Biased feedback in spatial recall yields a violation of delta rule learning

This study investigates whether inductive processes influencing spatial memory performance generalize to supervised learning scenarios with differential feedback. After providing a location memory response in a spatial recall task, participants received visual feedback showing the target location. In critical blocks, feedback was systematically biased either 4° toward the vertical axis (toward condition) or 4° farther away from the vertical axis (away condition). Results showed that the weaker teaching signal (i.e., a smaller difference between the remembered location and the feedback location) produced a stronger experience-dependent change over blocks in the away condition than in the toward condition. This violates delta rule learning. Subsequent simulations of the dynamic field theory of spatial cognition provide a theoretically unified account of these results.     

A tale of two simples

A material simple is a material object that has no proper parts. Some philosophers have argued for the possibility of extended simples. Some have even argued for the possibility of heterogeneous simples or simples that have intrinsic variations across their surfaces. There is a puzzle, though, that is meant to show that extended, heterogeneous simples are impossible. Although several plausible responses have been given to this puzzle, I wish to reopen the case against extended, heterogeneous simples. In this paper, I briefly canvass responses to this puzzle which may be made in defense of extended, heterogeneous simples. I then present a new version of this puzzle which targets simples that occupy atomic yet extended regions of space. It seems that none of the traditional responses can be used to successfully save this particular kind of extended simple from the new puzzle. I also consider some non-traditional defenses of heterogeneous extended simples and argue that they too are unsuccessful. Finally, I will argue that a substantial case can be made against the possibility of extended heterogeneous simples of any kind.     

Why Take Both Boxes?

The crucial premise of the standard argument for two‐boxing in Newcomb's problem, a causal dominance principle, is false. We present some counterexamples. We then offer a metaethical explanation for why the counterexamples arise. Our explanation reveals a new and superior argument for two‐boxing, one that eschews the causal dominance principle in favor of a principle linking rational choice to guidance and actual value maximization.     

Invisible Mothers: A Content Analysis of Motherhood Ideologies and Myths in Magazines

The purpose of this study is to identify prevalent motherhood ideologies and myths in contemporary women's magazines. The results indicate that contemporary magazines promote a traditional motherhood ideology, yet perpetuate motherhood myths that undermine mothers who stay home. Traditional motherhood, which excludes Women of Color and employed mothers, is promoted. Mothers are almost exclusively presented in the domestic, rather than the public or integrated domestic–public, contexts. Myths that employed mothers are busy, tired, and guilty, and that employed mothers neglect and are unattached to their children, are not upheld. However, negative myths that at-home mothers are confused, overwhelmed, and interested only in superficial topics are upheld in the magazines analyzed. The implications of these results on the perpetuation of patriarchy are discussed.     

Career Concerns for People Living With HIV/AIDS

The purpose of this study was to identify the career concerns of people living with HIV/AIDS. The authors used qualitative research methodology to ask participants to discuss the impact their diagnosis has had on their career development concerns and their career goals. Based on participants' interview responses, the authors classified their concerns as relating to career or workplace issues, medical issues, or coping resources. Career counseling implications for each category are discussed.     

Comparing Binary Transgender and Nonbinary People: Factors Associated with Psychological Well-Being Among a Predominately People of Color Sample

Binary transgender and nonbinary people face interpersonal and societal discrimination which can contribute to minority stress and negative mental health. Thus, it is important that family therapists understand what factors contribute to psychological well-being to be able to offer helpful and inclusive therapy services to these communities. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding differences in factors contributing to psychological well-being between binary transgender and nonbinary people as well as understanding these factors in a predominantly People of Color (POC) sample. Utilizing secondary data from the Social Justice Sexuality Project (Battle and DeFreece in Women Gend Fam Color 2(1):1–31. https://doi.org/10.5406/womgenfamcol.2.1.0001, 2014; Battle et al. in Social justice sexuality survey: cumulative codebook, City University of New York-Graduate Center, New York, 2012), this study examined the relationships between perceived family support, religiosity, community connectedness and psychological well-being in a sample of binary transgender and nonbinary people. Results from a multiple group path analysis show that perceived family support, religiosity and being connected to an LGBT community were significantly associated with psychological well-being for binary transgender people, while only LGBT community connectedness was significantly associated with psychological well-being for nonbinary people. Implications for family therapists include helping families support binary transgender and nonbinary family members, deconstructing non-affirming religious messages about gender identity and connecting clients to affirmative religions and religious leaders, and being knowledgeable about community resources for binary transgender and nonbinary POC.