Selective interference with the use of visual images in the symbolic distance paradigm

Eight experiments investigated the effects of visual, spatial, auditory, and executive interference on the symbolic comparison of animal size and ferocity, semantic goodness of words, and numbers. Dynamic visual noise (DVN) and the reading of visually presented stimulus items were shown to selectively interfere with response times on the animal size comparison task, though the slope of the symbolic distance function remained unchanged. Increased change of DVN significantly increased interference, but interference was reduced by equiluminant DVN. Spatial tracking reduced the slope of the symbolic distance function in contrast to an executive task that only increased mean latency and errors for all comparisons. Results suggest that the generation of an image is necessary for size comparison, but neither imagery nor executive function is responsible for the frequently observed distance-time function.     

The logic of authoritative revelations

Despite the tendency to think that the justification of revealed truths depends on a verifiable contact with divine reality, this essay argues that the authoritative status of revelations is due to their role in defining a distinctively religious order of judgment. Rather than being immediately apparent to everyone, this kind of authority is local to particular forms of judgment that depend on the principles that frame these ways of thinking. Revelatory claims are logically exempted from the normal demands of justification because of this role they have as definitive judgments, and they share their immunity from ordinary forms of justification with other axiomatic principles. Yet their authority can in certain cases be challenged, and it is a secondary purpose of this essay to bring the various ways of challenging their truth to light.     

Psychometric Properties of Parent–Child (0–5 years) Interaction Outcome Measures as Used in Randomized Controlled Trials of Parent Programs: A Systematic Review

This systematic review sought to identify observational measures of parent–child interactions commonly implemented in parenting program research, and to assess the level of psychometric evidence available for their use with this age group. Two separate searches of the same databases were conducted; firstly, to identify eligible instruments, and secondly to identify studies reporting on the psychometric properties of the identified measures. Five commercial platforms hosting 19 electronic databases were searched from their inception to conducted search dates. Fourteen measures were identified from Search 1; a systematic search of randomized controlled trial evaluations of parenting programs. For Search 2, inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to 1327 retrieved papers that described the development and/or validation of the 14 measures identified in Search 1. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria, resulting in five observational measures for the final review. Data were extracted and synthesized using the COSMIN rating system to describe the methodological quality of each article alongside the overall quality rating of the psychometric property reported for each measure using the Terwee checklist. Measure reliability was categorized into four domains (internal consistency, test-re-test, inter-rater, and intra-rater). Measure validity was categorized into four domains (content, structural, convergent/divergent, and discriminant). Results indicated that the majority of psychometric evidence related to children aged from birth the three with internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and structural validity the most commonly reported properties, although this evidence was often weak. The findings suggest further validation of the included measures is required to establish acceptability for the whole target age group.

     

D. Z. Phillips and reasonable belief

As an illustration of what Phillips called the “heterogeneity of sense,” this essay concentrates on differences in what is meant by a “reason for belief.” Sometimes saying that a belief is reasonable simply commends the belief’s unquestioned acceptance as a part of what we understand as a sensible outlook. Here the standard picture of justifying truth claims on evidential grounds breaks down; and it also breaks down in cases of fundamental moral and religious disagreement, where the basic beliefs that we hold affect our conception of what counts as a reliable ground of judgment. Phillips accepts the resultant variations in our conceptions of rational judgment as a part of logic, just as Wittgenstein did. All objective means of determining the truth or falsity of an assertion presume some underlying conceptual agreement about what counts as good judgment. This means that the possibility of objective justification is limited. But no pernicious relativism results from this view, for as Wittgenstein said, “After reason comes persuasion.” There is, moreover, a non-objective criterion of sorts in the moral and religious requirement that one be able to live with one’s commitments. In such cases, good judgment is still possible, but it differs markedly from the standard model of making rational inferences.     

Psychological Warfare in Vietnam

Although psychological warfare was practiced to a greater degree in the Vietnam conflict than in any other war in history, virtually nothing has been published about it. Perhaps few wished to be identified with such activity, or it may be that security considerations prevented discussion of the operations. At any rate, the end of the Cold War has made it possible to take a brief look at a hitherto unknown (or undiscussed) subject. This article, however, does not make a pretense of being comprehensive for the whole war, but rather reflects personal observations during one brief period of intense fighting—the summer of 1966.     

Using a self-evaluation system as a group contingency

The efficacy of a group-evaluation system was examined, with a reversal design, in two classes of students with disabilities. The results suggested that a group-evaluation system was effective in decreasing the inappropriate verbalizations of both groups. Student satisfaction data revealed that the students in both groups had positive reactions to the system. Factors contributing to the success of the intervention as well as suggestions for its implementation are discussed.     

Religious and epistemological mysteries

International Journal for Philosophy of Religion -     

Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Hanoi,Vietnam

For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), early and accurate diagnosis enables early intervention, which leads to improved quality of life. The diagnostic label of ASD has only been recognized in Vietnam since 2000 and the number of children who have been diagnosed has increased dramatically. However, there is limited understanding about the condition. This article aims to describe the current assessment and diagnostic practices in Hanoi, Vietnam, a low resource setting. Data for this article came from in-depth interviews with parents of children with ASD and service providers, and observation at health clinics and early intervention centers that provide ASD assessment during field work from July 2011 to May 2012. This study reveals that although there is some improvement in assessment services, parents still face a number of challenges in accessing quality assessment and diagnosis of ASD in Vietnam. These include rushed and perfunctory assessment; a lack of clinical guidelines for assessment; limited communication among health professionals in assessment teams, and between professionals and parents of children with ASD. Public awareness-raising of the signs of autism, capacity building for professionals, development of practical and contextual appropriate assessment protocols are needed to enhance the accessibility and quality of assessment services.