Visual feature vs. conjunction searches as a robust manipulation of perceptual load

It has previously been suggested that Lavie’s Perceptual Load Theory can be assessed using feature vs. conjunction search tasks. In this study we manipulated load using a novel paradigm which retains the key features of both classic Load Theory and Feature Integration Theory paradigms. This new paradigm has the advantage of an inbuilt manipulation check which is necessary for future research to translate Load Theory to applied contexts. Across five experiments, we demonstrate the robust nature of this paradigm, which functions with extended display times, large, complex stimuli and when conditions are intermixed on a trial-by-trial basis. We also rule out dilution as a possible cause of these results. The results of all five experiments provide evidence that the feature vs. conjunction search dichotomy is an effective means of imposing low and high perceptual load while controlling for working memory load.     

整体加工方式下面孔结构与特征关系

探讨面孔整体性加工方式下结构信息和特征信息加工之间的关系。通过聚焦窗口技术在结构信息和特征信息的权变过程中考察二者对面孔整体性加工的影响, 从而进一步确定两类信息的加工关系模式。结果表明: 面孔以整体的方式进行加工; 结构信息加工系统和特征信息加工系统两者并行存在, 在当前实验任务中两类信息加工之间为竞争关系; 面孔以结构信息加工为主还是以特征信息加工为主取决于两类信息在当前任务中提取和加工难度。     

Problems of collegial learning in psychoanalysis: Narcissism and curiosity1

Despite clinical sensitivity when listening to patients, analysts have not fared well in hearing and talking to each other with respectful open‐mindedness. Underlying factors are considered with particular focus on the interplay between self‐aimed forces of narcissism and outward‐aimed forces of curiosity. Included in examination of problems of collegial communication are limitations structurally inherent to the human mind (such as the need to abstract aspects of experience in order to focus attention plus the mind’s tendency to categorical thinking), those derived from individual psychology (such as vulnerability of self‐esteem), and those related to group dynamics (such as the problems attendant to new ideas and the allegiances they stir, parochialism and the development of radical schools, the competitiveness between schools). The contribution of cultural influences and the multiply determined uses of language are also highlighted. The core sense of smallness in the strangeness of the universe and in the presence of others is seen as a common thread.     

PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA) APPROACH NASH EQUILIBRIUM IN EXPERIMENTAL MATCHING PENNIES COMPETITIONS

The game of Matching Pennies (MP), a simplified version of the more popular Rock, Papers, Scissors, schematically represents competitions between organisms with incentives to predict each other's behavior. Optimal performance in iterated MP competitions involves the production of random choice patterns and the detection of nonrandomness in the opponent's choices. The purpose of this study was to replicate systematic deviations from optimal choice observed in humans when playing MP, and to establish whether suboptimal performance was better described by a modified linear learning model or by a more cognitively sophisticated reinforcement‐tracking model. Two pairs of pigeons played iterated MP competitions; payoffs for successful choices (e.g., “Rock” vs. “Scissors”) varied within experimental sessions and across experimental conditions, and were signaled by visual stimuli. Pigeons' behavior adjusted to payoff matrices; divergences from optimal play were analogous to those usually demonstrated by humans, except for the tendency of pigeons to persist on prior choices. Suboptimal play was well characterized by a linear learning model of the kind widely used to describe human performance. This linear learning model may thus serve as default account of competitive performance against which the imputation of cognitively sophisticated processes can be evaluated.     

汉语词类歧义解决(Ⅱ)

采用眼动记录阅读范式,考察汉语词类歧义解决过程。阅读材料为含有单字词类歧义词的句子,歧义词前面的语境不提供明确的偏向性信息,后语境提供解歧信息。结果发现,当后语境支持次要用法时,歧义词及后面第一个解歧区的总阅读时间加长,歧义词后第二个解歧区的回扫次数增多,而当后语境支持主要用法时没有出现类似的现象,表明相对频率能够即时影响词类歧义解决过程,结果支持基于制约的模型。文章对汉语词类歧义解决过程、不同实验技术及其引起的差异进行了讨论。     

Sex Differences in Competitive and Compliant Unethical Work Behavior

Male and female librarians were compared in terms of their willingness to engage in competitive unethical work behavior and on their willingness to comply with organizational pressures to behave unethically. Men report a greater willingness to engage in each of these behaviors. Results are discussed in terms of sex differences in personality characteristics.     

Managing and Resolving Conflict in the Supervisory System

The purpose of this article is to offer a brief review of relevant literature on conflict in the therapist-supervisor system. The authors discuss factors that contribute to conflict and the principal areas of disagreement in the supervisory system. Additionally, the authors present several ideas regarding what a supervisor can do proactively to prevent conflict within supervision. Finally, various ways to address and resolve supervisor-trainee conflict, including terminating the supervisory relationship, are discussed.     

Competitively Contingent Rewards and Intrinsic Motivation: Can Losers Remain Motivated?

We explored the effects on intrinsic motivation and ego-involved persistence of winning versus losing a competitively contingent reward and, for losers, the additional effects of receiving either positive performance feedback or performance-contingent rewards. Winners were more intrinsically motivated than losers. Losers given an explicit normative standard who received positive feedback for meeting the standard were more intrinsically motivated than losers who did not receive the additional standard and feedback. Losers who received a performance-contingent reward for reaching the same explicit standard displayed less intrinsic motivation behaviorally assessed than did losers who got positive feedback, but the two groups did not differ on self-reported enjoyment. Effects on enjoyment were mediated by perceived competence, but effects on free-choice behavior were not. People who lost the competition showed more ego-involved persistence than people who won or did not compete.     

Effects of trait anger and anger expression style on competitive attack responses in a wartime prisoner’s dilemma game

We assessed the role of trait anger and anger expression style on competitive/aggressive decision making and responding. In a 100‐trial iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD), with instructions to simulate wartime interactions, competition/aggression was defined as “attacking the opponent,” and “waiting for troop reinforcements” was the noncompetitive alternative response. Prior to play, 92 university student players completed the State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory. They were then paired to play the IPD against partners of similar or dissimilar trait anger levels. At postplay, the State Anger scale was readministered. Results showed significant preplay to postplay increases in state anger, with greater increases shown by high trait anger players. Thus, high trait anger players were especially subject to arousal. Players in the high trait anger group made more competitive/attack responses, and they were more likely to do so when paired with a high trait anger partner. As a result of the high level of competitive/aggressive play, both groups ended with a negative troop count. Trait anger as a general personality temperament was predictive of state anger, competitive/attack responses, and the number of trials before a retaliation was made. The expressive style of anger‐control was also related to manner of play. Trait anger had strong direct and indirect effects through anger control on the number of competitive attack responses. It was concluded that trait anger, especially trait anger/temperament, and anger control difficulties may be toxic personality factors in decision making and competitive behavior. Aggr. Behav. 28:117–125, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.