Form discrimination: features or invariants?

Does form discrimination rely on feature analysis, as the indirect theory of perception supposes, or on affordances (behavioural meanings specified by invariant patterns), as direct theory states. Subjects were to indicate the position of a target in a perspective rendering of a plane, displayed for 100 msec. in a large screen projection. In one of the conditions the target disrupted the plane, in the other it did not. Although targets of the two conditions shared the same features, the disruptive targets were discriminated more often than the nondisruptive targets. This result supports the direct approach to perception which states that a perceiver discriminates behaviourally relevant patterns rather than geometrical properties.     

Biofeedback without a technical team--simple and cost effective

An important psychotherapeutic process is that of autogenous training, whose effectiveness can be improved by the use of biofeedback. Biofeedback procedures have hitherto called for considerable expenditure on apparatus and frequent therapy sessions. Despite this, it has not been possible to extend the relaxation effect to more general situations. This paper describes an inexpensive and practical method of utilising all the advantages afforded by the underlying therapeutic concept, on the basis of experience gained with cutaneous thermography. Further information, notably on the preparation of the laminae, can be had on request from the authors.     

The causality principle of psychotherapy and supportive methods in group psychotherapy--reflections on the principles of method combinations

A causality principle of psychotherapy is offered, starting from a technologically orientated concept of psychotherapy as a process. Working from target, commencement, principles, and means, psychotherapeutic methods may be characterised. From these, rules governing the therapist's mode of conduct are arrived at. The causality principle provides a theoretic and practical basis for the integration of ancillary methods into various therapeutic concepts, and for therapeutic teamwork.     

Thoughts on the 7th world congress of the IPPNW (International Physicians for Prevention of Nuclear War) in Moscow

The authors discuss the international campaign of doctors in opposition to nuclear warfare, "the ultimate scourge of mankind", and give their impressions of the seventh international IPPNW congress held in Moscow from May 29 to June 1, 1987.     

Computer-assisted implementation of the MMPI test

In a research programme lasting one year a computer-supported technique for the MMPI-Test has been developed in co-operation of the Clinical-Psychology and the Bio-Medical. Engineering Departments. The use of the microelectronically operated test apparatus has proved extremely economic.     

Loss of smell and taste within the scope of vitamin B 12 deficiency

The article deals with the case of a patient who had a partial gastrectomy and developed a vitamin B12 deficiency syndrome with anemia, myelopathy and complete loss of the senses of taste and smell. Regression of the symptoms followed liberal dosing with vitamin B12.     

THE INFLUENCE OF SEX-ROLE IDENTITY AND OCCUPATIONAL ATTAINMENT ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF ASIAN AMERICAN WOMEN

This study examined the extent to which sex-role identity as defined by Bem's typology is related to occupational attainment, self–esteem, and work satisfaction for 161 employed Asian American women. Three major hypotheses were tested: (a) Masculine and androgynous Asian American women have a higher level of occupational attainment than those with feminine and undifferentiated sex-role identity; (b) androgynous Asian American women have a higher level of self-esteem and a greater degree of work satisfaction than those with other types of sex-role identity; and (c) the higher the level of occupational attainment secured by Asian American women, the greater their work satisfaction and the higher their self-esteem. As predicted, sex-role identity was significantly related to occupational attainment. Androgynous Asian American women and those with a high level of occupational attainment had a higher level of self-esteem and a greater degree of work satisfaction than those with other types of sex-role identity. The implications of these findings for Bem's formulation of androgyny, its relation to occupational achievement, and its consequences for psychological health and work outcomes are discussed.