A new objectively scored version of the Defence Mechanism Test

Kragh's Defence Mechanism Test has proved its worth in a number of applied settings but has hitherto required skilled time-consuming interpretation. Two studies are reported which validate an "objectively scored" version of the test developed using G-analysis. In the first, it was found that this version of the test could successfully predict the performance of trainee pilots. The second study examined the construct validity of this version of the test. It was found that the predictive factor from Study I re-emerged within a sample of students, where it correlated positively with scores on a test of perceptual defence and the Shrewdness (N) scale of the 16PF, and negatively with two of the identification scales of the Defence Mechanism Test. This factor was tentatively identified as one of general defensiveness. It is concluded that this form of the test deserves consideration when selecting individuals for stressful occupations.     

Attitude Toward Asian Americans: Theory and Measurement

A theoretical framework to account for Whites' attitudes toward Asian Americans was developed and tested in 3 studies. An Attitude Toward Asians (ATA) scale was developed and found to be valid and reliable. Consistent with the framework, a negative factor and a positive factor were found to underlie attitudes toward Asian Americans. As expected, negative attitudes were shown to stem from both negative and positive instrumental attributes, whereas positive attitudes stemmed from positive instrumental and noninstrumental attributes. Predictions regarding emotional reactions to Asian Americans and attitude ambivalence were supported. Attitudes toward Asian Americans were also shown to influence judgments of African Americans. Implications and future research directions are discussed.     

Are individual and group decisions dependent on the available information?

Abstract.— A choice-shift experiment explored the role of available information in individual and group decisions to one "risky" and one "cautious" problem. Individual pre-discussion decisions to both problems by Bristol University students were shown to be related to the relative number of arguments favouring risky and cautious decisions known by each student. This information index was related to group decisions on the cautious problem only. Normative group influence, as well, seems to be involved in group decisions, and it is suggested that the relative importance of informational and normative processes for group decision may depend on the nature of the problem discussed.     

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE FIVE‐FACTOR MODEL QUESTIONNAIRE (FFMQ): AN ADJECTIVAL‐BASED PERSONALITY INVENTORY FOR USE IN OCCUPATIONAL SETTINGS1

Despite a proliferation in the number of instruments for assessing the Big 5 traits, extant measures are beset with limitations that render their use problematic in the workplace; that is, they contain generic as opposed to occupationally relevant items, couched in idiosyncratic, culturally specific language, demanding high reading ability levels, and are overly cumbersome. The 5 Factor Model Questionnaire (FFMQ) was devised to address these concerns. Five studies, spanning multiple samples and organizational contexts, demonstrate that the FFMQ is suitable for use with individuals drawn from the widest possible range of ability levels and cultural and socioeconomic groupings. The findings of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are in line with the hypothesized factor structure, and the resulting new scales exhibit acceptable reliability (internal consistency and temporal stability) and convergent and discriminant validity in respect of Costa and McCrae's (1992) NEO‐PI‐R scales. Furthermore, the new FFMQ scales are differentially correlated with independent ratings of overall job proficiency across three occupationally distinct samples.     

A percept-genetic study of some defence mechanisms in the PN-test

Abstract.— Two hypotheses, namely that percept-genetic analysis can reveal mechanisms of defence (Kragh & Smith, 1970) and that defence mechanisms can be seen in the responses to the Patte Noire Test (Corman, 1966) were put to experimental verification. Card 14, the oral card of the PN-test, together with other stimuli were presented to 9 subjects for percept-genetic analysis of the responses. Evidence is presented demonstrating clear defence mechanisms, supporting the validity of percept-genetic theory and this part of the PN-test.     

WHY SHOULD THEOLOGY BE UNNATURAL?

The recovery of theological integrity effected by Karl Barth has very much to do with his polemic against natural theology. Theology has regained credibility, however, at the price of being made unnatural, severed from the world in its own ecclesiastical sphere. This actually represents an indirect endorsement of natural theology inasmuch as the naturalistic understanding of the world is taken for granted as the way the world is. One result of this is the virtual abandonment of nature for theology, reflected in an alienation from science and a disinterest in ecology. The more specific object of Barth's critique of natural theology, Nazism, may also exert a reverse influence on Barth's theology, helping to account for its Christological exclusivism. The implication of this is that the critique of natural theology requires a renewed appreciation of the naturalness of theology.