Perception of Temporal Order: The Effects of Age,Sex, and Cognitive Factors

ABSTRACT

The present paper investigates the effects of age, sex, and cognitive factors on temporal-order perception. Nine temporal-order tasks were employed using two and four stimuli presented in the auditory and visual modalities. Significantly increased temporal-order thresholds (TOT) in the elderly were found for almost all tasks, while sex differences were only observed for two tasks. Multiple regression analyses show that the performance on most temporal-order tasks can be predicted by cognitive factors, such as speed of fluid reasoning, short-term memory, and attention. However, age was a significant predictor of TOT in three tasks using visual stimuli. We conclude (1) that age-related differences can often be attributed to cognitive factors involved in temporal-order perception, and (2) that the concept of temporal-order perception is more complex than implied by the current models.     

Peer Aggression by Secondary School Learners in a South African School Setting: Effects of Race,Ethnicity, and Gender

This study reports the experience of aggression by secondary school learners attending a South African school. There were 14 participants ranging in age from 16 to 19 years (Gender: 6 young women and 8 young men; Ethnicity: 7 Black; 3 Coloured; 2 Indian and 2 White). Data were collected using open ended interviews and analysed using Tesch's (1990) thematic panning method. The findings suggest these learners have little understanding or appreciation of diversity in their multicultural schools. Consequently, they experience negative interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers. The accompanying aggression they experience and display has racial and gender overtones that are shaped by the violence in their communities.     

Test anxiety: contributions of gender,age, parent's occupation and self-esteem among secondary school students in Nigeria

Most of the previous studies on test anxiety have focused on students in higher institutions with little research on test anxiety in secondary school students. The present study examined the contributions of gender, age, parent's occupation and self-esteem on test anxiety among secondary school students. Participants were 281 students (males?=?156, females?=?125; mean age?=?17.05, SD?=?1.87) who were candidates for centralised, high-stakes examinations in two randomly selected secondary schools in Onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria. Data were collected using questionnaires comprising the State Self-esteem Scale, the Test Anxiety Inventory and spaces for the provision of relevant socio-demographic information. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that age and gender did not significantly contribute to test anxiety. Parent's occupation explained 2% of the variance in test anxiety and self-esteem contributed 10% in explaining test anxiety. Based on the findings, personal predispositions explain test anxiety among school students more than do their demographics.     

11岁和15岁儿童学习动机和数学素养的关系

选取2133名11岁和15岁学生,采用PISA测试为数学素养指标,探讨学生学习动机的不同维度与数学素养之间的关系。结果发现：（1）11岁学生的内部动机明显地强于15岁学生。（2）11岁学生内部动机中的挑战性动机与数学素养间的相关程度明显弱于15岁学生。（3）11岁高数学素养的学生组,数学素养和内、外学习动机有明显的相关,低数学素养学生组两者则不相关;对于15岁低数学素养的学生组,数学素养得分和内、外部学习动机有明显的相关,高数学素养学生组两者则不相关。     

Frames of reference in spatial span

In four experiments, a computerized Corsi-like paradigm was used to assess which of the many reference frames are used in visuospatial short-term memory. By varying the relative orientation (slanted +/–45° or in an upright position) of the head and the displays, we modulate the utility of the allocentric, egocentric (eye- and head-centred), and template-centred reference frames. The results of all experiments showed the crucial importance of the gravitational allocentric reference frames while using visuospatial short-term memory to retain a spatial sequence of elements. The results also provide some support for a mental rotation process involved in recognition following angular displacement of a multi-item display.     

La generalización del entrenamiento en las técnicas de evaluación del potencial de aprendizaje

Resumen

Dos cuestiones parecen ser las que requieren mayor investigación actualmente en el contexto de las técnicas de potencial de aprendizaje: los efectos diferenciales, en distintos tipos de sujetos, del entrenamiento suministrado y la posibilidad de generalización del entrenamiento en el tiempo y a otras tareas.

Se presentan una serie de investigaciones llevadas a cabo con el objeto de analizar estas cuestiones en sujetos de 10 a 15 años con distintos niveles intelectuales; todas ellas se han centrado en la técnica EPA: evaluación del potencial de aprendizaje, que utiliza material tipo Raven en sus entrenamientos.

Los resultados muestran la especificidad del entrenamiento suministrado aunque aparecen diferencias significativas en la generalización entre sujetos con y sin alteraciones orgánicas.     

What standardized tests ignore when assessing individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders / Lo que ignoran los tests estandarizados en la evaluación de personas con trastornos del neurodesarrollo

Abstract

In this article we critique the use of traditional standardized tests for the cognitive assessment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Limitations stem from the lack of integrating (a) results from research into the psychological functioning of these populations, and (b) the main arguments underlying models of human development. We identify four secondary issues in this discussion: (1) these instruments cannot be used with children who have particularly low cognitive functioning; (2) little or no variance in the scores obtained by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, because all are at floor, prevent adequate interpretations; (3) measurements do not provide information useful for the design of intervention strategies; and (4) different cognitive and/or neural processes may underlie behavioural scores ‘in the normal range’. Rethinking traditional assessment methods in favour of technologically-mediated games yields new cognitive assessment possibilities.     

Preliminary validation of a Spanish language version of the Adoption Communication Scale in adopted adolescents / Validación preliminar de una versión en español de la escala Adoption Communication Scale para adolescentes adoptados

Abstract

The Adoption Communication Scale (ACS) is a 28-item child-report instrument used to assess adoptees’ perception of communication openness in the family. The aim was to develop a Spanish language version of the scale (ACS-S) and to assess the instrument’s psychometric properties in a sample of 55 adopted adolescents. The ACS-S was found to have high internal consistency (α = .93) and moderately high test-retest stability (.68). An exploratory factorial analysis yielded two factors, the first loaded on satisfaction with emotional communication items and the second encompassing satisfaction with the completeness of the information offered by the parents. These factors are coherent with the theory underlying the scale. The total ACS-S score was significantly positively correlated with adolescent Global Satisfaction with Openness as measured by a Visual Analogue Scale. The ACS-S scale appears to be a valid tool in assessing communication openness in Spanish adopted adolescents.     

Women's Mental Health Issues

No abstract available for this article.     

Dysfunctional Parenting Behaviors and Parenting Stress Among Mothers of Aggressive Boys

ABSTRACT

The present investigation examined the relationship between dysfunctional parenting and parenting stress in a sample of 54 mothers of aggressive boys in Singapore. Overall dysfunctional parenting at Time 1 significantly predicted Time 2 maternal parenting stress in two subdomains of unrewarding mother-child interactions and poor attachment, over and above the variance accounted for by initial Time 1 maternal parenting stress in these respective subdomains. Additionally, maternal laxness at Time 1 predicted Time 2 maternal stress arising from unrewarding mother-child interactions, while maternal overreactivity at Time 1 predicted Time 2 maternal stress arising from poor attachment. Maternal verbosity at Time 1 did not add unique variance to the prediction of Time 2 maternal stress from both subdomains. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention efforts that attempt to improve parent-child interaction quality and modify coercive operant contingencies within families.