Permanence and change in memory II. Reproduction of words in sentences

Abstract.— A retroactive interference paradigm was employed for studying qualitative memory changes. Sentences, containing an ambiguous word that was defined differently by succeeding words, were used as stimulus material. Such retroactive definitions of meaning were found to lead to qualitative changes in reproduction. It is suggested that the issue of permanence and change in memory may be related to the choice of lists of independent items or contextual units as stimulus material. A contextual theory of memory, implying the conception of memory in a stream, is advocated.     

How Discrimination Impacts Sociopolitical Behavior: A Multidimensional Perspective

The conventional wisdom regarding the impact of discrimination on political behavior is that the perception of prejudiced treatment motivates individuals to take political action. This study challenges this common conception by demonstrating that the source of discrimination can play a significant role in whether perceived or experienced injustice leads to activism or withdrawal from sociopolitical life. Drawing from political science and social psychology literature, this study provides a new perspective on the potential effects of discrimination on a relatively new marginalized group in the United States. Specifically, an important distinction is drawn between political (systematic) and societal (interpersonal) discrimination in analyzing the sociopolitical behavior of American Muslims in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The results will hopefully encourage scholars to take a deeper look at the nexus between discrimination and democratic engagement, which is an important, complex, multidimensional, and understudied topic.     

Diagnostik in der Psychotherapie

The present paper gives an overview of criteria and methods of diagnostics and assessment in psychotherapy from an orientation-unspecific point of view. First, some general remarks on the aims and strategies of psychotherapeutic assessment are made as well as specific functions during the different phases of a treatment are explicated. Because of its many functions diagnostics in psychotherapy has to take into consideration psychiatric, psychological and orientation-specific models and methods of assessment. At the beginning of a treatment problem-analysis and therapy-planning are needed, during its course the processes and changes are to be studied and at the end of the treatment its outcomes are to be evaluated. Diagnostic assessments are also important for monitoring and controlling the quality of the process and the outcome of a psychotherapy. At the end of the paper some general criteria for the application of assessment in psychotherapy are formulated.