Skill and automaticity: Relations, implications, and future directions.

Argues that automaticity and skill are closely related but are not identical. Automatic processes are components of skill, but skill is more than the sum of the automatic components. Automaticity and skill are similar in that both are learned through practice. Implications are discussed for (1) current studies of the co-occurrence of properties of automaticity, (2) the relation between multiple resources and automaticity, and (3) the relation between control and automaticity. It is concluded that many of the issues in automaticity may be resolved or at least revised by considering the role that automatic processes play in performing a skill. (French abstract) (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychotherapy, responsibility, and homosexuality: Clinical examination of socially deviant behavior.

Focuses on professional and ethical issues in the treatment of individuals with problems of a socially deviant nature, specifically homosexuality. Public and professional attitudes toward homosexuality and an overview of the various models of deviancy and operational criteria (psychological test results and interview data) of psychopathology are reviewed, suggesting that (a) differences are readily identifiable between homosexual and heterosexual individuals and other comparison groups; (b) differences are not always deficits; (c) differences exist within the broad group of homosexuals; (d) some homosexuals evidence psychopathological personality traits; (e) some homosexuals are at greater risk with respect to problem drinking, drug abuse, and suicidal attempts; and (f) some homosexuals appear to be adjusting quite effectively. Professional responsibility at 3 levels (client, society, self) is discussed in detail. Guidelines are presented that may facilitate resolution of various professional and ethical issues in working with individuals whose problems are of a socially deviant nature. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predicting the vocational capacity of the chronically mentally ill: Research and policy implications.

Reviews the psychological research conducted over the last several decades concerning the vocational capacity of psychiatrically disabled persons. Findings supported by the review are as follows: (1) Psychiatric symptomatology and diagnostic category are poor predictors of future work performance (FWP). (2) Intelligence, aptitude, and personality tests are also poor predictors of FWP. (3) A person's ability to function in one environment (e.g., a community setting) is not predictive of his/her ability to function in a different type of environment (e.g., a work setting). (4) There is little or no correlation between a person's symptomatology and functional skills. (5) The best clinical predictors of FWP are ratings of person's work adjustment skills made in a workshop setting or sheltered job site. (6) The best demographic predictor of FWP performance is the person's prior employment history. (7) A significant predictor of FWP is a person's ability to function socially with others. (8) The best paper-and-pencil test predictors of FWP are tests that measure a person's ego strength or self-concept in the role of worker. Six suggestions for future research on assessments are included, and implications for Social Security Administration policies and procedures are noted. (55 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Demographic correlates of psychological strain.

Indexes of psychological strain are related to demographic variables in a population of 8,234 industrial employees. The strain indexes refer to: (a) job-related strain, (b) economic strain, and (c) psychosomatic symptoms. The demographic variables are age, sex, and education. It is shown that: (a) each of the demographic variables independently of the others is related to strain rates, (b) the relationships of demographic variables to strain are different for each of the indexes, (c) there are complex interactions among the demographic variables which produce striking deviations in strain rates in some subpopulations. The results are interpreted with reference to the methodological problems in using strain indexes when comparing unmatched populations, and with reference to representative hypotheses drawn from physiology, social psychology, and economics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Trickling Filter Mythology

Engineering practice in trickling filter design has been influenced by the propagation of myths as much as by the analysis of data and factual determinations. In this paper, several common myths encountered by the writer in his engineering practice are examined. The myths are tied to source(s) where possible, and then the factual underpinnings (if any) are examined. Common myths include the following: (1) Trickling filter processes are less reliable than activated sludge processes; (2) trickling filters are poor performers in cold weather; (3) trickling filters are more expensive; (4) motorized distributor speed control is always needed; (5) cross-flow media should not be used at total organic loadings exceeding 1.6 kg BOD5∕m3?d and (6) all media are created equal.     

Methodological issues in research with refugees and immigrants.

A growing number of psychologists are becoming involved in research with migrants, particularly those from developing countries. This article highlights the unique methodological difficulties in research with refugees and immigrants. The main examples given are from Indochinese refugees and Pacific Island immigrants to New Zealand. Six areas of difficulty are identified: (1) contextual differences between migrants and the receiving society, (2) conceptual problems with translation of instruments, (3) sampling difficulties, (4) linguistic problems, (5) observation of etiquette, and (6) personality characteristics of researchers. Recommendations are made to resolve some of the difficulties encountered in each area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The cognitive, emotional, and relational characteristics of master therapists.

Cognitive, emotional, and relational characteristics among 10 peer-nominated master therapists were identified through qualitative research methods. Results suggest that master therapists (a) are voracious learners; (b) draw heavily on accumulated experiences; (c) value cognitive complexity and ambiguity; (d) are emotionally receptive; (e) are mentally healthy and mature and attend to their own emotional well-being; (f) are aware of how their emotional health impacts their work; (g) possess strong relationships skills; (h) believe in the working alliance; and (i) are experts at using their exceptional relational skills in therapy. These findings suggest that researchers studying therapist expertise may want to explore emotional and relational characteristics in addition to an almost exclusive focus on the therapist's cognitive attributes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Antecedent probability and the efficiency of psychometric signs, patterns, or cutting scores.

