A method for coping with overall productivity when making between-group category comparisons

A straightforward method for dealing with the effect of response productivity when comparing individual scoring categories between groups was presented along with an example. It was contended that percentage comparisons based on group data can circumvent the reliability problems associated with percentage scores derived from single protocols. Other problems connected with ratio and percentage scores were discussed.     

Short-term memory and information processing in pigeons

Six pigeons were trained to asymptotic performance on a variable-delay matching-to-sample task in which the samples were sometimes line or color elements and sometimes line-color compounds. On compound-sample trials, the comparison stimuli were sometimes color elements and sometimes line-tilts. Sample type and delay (0, 1.5, and 4.5 sec) were varied within sessions, and sample duration (.4, 1.0, and 3.0 sec) was varied between sessions. Forgetting curves were steeper for line-tilt than for color. As sample duration increased, matching performance improved more for colors than for line-tilts, especially at delays greater than zero. Performance was better with element samples than with compound samples only on the line-tilt dimension at zero delay. Some predictions of a unitary trace growth and decay theory of pigeon short-term memory were not confirmed. A dual-code hypothesis was proposed to account for the data.     

The superiority of the pair-comparisons method for scaling visual illusions

Twenty-one Ss scaled the Delboeuf illusion by the methods of pair comparisons, constant stimulus differences, reproduction, and pair reproduction. The method of pair comparisons was clearly superior on all indices of validity, reliability, and efficiency. Pair comparisons forces the S to discriminate between treatment levels and avoids motor responses. Es should consider using pair comparisons or related methods which share these advantages.     

FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF SEMANTIC MEMORY PROCESSES IN THE FRONTAL LOBES

Abstract— Frontal-lobe activation during semantic memory performance was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a noninvasive technique for localizing neural activity associated with cognitive function. Left inferior prefrontal cortex was more activated for semantic than for perceptual encoding of words, and for initial than for repeated semantic encoding of words. Decreased activation for semantic encoding of repeated words reflects repetition priming, that is, implicit retrieval of memory gained in the initial semantic encoding of a word. The left inferior prefrontal region may sub-serve semantic working memory processes that participate in semantic encoding and that have decreased demands when such encoding can be facilitated by recent semantic experience. These results demonstrate that fMRI can visualize changes in an individual's brain function associated with the encoding and retrieval of new memories.     

Selected Hand Test personality variables related to accidents in female drivers.

The Hand Test was administered to 170 females ranging in age from 17 to 72 years to determine if specific personality tendencies measured by the Hand Test would be significantly related to incidence of automotive accidents. Results indicated that the personality characteristic associated with DIR was significantly correlated with accidents, but that relationships differed somewhat with age.     

Quantitative analysis of the electromyogram using triggered correlation

A study has been made to determine the usefulness of triggered correlation as a method of automatic quantitative analysis of graphic representations of the somatic electric currents associated with muscular action. Although an electromyogram is neither a normally distributed nor a stationary random process, the method has been found to be suitable for clinical electromyography. The method is easy to use, with measuring values that may be used for diagnostic purposes being obtained within a few seconds. In the case of normal subjects and patients with neuromuscular diseases, parameters of triggered correlograms are compared with those of visuamanually analyzed or digitally averaged potentials of individual motor units.     

Differences in Hand Test responses of healthy females across the life-span.

The Hand Test was administered to 175 females ranging from 17 to 72 years. Subjects were all "community-living," within normal range of hearing and vision, in good health, and had a modal education level of high school graduate. Results were consistent with previous findings using projective techniques with the elderly, in that a depletion and constriction of personality appears to be concomitant with the normal aging process.