The effect of movement amplitude and target diameter on reaction time

Henry's (Henry & Rogers, 1960) memory drum model of neuromotor reaction, which predicts an increased response latency for more complicated movements, was tested by examining the effects of variations in movement amplitude and target diameter on choice RT. RT tended to increase with decreasing target diameter, and varied as a U-shaped function with amplitude. Such findings were in only partial support of the memory of drum notion. The data were discussed in relation to information processing, muscle activation, and subjects' expectations for executing responses along the range of movement amplitude.     

Picture-word differences in decision latency: An analysis of single and dual memory models

Semantic and perceptual size decision times for pictorial and verbal material were analyzed in the context of a unitary memory model and several dual memory models. Experiment 1 involved a same-different categorical judgment task. The results showed that picture-picture response latencies were 185 msec faster than the corresponding word-word latencies, and word-picture and picture-word latencies equaled the mean of these two extremes. Similarity of subcategory for “same” judgments led to faster decision latency for all presentation conditions. Additionally, a linear relationship was found between picture-picture and word-word latencies for individual item pairs. Experiment 2 involved a comparison of pictures and words across a. categorical judgment and a size judgment task. Pictures produced faster decision latencies in both tasks, and the latency diflerence between pictures and words was comparable across tasks. These data fit the predictions of a unitary memory model. Several variants of a dual memory model are rejected and those which fit the data require assumptions about storage and/or transfer time values which result in a functional regression to the unitary memory model.     

Monitoring system for infant movement,vocalization, and nurse interaction

An instrument which monitors and records certain behaviors of the neonate is described. By means of an air-inflated mattress and pressure transducer, the instrument measures whole-body movement. By means of a crib-located microphone, the device measures vocalizations. In addition, the presence and activity of nurse or observer are also monitored and recorded as part of the complete record. Except for the mattress and transducers, the monitor is completely self-contained, even including in its 8½-in.-high x 19-in.-wide size a 10-channel event recorder.     

Dyadic peer interaction and task orientation in attention-deficit-disordered children

A sequential observational approach was used to compare peer interactions in 10 mixed dyads of ADD-H and non-Add-H boys and 10 dyads of non-ADD-H boys in laboratory cooperative and school classroom task analogue activities. Mixed dyads were found to have a greater frequency of aggression and less joint activity than control dyads in specific situations. No differences were found for measures of functional attention as measured by frequency, duration, and mean duration of task-oriented behavior. Lag sequential analyses revealed two major sequences that differentiated mixed from normal dyads. These were Verbal Reciprocity (a measure of reciprocal verbal interaction) and Retreat (a measure of social withdrawal following aggression).     

Sexual assault history and use of health and mental health services

A history of sexual assault may be associated with increased current use of mental health and medical services because of the psychologically and physically disruptive consequences of assault. To test this hypothesis, we estimated rates of mental health and medical services use among 2560 randomly selected community residents, 343 of whom had been sexually assaulted. Sexual assault was associated with seeking both forms of care. Controls for demographic variables, psychiatric diagnosis, health status, and insurance suggested that assault increases use indirectly, through poor mental and physical health. Uninsured, assaulted respondents were especially likely to consult medical providers. Respondents assaulted during childhood were particularly likely to seek mental health care. Assault was more common among mental health service users than nonusers, and among women using medical services compared to female nonpatients. The high prevalence of assault among service users underscores the need for providers to recognize and treat sexual assault-related problems.     

Waveform moment analysis: An ASYST program for topographical analyses of nonnegative bounded waveforms

The moments of a nonnegative bounded waveform (e.g., bounded probability density functions or responses that can be expressed as bounded probability density functions) provide the basis for characterizing the waveform. Traditionally, only the lower-order moments (k ≤ 4) have been utilized in deriving topographical indices of these waveforms. Recent advances in waveform moment analysis, however, have made it possible to derive comprehensive and interpretable indices of complex nonnegative bounded waveforms by utilizing both lower-order and higher-order moments. Waveform moment analysis is reviewed briefly, and a flexible and efficient computer program is presented for conducting waveform moment analyses.     

The favored child: A variation on the Cinderella theme in psychotherapy

The favored child in the family is frequently the object of parental adoration and sibling envy. The process of favoritism and its negative influence on character development is described in this paper. The authors have noted the forces and counterforces which prevail dynamically for these patients, whose major conflict is related to being favored above their siblings by a dominating parent. Case studies are presented to highlight the dynamics of these patients and an overview of therapeutic principles is presented.     

Holocaust Survivors in Hasidic and ultra-Orthodox Jewish populations

This article reports on Holocaust survivorship amongst Hasidim and ultra-Orthodox groups. The role of the social and religious set in organizing response to the Holocaust is traced. Unique dream phenomena in this group, with brief clinical vignettes, is provided. Often recurring clinical syndromes in the Hasidic Survivor population are discussed. A detailed case history with 'a strategic therapeutic approach is provided, and other treatment considerations are explored. The response possibilities of the system memory in traumatized individuals are outlined, and the centrality of activity-passivity conflicts in Survivors is noted.