It is difficult or impossible to determine the efficiency of most psychometric devices used in clinical psychology, since (1) base rates are seldom provided in the literature and hence comparisons cannot be made between decisions from psychometric devices and from previous experience, (2) insufficient distribution data are provided and samples are too small, (3) cross-validation data are lacking, (4) type of population to which a psychometric device can be applied is not clearly specified, and (5) results are not reported in terms of the number of correct decisions resulting for individuals within the groups studied. Corrective methods are presented. 19 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Water Vapor and Cloud Radiative Forcings over the Pacific Ocean Simulated by the LASG/IAP AGCM:Sensitivity to Convection Schemes

Characteristics of the total clear-sky greenhouse effect (GA) and cloud radiative forcings (CRFs), along with the radiative-related water vapor and cloud properties simulated by the Spectral Atmospheric Model developed by LASG/IAP (SAMIL) are evaluated. Impacts of the convection scheme on the simulation of CRFs are discussed by using two AMIP (Atmospheric Model Inter-comparison Project) type simulations employing different convection schemes: the new Zhang-McFarlane (NZH) and Tiedtke (TDK) convection schemes. It shows that both the climatological GA and its response to El Nino warming are simulated well, both in terms of spatial pattern and magnitude. The impact of the convection scheme on GA is not significant. The climatological longwave CRF (LWCRF) and its response to El Nino warming are simulated well, but with a prominently weaker magnitude. The simulation of the climatology (response) of LWCRF in the NZH (TDK) run is slightly more realistic than in the TDK (NZH) simulation, indicating significant impacts of the convection scheme. The shortwave CRF (SWCRF) shows large biases in both spatial pattern and magnitude, and the results from the TDK run are better than those from the NZH run. A spuriously excessive negative climatological SWCRF over the southeastern Pacific and an insufficient response of SWCRF to El Ni(n)o warming over the tropical Pacific are seen in the NZH run. These two biases are alleviated in the TDK run, since it produces vigorous convection, which is related to the low threshold for convection to take place. Also, impacts of the convection scheme on the cloud profile are discussed.     

Proceedings of the American Psychological Association, Incorporated, for the Year 1977: Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council of Representatives.

These minutes constitute the official record of actions of the Association taken during the year, by both the Council of Representatives and the Board of Directors. The roll of Representatives was called at each meeting, and more than a quorum answered to their names. Reference is made in these minutes to various reports, some of which will be published elsewhere. Copies of these reports were distributed to Council members and are on file in the Central Office. As long as the supply lasts, extra copies of many of the reports are available from the Central Office. The Board of Directors met five times during this Association year. All substantive actions of the Board were reported to the Council and are included in these minutes. Further details of the Board's actions are to be found in the minutes of each meeting. As in previous years, these minutes are organized in topical rather than chronological order. The main headings used are: (1) Minutes of Meetings in 1977-1978; (2) Elections, Awards, Membership, and Human Resources; (3) Ethics; (4) Board of Directors; (5) Divisions and State Associations; (6) Organization of the APA; (7) Publications and Communications; (8) Convention Affairs; (9) Educational Affairs; (10) Professional Affairs; (11) Scientific Affairs; (12) Social and Ethical Responsibility for Psychology; (13) External (International) Affairs; (14) Central Office; (15) Financial Affairs; and (16) Communications Concerning Outside Organizations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Answering clients' questions.

Presents therapist guidelines for answering client questions in psychotherapy. Response recommendations are based on question type and whether the client's motives are overt or covert. Questions are categorized as: (1) genuine requests for information , (2) indirect requests for some type of gratification from the therapist, (3) questions that are really statements, (4) questions that are tests, and (5) questions that push the therapist's boundaries. The underlying dynamics of client questions are identified, including shame, anger, determining if the therapist cares, projective identification, and testing the therapist's limits and boundaries. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Meeting the mental health needs of Asian Americans: Mainstream or segregated services.

Examines (a) current barriers to the use of mental health services by Asian Americans (including racism, language barriers, and cultural attitudes); (b) advantages and disadvantages of 3 prototypical forms of culturally sensitive service delivery systems; and (c) conditions under which the 3 prototypes may be useful. The policy options include providing services (1) in mainstream facilities in which all of the personnel are trained to provide culturally sensitive services, (2) in mainstream facilities in which there are teams of culturally sensitive service providers, and (3) in physically segregated facilities in which all of the personnel are trained to provide culturally sensitive services. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sm2Co17永磁体的显微组织及其对矫顽力的影响

探讨了Sm(CobalFe0.197Cu0.049Zr0.026)7.5,Sm(CobalFe0.197Cu0.062Zr0.034)7.5永磁体的显微组织及其对矫顽力的影响.Sm2Co17永磁体由2:17相和1:5相两相所形成的胞状组织构成,并影响材料矫顽力的大小.在高矫顽力磁体的单晶表面有大量取向一致的沟痕,而不同晶粒内部的沟痕取向不同;沟痕较多时,磁体内所形成的1:5相增多,对畴壁的钉扎能力增强,有利于内禀矫顽力的提高.磁体表面的白色物质含Sm较多时可降低矫顽力.     

