On a problematic procedure to manipulate response biases in recognition experiments: the case of “implied” base rates

The experimental manipulation of response biases in recognition-memory tests is an important means for testing recognition models and for estimating their parameters. The textbook manipulations for binary-response formats either vary the payoff scheme or the base rate of targets in the recognition test, with the latter being the more frequently applied procedure. However, some published studies reverted to implying different base rates by instruction rather than actually changing them. Aside from unnecessarily deceiving participants, this procedure may lead to cognitive conflicts that prompt response strategies unknown to the experimenter. To test our objection, implied base rates were compared to actual base rates in a recognition experiment followed by a post-experimental interview to assess participants’ response strategies. The behavioural data show that recognition-memory performance was estimated to be lower in the implied base-rate condition. The interview data demonstrate that participants used various second-order response strategies that jeopardise the interpretability of the recognition data. We thus advice researchers against substituting actual base rates with implied base rates.     

Control is good; prediction is better?

Franz Mechsner (2004) suggests that movements are exclusively controlled with respect to the effects that they cause in the external world and that motor control can be reduced to prediction of movement effects. Although predictive mechanisms certainly deserve a lot more attention than they have received in the past, the author argues here that prediction and control must necessarily work together to build a flexible and effective motor system.     

TMS in cognitive plasticity and the potential for rehabilitation

Cognitive neuroscientists use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in several ways, from aiming to increase understanding of brain-behavior relationships to transiently improving performance, both in normals and in patients with neurological and neuropsychological deficits. Different types of TMS (single-pulse, paired-pulse, repetitive) are able to interfere with higher brain functions that require the cooperation of different brain areas and complex neuronal networks. Currently, behavioral TMS effects on the brain are usually short-lived and their underlying mechanisms not yet wholly understood. However, the aim of using TMS to develop rehabilitative strategies for motor, perceptive and cognitive functions represents an intriguing challenge.     

A new set of illusions--the dynamic luminance-gradient illusion and the breathing light illusion

A novel set of illusions that break brightness constancy and size constancy at the same time is reported. The illusions occur when observers move towards or away from these patterns. Many variations of these phenomena and a possible explanation are discussed.     

Differentiation of classical music requires little learning but rhythm

Detecting distinctions between the styles of classical music (e.g. Baroque and Romantic) is often viewed as the privilege of musicians. However, this elite perspective underestimates the abilities of non-musicians. We report that Western musicians and non-musicians, and non-Westerners (i.e. Chinese participants) rated pairs of excerpts presented auditorily as more similar as their compositional styles were closer in history. Moreover, the styles were considered by all participants as more different when presented in historical order, the older style preceding the more recent style (e.g. Baroque followed by Romantic), than the reverse (e.g. Romantic followed by Baroque). This historical distance effect appears related to rhythm (or temporal variability).     

Friendship closeness inventory: development and psychometric evaluation

This study developed a psychometrically sound measure of closeness in Australian men's (n = 59) and women's (n = 77) same-sex friendships, the Friendship Closeness Inventory. Subscales were developed to measure both masculine and feminine styles of closeness in three domains of Emotional Closeness, Behavioural Closeness, and Cognitive Closeness. The inventory was subjected to reliability checks which supported the reliability of each scale, and factor analyses which supported the 3-factor design. Correlations among ratings on subscales suggested that the affective, behavioural, and cognitive dimensions are distinguishable but related components of friendship. Group comparisons indicated that women rated themselves closer to their same-sex friends on the affective dimension than men. Researchers have suggested that sex-role socialisation may partly account for sex differences in self-ratings of emotional expressiveness in friendships. There were no significant differences between men's and women's ratings on the behavioural and cognitive aspects of friendships. The cognitive element may need further exploration in further scale development as it measures only one aspect of cognitive closeness: the perceived influence of friends. Pending further validation, the inventory appears potentially useful for research exploring affective, behavioural, and cognitive elements of young men's and women's friendships.     

A change in frame and countertransference experiences: Transitioning from face-to-face to telepsychotherapy

Unprecedented changes in traditional psychotherapeutic practice arose from the lockdown restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes to practice included the imposed change to the therapeutic frame when transitioning clients from face-to-face meetings to delivery of psychotherapy sessions via videoconferencing (defined here as telepsychotherapy). The current study conducted qualitative interviews with 16 Australian psychologists who transitioned their existing adult psychotherapy clients from face-to-face therapy to telepsychotherapy and explored their novel experiences associated with countertransference reactions during this period. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed several unique findings. The type of countertransference reactions towards existing clients was consistent across both face-to-face and online meetings; however, the felt intensity of countertransference reactions was reduced. Psychologists reported an increased hesitance to work with intense emotions during telepsychotherapy sessions and felt increased pressure to work harder during online sessions when compared to face-to-face meetings. Exposure to their clients' personal and home environments during telepsychotherapy sessions elicited several novel reactions towards their clients. These findings on countertransference and telepsychotherapy are informative for future practice and training. Awareness of these unique countertransference experiences is recommended prior to engaging in telepsychotherapy or when transitioning clients to this modality.