Tyrosine hydroxylase activities in the brains of wild Norway rats and silver foxes selected for reduced aggressiveness towards humans

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity was measured in brains from Norway rats and silver foxes showing wild type aggressiveness and from their counterparts selected over 20-25 generations for reduced aggressiveness towards humans (tameness). TH activity in the brain stem and cortex was increased in tame animals of both species compared with aggressive counterparts. Selection increased hypothalamic TH activity in foxes, but decreased it in rats. There was no difference in TH activity in corpus striatum between the tame and aggressive animals. Fetal TH activity in the posterior part of the brain was higher in tame than aggressive rats at day 20 of embryogensis. Increased TH activity in the brain stem and cortex of adult aggressive rats was observed after treatment of their mothers with hydrocortisone on the days 16 and 18 of pregnancy. This elevation in TH activity was associated with attenuation of the defense behavior of aggressive rats. The data suggested that alterations in neural TH activity in tame rats and foxes may be part of the neurochemical basis of their behavioral phenotype which is developed by selection. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

选择作业中证伪思维的影响因素

研究了选择作业中证伪思维的影响因素。被试为星海音乐学院本科生592名。实验1、2研究了问题的诊断性对证伪思维的影响;实验3研究了提示证伪样例是否促进证伪;实验4研究了证真证伪相对难度改变是否影响证伪。结果表明：（1）证真和证伪都为诊断性问题,人们倾向于证真;证真为非诊断问题,证伪为诊断性问题,人们倾向于证伪。（2）提示证伪样例,可以促进证伪。（3）证真难度加大,可以促进证伪。结合正反信息转换系统的心理模型理论,可以很好地解释该研究结果。     

The proper sequence for correcting correlation coefficients for range restriction and unreliability

Corrections of correlations for range restriction (i.e., selection) and unreliability are common in psychometric work. The current rule of thumb for determining the order in which to apply these corrections looks to the nature of the reliability estimate (i.e., restricted or unrestricted). While intuitive, this rule of thumb is untenable when the correction includes the variable upon which selection is made, as is generally the case. Using classical test theory, we show that it is the nature of the range restriction, not the nature of the available reliability coefficient, that determines the sequence for applying corrections for range restriction and unreliability.We would like to thank Malcolm James Ree for his encouragement and helpful comments as well as those of the editors, associate editor, and reviewers.     

Impact of Applicant Disability on Selection: The Role of Disability Type, Physical Attractiveness, and Proximity

A laboratory experiment contrasting disabled and non-disabled job applicants assessed the impact of disability type, physical attractiveness, and proximity of the job opening to the decision maker. Physically disabled applicants were rated higher than either non-disabled or mentally disabled applicants. However, some evidence was found of a bias against disabled applicants, particularly the mentally disabled, when the position involved was in close proximity to the decision maker.     

高技术的伦理风险及其应对

当代高技术的迅速崛起正日益改变世界,高技术的发展更增加了高技术伦理风险负效应的不确定性,既提供了更多的道德选择的可能性,又提出了严峻的挑战,进而使高技术的道德选择成为高技术活动主体不可回避的问题。为了在高技术的道德选择中尽可能减少高技术伦理风险负效应,就必须坚持必仁且智的价值取向、德得相通的运作方略、内圣外王的探究智慧,进而达到天人合一的澄明之境———使人-社会-自然系统协调发展。     

Sampling Bias and Other Methodological Threats to the Validity of Health Survey Research

Data from a longitudinal occupational health survey of professional fire fighters were used to explore the potential impact of two types of methodological bias: sample selection and reactivity. No significant differences on demographic variables were observed between the group who first responded after a within-study change in survey administration format (Delayed) and respondents who had completed surveys since the study's inception (Initial). However, statistically significant differences in the study's 26 outcome measures provided some evidence that between-group differences did exist and that an administration format type of response bias was also potentially present. The effect sizes associated with the 37 observed significant differences ranged from small to medium. These results provide a context for a reexamination of standard techniques for the identification and interpretation of survey research biases. Methods are suggested to strengthen tests for selection bias and to minimize the impact of response biases.     

HUXLEY'S EVOLUTION AND ETHICS IN SOCIOBIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract. T. H. Huxley's essay and prolegomena of 1894 argued that the process and products of evolution are morally unacceptable and act in opposition to the ethical progress of humanity. Modern sociobiological insights and studies of organisms in natural settings support Huxley and justify an even more extreme condemnation of nature and an antithesis of the naturalistic fallacy: what is, in the biological world, normally ought not. Modern biology also provides suggestions on the origin of the human moral impulse and on tactics likely to be effective in the combat against nature urged by Huxley.     

Validity and Application of Computer-simulated Scenarios in Personnel Assessment

In Germany computer-simulated scenarios have been applied in personnel management for several years. Their goals are either to assess how potential managers cope with complex and connected problem states (job aptitude testing aspect) or to provide feedback on manager strengths and weaknesses in dealing with complexity, and how to modify these when necessary (training aspect). This paper presents and evaluates those scenarios that have been subjected to validity studies.     

Burhoe's Second-Hand Influence

Many of us not part of the "old Burhoe gang" are nonetheless deeply influenced by the ideas of Ralph Wendell Burhoe, albeit in indirect ways. This remembrance summarizes six such ways: Three are "procedural" influences, namely (1) that dialogue is most valuable, especially in the science/religion interface, when carried on among those who may not agree; (2) that scholarship is necessary to refine and improve preliminary opinions; and (3) that organizations are crucial to accomplishing the first two tasks. The three "substantive" influences are (4) Burhoe's focus on human values; (5) his work in defining God; and (6) his contribution to defining what it means to be human. As is well known, his emphasis in all three substantive cases was on the power and nuances of biological and social evolution, especially on the dynamics of natural selection.