Raising questions about antidepressants

Antidepressant medication has apparently become the most popular treatment for depression in the USA. Several beliefs about the efficacy of antidepressant medications prevail among mental health professionals and the public. This paper explores relevant research data and raises questions about these beliefs. Many of the common beliefs about these medications are not adequately supported by scientific data. The following issues are raised: (1) industry-funded research studies which result in negative findings sometimes do not get published; (2) placebo washout procedures may bias results in some studies; (3) there are serious questions about the integrity of the double-blind procedure; (4) the 'true' antidepressant drug effect in adults appears to be relatively small; (5) there is minimal evidence of antidepressant efficacy in children; (6) side effects are fairly common even with the newer antidepressants; (7) combining medications raises the risk for more serious complications; (8) all antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms; (9) genetic influences on unipolar depression appear to be weaker than environmental influences; (10) biochemical theories of depression are as yet unproven; (11) biological markers specific for depression have been elusive; (12) dosage and plasma levels of antidepressants have been minimally related to treatment outcome; (13) preliminary evidence suggests that patients who improve with cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy show similar biological changes as those who respond to medication, and (14) the evidence suggests that psychological interventions are at least as effective as pharmacotherapy in treating depression, even if severe, especially when patient-rated measures are used and long-term follow-up is considered.     

Partialed products are interactions; partialed powers are curve components.

The fact that simple (zero-order) correlations of products (XZ) and powers (X–2, X–3) with other variables (Y) are not invariant over linear transformations of their constituents (X, Z) has led to confusion and anxiety about their use as independent variables in the representation of interactions and curve components in general multiple regression/correlation analysis. The present article demonstrates that when their constituents are linearly partialed out, products and powers are invariant with regard to both their correlations and tests of significance; further, their raw score regression coefficients are simply rescaled. Partialed products and powers are not subject to constraints of orthogonality, level of scaling, or whether data arise from experiments or observational studies. (15 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The question–answer paradigm: You might regret not noticing how a question is worded.

In 2 experiments the authors investigated how verb choice in question formulation influences respondents' answers. These studies show that (a) as hypothesized, the choice of verb type (action vs. state) in forming a question influences interviewees' narratives systematically by impacting, inter alla, which individual is implicitly described as the causal originator of a social event; (b) interviewees are not aware of how their answers are manipulated; and (c) others who listen to or read the very same answers are sensitive to the linguistic differences in the narratives that are shaped by verb choices in question formulation. The implications of these findings for the self-fulfilling prophecy are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preventing and managing pelvic inflammatory disease: key questions, practices, and evidence

Clinicians play a pivotal role in protecting women from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), one of the most prevalent and serious diseases affecting women of reproductive age. This article examines PID prevention and management by critically addressing five questions: (1) What are the key risk factors for PID? (2) What are the principal microorganisms involved in PID? (3) What are the appropriate diagnostic criteria for PID? (4) What are the best treatment regimens for PID? and (5) What are the effective strategies for preventing PID? In addressing each of these questions, the quality of available evidence and recommended practice is discussed and gaps in the evidence are highlighted.     

Blood sample processing effect on eosinophil cationic protein concentration

Intracranial pressure waves include fast waves (pulse and respiration) and slow waves. Only the latter are considered here. Since the definition of three wave types in the pioneering works of Janny (1950) and Lundberg (1960), their study of frequential characteristics shows they are included in a spectrum where three contiguous frequency bands are individualised: the B wave band (BW) between 8 x 10(-3) Hz and 50 x 10(-3) Hz; the Infra B band (IB) below 8 x 10(-3) Hz; and the Ultra B band (UB) beyond 50 x 10(-3) Hz to 200 x 10(-3) Hz. The origin of these waves is vascular and some may be physiological. They are probably generated by central neuro-pacemakers and/or cyclic phenomena of cerebral autoregulation. They are linked with slow peripheral arterial pressure waves, with biological rhythms and with biomechanics and vasomotricity in the craniospinal enclosure. They are pathological for the slowest (IB), particularly if they are plateau waves, but the physiologic-pathologic boundary is not yet established for each type of slow waves. They can cause severe consequences if they result in major cerebral perfusion pressure changes, and if they induce or worsen herniations.     

What can be learned about attention from studying its development?

Suggests the importance of developmental research in evaluating theories of visual attention. Developmental studies can and do provide a unique vantage point from which to assess theories of attention. Three research steps are proposed: (1) theoretically-important differences and similarities between age groups are established, (2) theoretical constructs are mapped in these age differences/similarities, and (3) data are collected to examine the relation between the constructs and age. Several examples of the use of this strategy are summarized. The variable of age is shown to play a role in testing theories of Gestalt grouping, perceptual organization, spatial orienting, and attentional filtering. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)