Further explorations in empowerment theory: An empirical analysis of psychological empowerment

Developed empowerment theory and replicated previous research on citizen participation and perceived control. Few investigators have designed studies that specifically test empowerment theory. This research further extends a theoretical model of psychological empowerment that includes intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral components, by studying a large randomly selected urban and suburban community sample and examining race differences. Results suggest that one underlying dimension that combines different measures of perceived control may be interpreted as the intrapersonal component of psychological empowerment, because it distinguishes groups defined by their level of participation in community organizations and activities (behavioral component). The association found between the intrapersonal and behavioral components is consistent with empowerment theory. Interaction effects between race groups and participation suggest that participation may be more strongly associated with the intrapersonal component of psychological empowerment for African Americans than for white individuals. Implications for empowerment theory and intervention design are discussed. The authors express appreciation to Steven Rosenstone who was the Principal Investigator for the Detroit Area Study from which the data for our study is based. We also thank Deborah A. Salem and the anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.     

Orientation-contingent color aftereffects mediated by subjective transparent structures

We examined whether the orientation-contingent color aftereffect (the McCollough effect) could be mediated by subjective horizontal and vertical structure induced by the perception of transparency. In our experiments, red vertical bars and green horizontal bars were alternated as an adapting stimulus. After adaptation, subjects (n=6) were asked to adjust the green and red saturation of a test pattern until they obtained a neutral gray. Horizontal and vertical stripes were combined in the test pattern in three different ways: (1) overlapping with a luminance combination that gave rise to a perception of transparent overlays of horizontal and vertical stripes (valid transparency condition), (2) overlapping with luminance combinations that did not induce a perception of transparency (invalid transparency condition) and that appeased more as a patchwork of checks, and (3) presented in adjacent, nonoverlapping areas. Our results showed that the McCollough effect was significantly greater in the valid transparency condition than in the invalid transparency conditions. The effect in the valid transparency condition was nevertheless less strong than was the effect seen with the standard test stimulus made up of nonoverlapping vertical and horizontal stripes, Our results suggest that the McCollough effect can be mediated by the subjective spatial organization (inner representation of vertical and horizontal stripes) that accompanies the perception of transparency in our stimulus.     

Electronic language: A study of word processing by emotionally disturbed children and adolescents in residential treatment

The word-processing language use of a small group of severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents was compared with their handwritten productions. A content analysis based on a total sample of 4,112 words was performed to explore the thematic and structrual language differences between the two writing modes. The findings indicate that the computer-mediated writing tended to improve some aspects of thematic expression, while the handwritten mode was preferable for certain structural characteristics.     

Measurement and structure of pathological gambling behavior

The serious effects of pathological gambling on both gamblers and their families warrants research on the disorder. This study aimed at identifying components of pathological gambling with the goal of developing methods for early detection and preventive strategies. A factor analysis of behaviors hypothesized to relate to pathological gambling resulted in a multidimensional model of the disorder. Eight factors were identified, including distinct neurotic, psychopathic, and impulsive components, and used in a comparative analysis of 83 admitted compulsive gamblers and 61 nongamblers. Five of the factors differentiated the two groups even when sex, age, and education were controlled. Implications of these findings are discussed.     

Disputation through audiotaping

This therapy note discusses the use and desirability of audiotaping homework assignments of disputation of irrational beliefs. General advantages as well as specific advantages to both therapist and client are pointed out.He also lectures in clinical psychology and maintains a private practice.     

Concurrent schedules of primary and conditioned reinforcement in rats

Rats responded on a fixed-interval schedule during which a 3-sec stimulus preceded each water reinforcement. The stimulus was then scheduled concurrently for responses on the same lever according to either a variable ratio. Although water reinforcement continued on a fixed-interval schedule, the pattern of responding became typical of a variable-interval or variable-ratio schedule. When the 3-sec stimulus was presented on a variable-interval or variable-ratio schedule, but was omitted on the fixed-interval schedule, the response rate decreased. When the stimulus occurred after the same time periods as those of the variable-interval schedule, but at least 7-sec after the last response, the rate decreased. The rate became higher when the fixed-interval schedule was discontinued and each presentation of the 3-sec stimulus was followed by water on a variable-interval schedule. When both water and the 3-sec stimulus were discontinued for a period of time, resulting in extinction of the lever response, and the 3-sec stimulus alone then presented on a variable-interval or variable-ratio schedule after lever responses, rate increased and then gradually decreased.     

Punishment of SΔ responding of humans in conditional matching to sample by time-out

Human subjects were intermittently reinforced with money for performing correctly on a conditional matching-to-sample task. The matching performance was examined as a function of a) the duration of Time-Outs (TOs) which followed every incorrect response and b) the frequency (FR value) with which TOs followed incorrect responses. The matching accuracy increased with longer TOs and decreased with less frequent presentation of TOs.