预知性,修正和优化难度大,并分析了原因。然后提出一种采用分布式任务处理和LED背光控制技术的新型心理实验系统,测试结果表明该系统在刺激呈现时间及反应时间精准度上优于计算机,为心理学实验平台的设计提供了新思路。     

Randomised controlled pilot trial of mindfulness training for stress reduction during pregnancy

This randomised controlled pilot trial tested a six-week mindfulness-based intervention in a sample of pregnant women experiencing high levels of perceived stress and pregnancy anxiety. Forty-seven women enrolled between 10 and 25 weeks gestation were randomly assigned to either a series of weekly Mindful Awareness Practices classes (n = 24) with home practice or to a reading control condition (n = 23). Hierarchical linear models of between-group differences in change over time demonstrated that participants in the mindfulness intervention experienced larger decreases from pre-to post-intervention in pregnancy-specific anxiety and pregnancy-related anxiety (PRA) than participants in the reading control condition. However, these effects were not sustained through follow-up at six weeks post-intervention. Participants in both groups experienced increased mindfulness, as well as decreased perceived stress and state anxiety over the course of the intervention and follow-up periods. This study is one of the first randomised controlled pilot trials of a mindfulness meditation intervention during pregnancy and provides some evidence that mindfulness training during pregnancy may effectively reduce PRA and worry. We discuss some of the dilemmas in pursuing this translational strategy and offer suggestions for researchers interested in conducting mind-body interventions during pregnancy.     

Impact pattern of dialectical thinking on perceived leadership training outcomes

This research examined the impact of dialectical thinking (DT) on perceived training outcomes in commercial leadership training using a quasi‐experimental design. Study 1 found that high‐DT individuals had better perceived on‐site training outcomes when compared with individuals with low DTs, regardless of training methods. But there was no significant difference between low and high DTs on subsequent behavioral improvements. It was also found that self‐reported training outcomes were consistent with others' observation. To further validate the on‐site effect of DT, we introduced a cognitive style manipulation prior to training to increase DT levels among trainees in Study 2. Individuals following the cognitive style manipulation reported significantly better perceived training outcomes. The implications of this research for field training are discussed.     

Double Reference Points: the Effects of Social and Financial Reference Points on Decisions Under Risk

The existing literature is inconsistent about how social comparison affects risk attitudes. We propose a framework where the total utility is composed of the social and financial utilities. The financial utility is consistent with prospect theory (i.e., an S‐shaped utility function with a financial reference point), whereas the social utility is affected by both social and financial reference points. Therefore, social risk attitudes are determined by interaction between gains/losses in both social and financial contexts. On the basis of safety‐first principle, we propose that when experiencing financial gains, individuals tend to seek upside potential and take social risks (i.e., a convex social utility function). In contrast, when facing financial losses, people would be more risk seeking in social gains but more risk averse in social losses to maximize security (i.e., an inverse S‐shaped utility function). We also propose that the relative importance of financial and social utilities depends on the saliency of the reference points and size of stakes. Studies 1 and 2 showed that individuals were risk seeking in both social gains and losses with social reference points alone. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrated that when both financial and social reference points were salient, participants were risk averse in both social gains and losses when facing financial gains, but risk seeking in social gains and risk averse in social losses when facing financial losses. The hypotheses derived from the theoretical framework were in general supported by our experiments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Representations of Mental Health Among Middle‐Aged Urban Chinese Men

Little is understood by the ideas that urban Chinese population holds about mental health. Insufficient research and recognition of mental illnesses, and a dearth of social resources for mental health support and promotion limit understandings of how daily life stresses restrict the quality of life of China's urban population. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 15 middle‐age urban men, we map out men's accounts of how they battle to cope with the demands of everyday social, political, and familial pressures. The study reveals that the representations of mental health are shaped by notions of control over emotions, adherence to Confucian philosophy, familial obligations, and the need to demonstrate social obedience and conformity. Data also suggest that the participants represent stable family support along with healthy social interactions as important enabling factors of positive mental health, whereas pressures of modernity are regarded as significant disruptive factors in mental health. The theory of social representations guides the process as well as analytic interpretations of this research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

“逻辑、现代性与现代主义”会议综述（英文）

<正>1 When and where The workshop‘Logic,Modernity,Modernism:Chinese and Western Perspectives’took place on October 11–12,2014 at the Department of Philosophy at Tsinghua University in Beijing.It was organised by Wang Lu and Martin Stokhof,and received financial support from the School of Humanities of Tsinghua University,from     

《孟子·天下之言性章》再诠释:兼论孟子人性论的思想史意义

本文通过梳理早期人性论的思想脉络,说明早期以"习"描述"性"的普遍特征,由此引出孟子在《天下之言性章》中讨论"性"的特殊意义,文中首先讨论了学者目前关于此章争议情况,并进而对此章按分层结构的方式进行解释,以"故""利"与"智"作为各层的核心内容,说明孟子对"性"与"故"关系的认识,并确定孟子在此章中所表达的态度.