The dimensions of computing

Computers have become ubiquitous in the psychology laboratory over the last two decades. This paper is an examination of the laboratory computer’s evolution; general evolutionary principles are used to predict future changes.     

Analysis of information processing stages using event-related potentials.

The event-related potential (ERP) was recorded to identify the time epochs during which different independent variables have their effects on stages in a memory search task. Stimulus intensity, memory set size and response type were varied. For the most part, the order and timing of effects (evaluated by Principal Components Analysis of within-subjects ERP differences) were consistent with the presumed underlying stages, except for early effects of response type prior to memory set effects (suggesting precategorical target recognition). The usefulness of this type of analysis for the investigation of information processing stages is discussed.     

Depression in adults with type 2 diabetes: the role of adherence, body mass index, and self-efficacy.

Considerable evidence links depression with the development and worsening of diabetes, but the factors contributing to this link have not been established. The authors examined the role of adherence, body mass index (BMI), and self-efficacy. Adult patients with Type 2 diabetes (N = 56) completed self-report measures of diet and exercise adherence, diet and exercise self-efficacy, and depression. BMI was obtained from medical records. Path and mediation analyses indicated that both adherence and BMI independently contributed to self-efficacy. Self-efficacy mediated both the association between adherence and depression and the association between BMI and depression. These findings are consistent with the proposal that lower self-efficacy in reaction to adherence failure and higher BMI contributes to depression in adults with diabetes.     

Differences of Mean Scores on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) for Classical Christian Schools Compared to Non-Classical Christian Schools

Abstract

This causal-comparative quantitative study compares mean scores on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) between Classical Christian schools and non-Classical Christian schools using data randomly selected from survey responses. The sample consisted of 4,486 mean scores from the 2003–2004 school year through 2012–2013. Welch’s t-tests for unequal variances was used with an alpha set at 0.05 and 0.017 for Bonferroni correction and returned statistically significant results for all three academic areas: reading, math, and writing. Effect size measured by Cohen’s d and eta squared indicated Classical Christian methodology should have a large, positive effect on PSAT scores. Demographic and between school comparison limitations noted. Future research and associated correlational studies are recommended.