Evaluation of a sound-generator chip: The AY 3-8910

Despite the continuing decrease in computer prices, psychoacoustic research is still expensive because of the high cost of sound-generation equipment and software. A single-chip sound generator was evaluated as an inexpensive tone/noise generator, amplitude attenuator, envelope modulator, and sound mixer. Although the chip has some limitations, it offers important advantages for pilot research and laboratory demonstrations.     

Memory for event frequency as a function of depression, age, intentionality, and level of processing

In two experiments, we examined memory for event frequency among depressed and/or elderly subjects (depression was either naturally occurring or induced by the Velten technique). We also manipulated level of processing and instructional set to test the notion that memory for event frequency is relatively invariant across a variety of tasks. Results supported the proposal that memory for frequency is robust in the face of depression and old age. Memory for frequency was enhanced, however, by semantic processing and by an intentional learning instructional set. Finally, the results suggest that the Velten technique not only induced variation in mood but also may have induced a semantic processing strategy in our depressed and elated subjects.     

Memory for modality of presentation: Within-modality discrimination

Two experiments demonstrated that Ss are capable of making within-modality memory discriminations in both visual and auditory modalities. In Experiment I Ss studied mixed lists of pictures and labels representing common objects and were subsequently required to judge whether the original presentation was pictorial or verbal The high level of performance achieved on this task was unaffected by degree of categorical relatedness of items within method of presentation or by instructions to produce visual images when items were presented verbally. In Experiment II Ss demonstrated the ability to remember whether a sentence was originally presented by a male or a female speaker. Some strategies by which within-modality discrimination in memory might be accomplished are discussed.     

Distinguishing between cognitive and somatic trait and state anxiety in children

The study was conducted to develop self-report measures of cognitive and somatic trait and state anxiety for children and to evaluate the utility of distinguishing between cognitive and somatic anxiety. Sixty-seven fourth grade children anticipated and then performed a mathematics task either in a high- or low-stress condition. While the children anticipated performing the task, measures of seven cognitive behaviors were obtained by means of both a think aloud procedure and a questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that reliable trait and state measures of cognitive and somatic anxiety were successfully developed. Further, the trait measures of cognitive and somatic anxiety were found to be relatively impervious to induced anxiety states. As expected, cognitive trait anxiety but not somatic trait or state anxiety was found to be related to task performance. High cognitive state and/or trait anxiety was found to be associated with more preoccupation and performance denigration as well as taking less of an analytic attitude toward the situation. Somatic trait and state anxiety were found to be associated with preoccupation. In general, the results support the construct validity of the measures developed and the utility of distinguishing between cognitive and somatic anxiety in children.