A nonspatial methodology for the analysis of two-way proximity data incorporating the distance-density hypothesis

This paper presents a nonspatial operationalization of the Krumhansl (1978, 1982) distancedensity model of similarity. This model assumes that the similarity between two objectsi andj is a function of both the interpoint distance betweeni andj and the density of other stimulus points in the regions surroundingi andj. We review this conceptual model and associated empirical evidence for such a specification. A nonspatial, tree-fitting methodology is described which is sufficiently flexible to fit a number of competing hypotheses of similarity formation. A sequential, unconstrained minimization algorithm is technically presented together with various program options. Three applications are provided which demonstrate the flexibility of the methodology. Finally, extensions to spatial models, three-way analyses, and hybrid models are discussed.     

Level of instigation and model similarity as determinants of aggressive behavior

A study was conducted to replicate and extend a finding by Wheeler and Levine [1967] indicating that a dissimilar model was more effective in inducing the contagion of aggression than a similar model. On the basis of recent findings suggesting the circumstances under which dissimilar others are more influential than similar others, the following predictions were derived: When subjects are highly instigated, dissimilar models can influence subjects to be more aggressive than can similar models; when subjects are under a low degree of instigation similar models will influence subjects to be more aggressive. Subjects presented their point of view on a case study in a three-person group discussion setting. Then subjects heard the second person (instigator) attack their position in a highly abusive or slightly abusive manner (High vs Low Instigation). Next subjects heard a third person, whom they had been led to believe was similar or dissimilar to themselves, attack the instigator (Similar vs Dissimilar Model). Finally subjects had an opportunity to express their feelings to the instigator. The results supported the predictions.     

A generalized distance function for preferential choices

Many cognitive theories of judgement and decision making assume that choice options are evaluated relative to other available options. The extent to which the preference for one option is influenced by other available options will often depend on how similar the options are to each other, where similarity is assumed to be a decreasing function of the distance between options. We examine how the distance between preferential options that are described on multiple attributes can be determined. Previous distance functions do not take into account that attributes differ in their subjective importance, are limited to two attributes, or neglect the preferential relationship between the options. To measure the distance between preferential options it is necessary to take the subjective preferences of the decision maker into account. Accordingly, the multi‐attribute space that defines the relationship between options can be stretched or shrunk relative to the attention or importance that a person gives to different attributes describing the options. Here, we propose a generalized distance function for preferential choices that takes subjective attribute importance into account and allows for individual differences according to such subjective preferences. Using a hands‐on example, we illustrate the application of the function and compare it to previous distance measures. We conclude with a discussion of the suitability and limitations of the proposed distance function.     

感知的和实际的友伴吸烟行为对青少年吸烟行为的影响

选取北京市一所普通中学和一所重点中学初一至高三的学生为被试,采取自由参与研究和被试自我报告、被试报告友伴、友伴自我报告吸烟行为的方式,从认知发展理论的角度出发,探讨感知的与实际的友伴吸烟行为对青少年吸烟行为的影响。结果验证了认知发展理论,即感知的友伴吸烟行为对青少年吸烟行为具有明显的影响作用,而实际的友伴吸烟行为没有明显的影响作用。研究还发现,性别和友伴关系类型对感知的与实际的友伴吸烟行为之间的差异存在明显的主效应;友伴自我报告的吸烟行为超过被试自我报告的吸烟行为。讨论揭示了研究结果对预防和干预青少年吸烟行为的意义。     

大学生友伴选择标准及其友伴关系

从湖南两所大学选取297名大学生为被试,采用定性研究的方法探讨大学生友伴选择的影响因素,并制定友伴选择标准调查问卷,然后再从湖南一所大学选取1166名大学生为被试,采用定量研究的方法对大学生友伴选择标准及其友伴数量、友伴关系质量之间的关系进行调查。结果发现:大学生在友伴选择标准方面可以归为完美型、适度型和低要求型3种类型;不同类型在性别、年级、专业上的分布存在显著差异;适度型大学生的友伴数量显著多于完美型;完美型、适度型大学生在与友伴的帮助与支持、与友伴的冲突方面显著多于低要求型,完美型在与友伴的冲突强度上也显著大于低要求型。     

Assumed similarity in personality within intimate relationships

Assumed similarity is the tendency to assume that another person is similar to oneself. The present studies examined assumed similarity in intimate relationships regarding the HEXACO personality traits in Denmark (N = 93) and China (N = 236). Specifically, these studies hypothesized that people assume higher similarity with their intimate partners in Honesty‐Humility and Openness to Experience compared to the other four HEXACO traits (Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). Results from both studies indicate that assumed similarity was higher in Honesty‐Humility compared to Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. However, assumed similarity in Openness was higher compared to Emotionality and Conscientiousness only. Supplementary analyses indicate no cultural differences between Denmark and China in assumed similarity in Honesty‐Humility and Openness.     

Measuring concept semantic relatedness through common spatial pattern feature extraction on EEG signals

We study the semantic relationship between pairs of nouns of concrete objects such as “HORSE - SHEEP” and “SWING - MELON” and how this relationship activity is reflected in EEG signals. We collected 18 sets of EEG records; each set containing 150 events of stimulation. In this work we focus on feature extraction algorithms. Particularly, we highlight Common Spatial Pattern (CSP) as a method of feature extraction. Based on these latter, different classifiers were trained in order to associate a set of signals to a previously learned human answer, pertaining to two classes: semantically related, or not semantically related. The results of classification accuracy were evaluated comparing with other four methods of feature extraction, and using classification algorithms from five different families. In all cases, classification accuracy was benefited from using CSP instead of FDTW, LPC, PCA or ICA for feature extraction. Particularly with the combination CSP-Naïve Bayes we obtained the best average precision of 84.63%.     

Effects of gender similarity on relationships between person–group value fit and work attitudes

The present study assessed the effect of gender similarity as a potential moderator of the relationships between person–group (P–G) value fit and work attitudes. Specifically, we predicted that the effect of P–G value fit (in terms of social integration values) on individual attitudes would be stronger for individuals who had a similar gender than those of a different gender. Based on data obtained from 197 employees in South Korea, we found that when the focal individual had high gender similarity with his or her group, the relationships between P–G value fit and job satisfaction and between P–G value fit and turnover intentions were more prominent. Furthermore, these moderating effects were significant for men, but not for women.