Diagnostics of Robust Growth Curve Modeling Using Student's t Distribution

Growth curve models with different types of distributions of random effects and of intraindividual measurement errors for robust analysis are compared. After demonstrating the influence of distribution specification on parameter estimation, 3 methods for diagnosing the distributions for both random effects and intraindividual measurement errors are proposed and evaluated. The methods include (a) distribution checking based on individual growth curve analysis; (b) distribution comparison based on Deviance Information Criterion, and (c) post hoc checking of degrees of freedom estimates for t distributions. The performance of the methods is compared through simulation studies. When the sample size is reasonably large, the method of post hoc checking of degrees of freedom estimates works best. A web interface is developed to ease the use of the 3 methods. Application of the 3 methods is illustrated through growth curve analysis of mathematical ability development using data on the Peabody Individual Achievement Test Mathematics assessment from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 Cohort (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2005).     

Computer-Mediated Communication Versus Vocal Communication and the Attenuation of Pre-Interaction Impressions

Conflicting theoretical approaches yield divergent predictions about the effects of telephones versus computer-mediated communication (CMC) in the persistence or dissipation of pre-interaction expectancies. Moreover, different theoretical orientations and their underlying assumptions often invoke different methodologies, which can bias the results of research. The current studies articulate and assess rival hypotheses from alternative theoretical paradigms to uncover how CMC and vocal communication affect interpersonal impressions. Methodological issues in past CMC research are evaluated that limit the generalizability of previous findings in the area. Experiments employing alternative assumptions and methods indicate that CMC is functionally equivalent to vocal communication in its ability to ameliorate expectancies and that in some cases it can be superior in transmitting positive impressions.     

仪表显示器盘面的颜色对检察速度的影响

本文以心理物理实验为基础,从工程心理学角度寻求不同颜色(篮、黄、绿、灰)仪表盘面对检察速度的影响,为制定仪表显示器和集中控制室内的建筑和照明设计提供实验根据。     

认知神经研究中的积极共情

积极共情指个体对他人积极情绪状态的理解和间接分享过程。虽然它与消极共情在产生过程中都依赖于镜像神经系统和心理理论系统的活动, 但是两者在产生难度上不同。对于积极共情情感如何在大脑中表征的, 不同的研究者观点各异：一些认为与消极共情一致, 都集中在脑岛及其相关脑区; 而另一些则认为是大脑的愉悦系统。关于积极共情影响因素的研究主要集中于共情主体和客体的关系方面。今后需要进一步了解积极共情在产生机制和情感表征上的特点, 拓展其影响因素的研究并展开对特质积极共情神经基础的探讨。     

Delayed reward learning: Disproof of the traditional theory

Without the aid of secondary rewards to bridge the temporal gap, each of 15 rats learned to select the rewarded side of a T-maze although the reward was delayed until 1 min after the response was emitted. Similar results were obtained from another group of eight rats for which the length of the delay was 5 min. In a final experiment using the same basic procedure, five groups of rats were trained for 25 days with delays of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, or 8.0 min. The percentage of correct responses did not significantly differ among groups. According to prevailing psychological theory, these results are impossible.     

Contour displacements and tracking errors: Probing ’twixt Poggendorff parallels

Explanations of the Poggendorff effect were tested by varying the separation between outer parallels and by adding interior parallels. Error decreased with the addition of interior parallels, which can be explained by repulsion of parallels. A strong linear trend existed for judgmental error in millimeters plotted against separation between outer parallels. The nonzero intercept of a best-fit line and the slight nonlinearity of the data suggest a hypothesis of contour repulsion between parallels at moderate separations coupled with mistracking of the transversal across the region between parallels. Since the Poggendorff effect was independent of viewing distance, perceptual errors cannot be explained by purely peripheral mechanisms. A true intersection between transversal and parallel was the most critical feature of a display. Inverting a display increased the mean error.