认知心理生理学与无创性脑功能成像技术

无创性脑功能成像技术是认知心理生理学研究的重要手段。脑电图、事件相关电位、脑磁图、正电子发射断层摄影术、单光子发射计算机断层摄影术、功能磁共振成像和功能红外线成像等技术通过对人脑的电磁、新陈代谢、血流量、氧消耗、神经元活动等的测量来研究如视觉、注意、记忆、语言等认知活动及其与相关脑机制的相互关系。它们各有优缺点。     

Effects of methadone on alternative fixed-ratio fixed-interval performance: latent influences on schedule-controlled responding.

Effects of methadone on pigeons' key pecking were examined under four conditions selected to analyze the control of behavior under alternative fixed-ratio fixed-interval schedules. In Condition 1, pigeons pecked under one of three different alternative schedules (alternative fixed-ratio 50 fixed-interval 90 s, alternative fixed-ratio 75 fixed-interval 90 s and alternative fixed-ratio 200 fixed-interval 90 s) each week. In Condition 2, fixed-ratio 50 or fixed-ratio 75 schedules were in effect during baseline sessions, and alternative fixed-ratio 50 fixed-interval 90-s or alternative fixed-ratio 75 fixed-interval 90-s schedules were in effect during sessions in which methadone was administered. In Condition 3, effects of methadone on key pecking maintained under fixed-ratio 50 and fixed-ratio 75 schedules were examined, whereas in Condition 4 the effects of methadone on key pecking under a fixed-interval 90-s schedule as well as fixed-ratio 50 and fixed-ratio 75 schedules were investigated. Control by the fixed-interval contingency was assessed by computing the proportion of total session reinforcers delivered under the fixed-interval schedule. Methadone administration (0.5-4.0 mg/kg) shifted the predominant source of schedule control under the alternative schedule from the fixed-ratio schedule to the fixed-interval contingency. This shift was dependent on methadone dose and fixed-ratio size. Control by the fixed-interval contingency was greatest following extensive exposure to the interval component embedded within the alternative schedule (Condition 1), but was apparent to a lesser degree with even very limited exposure to the alternative fixed-ratio fixed-interval schedule (Condition 2). Interreinforcement intervals comparable to those under fixed-interval schedule were not observed under the fixed-ratio schedules presented alone (Condition 3). Repeated exposure to the fixed-interval contingency outside the context of the alternative fixed-ratio fixed-interval schedule did not engender performance changes under a fixed-ratio schedule which would mimic those of increased fixed-interval contingency control (Condition 4). These data suggest that drug administration can be used to unmask the influence of contingencies that are latent under baseline conditions and reveal influences of both past and present environmental variables.     

Alternate methods and software for calculating interobserver agreement for continuous observation data

Portable electronic data collection devices permit investigators to collect large amounts of observational data in a form ready for computer analysis. These devices are particularly efficient for gathering continuous data on multiple behavior categories. We expect that the increasing availability of these devices will lead to greater use of continuous data collection methods in observational research. This paper addresses the difficulties encountered when calculating traditional interobserver agreement statistics for continuous, multiple-code scoring. Two alternative strategies are described that yield interobserver agreement values based on the exact time of behavior code entries by the primary and secondary observers.Work on this paper was supported in part by NICHD Grants P01HD15051 and R01HD17650 and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services Grant G008302980.     

On the relation between justification of solution method and correctness of solution in statistical problem solving

The relation between the justification of a choice of solution method and the correctness of that choice in statistical problem solving was investigated. In the first of two studies 16 subjects were asked to think aloud while solving two statistical problems. The results showed that an incorrect choice of solution method was more common when subjects did not justify their choice of solution as compared to when they justified their choice with domain-specific knowledge. Study 2 employed an experimental design. A group of 20 subjects were instructed to provide a justification for each choice of solution method, while another group of 20 subjects received no such instructions. The results showed no difference between the groups with respect to number of correct choices of solution method. A qualitative analysis of the justifications in the instructed group showed that the justifications for incorrect solution methods were more often incorrect than subjects' justifications for correct solution methods. The results in Study 2 suggested that the association found between incorrect choice of solution method and lack of justification in Study 1 was not in the first place due to a strategical deficiency on the part of the subjects but due to a lack of domain-specific knowledge.     

Pitch of infant crying and caregiver responses in a natural setting

The naturally occurring cries of 13 infants in a day-care center were tape-recorded and spectrum-analyzed for the peak fundamental frequency. Caregivers' responses to higher-pitched cries were rated by observers as more urgent, and they more frequently included additional attempts to soothe the infant. These results provide some of the first ecologically valid evidence that the pitch of infant crying is related to the urgency and nature of caregivers' responses.     

On simulating non-normal distributions

Six different algorithms to generate widely different non-normal distributions are reviewed. These algorithms are compared in terms of speed, simplicity and generality of the technique. The advantages and disadvantages of using these algorithms are briefly discussed.The author would like to thank an anonymous referee for his comments and suggestions which lead to the inclusion of the section A Comparative Study.     

Reexamining models of healthy families

This paper presents the perceptions of members of an alternative family form concerning the strengths of their family type, the functions of family, family models, and traits of a healthy families in general. The concepts presented are the product of a qualitative research study of shared home families.     

Pushing the frontiers of multicultural training in community psychology

Suarez-Balcazar, Durlak, and Smith (1994) have provided the field with important baseline information regarding multicultural training practices in community psychology. This report can serve as a catalyst in our quest to place an understanding of human diversity, in particular, ethnic-cultural diversity, at the heart of community psychology. To do so, we need to move beyond the teaching of culturally sensitive research and practice to a reconceptualization of the knowledge base and methods of community psychology, to an examination of the conflicts engendered by the inclusion of multiple voices, and to the implementation of institutional arrangements that can support such a challenging task in constructive ways.     

不同联想等级语词的启动效应及其发展研究

以汉字常用词为材料,使用经过大量统计工作建立的语词联想等级量表,来探讨语词的联想等级、学习时的加工水平、以及年龄变量对语词记忆启动效应的影响。结果发现：ａ、不同联想等级间语词启动效应有显著差异,ｂ、加工水平对启动效应的影响只在大学年龄被试中才显示出来,ｃ、年龄对启动效应的影响,主要是通过其与语词联想等级相互作用产生的。     

Using Qualitative Methods to Develop Contextually Relevant Measures and Preventive Interventions: An Illustration

Qualitative methods were used to develop a contextually relevant quantitative measure of parenting stress and inform the design of family-focused interventions aimed at preventing adolescent mental and behavioral health problems. The study focused on the experiences of low-income one- and two-parent families representing three ethnic groups (Mexican, African, and European Americans) living in low-income neighborhoods in a large Southwestern city. This report describes the place of this study in a broader program of prevention research, the qualitative methods and data analysis procedures employed, and how the results were used to develop a new measure of parenting stress and inform future program design. The report also includes reflective comments on the methods used and lessons gained.