A picture of a butterfly with diffusion-shaped wings

A combination of mathematical methods is used to create the image of a butterfly. The properties of the one-dimensional diffusion equation can be used to produce wing shapes.Mandelbrot set patterns are applied to color the butterfly wings. Finally, another technique using the logarithmic spiral is presented to create natural shapes and patterns.     

Sociometric choice patterns in hospital ward groups with varying degrees of interpersonal disturbances.

"Selected aspects of the sociometric choice process were analyzed for their hypothesized relationship to certain expressions of inter-personal disturbances. Patients on five hospital wards representing an inter-personal disturbance continuum were given a sociometric test containing positive, negative, and relatively objective criteria… . Those aspects of sociometric responses analyzed were reciprocations, intercriteria overlap, and acceptability score patterns." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The construction of unidimensional tests.

"Five methods of constructing unidimensional tests (classical item analysis, Loevinger's procedure, the independence criterion method, the answer patterns method, and factor analysis) have been considered with respect to their provision for: a rational procedure for item selection, a criterion of unidimensionality, and an index of unidimensionality." Only factor analysis provides a rational procedure for item selection. No method has a fully satisfactory criterion of unidimensionality. The ratio of 1st to 2nd factor variance has been suggested as an index of unidimensionality for the factor analytic method; but it suffers from a lack of knowledge of its sampling fluctuations, a weakness shared with the other procedures. From Psyc Abstracts 36:02:2AH22L. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Patterns of parenthood as theories of learning.

An attempt to translate into and compare parental theories of what occurs in the learning process with professional theories, concluding: "Every consistent pattern of child-rearing embodies a theory of learning, and all those parental theories are substantially wrong. However, any parental theory is better than none." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparative study of aptitude patterns in unskilled and skilled psychomotor performances.

"A cross-sectional and longitudinal comparison was made of abilities involved at early and late stages of proficiency on a variety of complex psychomotor tasks… [by]… giving extended practice on seven different tasks to the same Ss who also received a battery of reference tests [from factor analyses]… . Factors were defined by the reference tests, and the resulting loadings of these in different stages of practice in the psychomotor tasks were examined. The results confirm and extend previous findings… which indicate considerable, but systematic, changes in the patterns of abilities contributing to proficiency on complex tasks as training continues and proficiency increases." 18 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Spatial factors in check reading of dial groups.

"Observers were required to detect deviant pointers within a display panel of 16 circular dials… the spatial locations of the deviant pointers within a panel were controlled in such a way that it was possible to determine the percentage of deviations detected as a function of quadrant location and position within quadrants. The consistency of these spatial effects was determined over 3 durations of panel exposure. The results showed that spatial location was an important determinant of the number of detections that were made. The pattern of detections that appeared seems to confirm the idea that the scanning habits which observers use are highly related to previously learned reading habits." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of The nature of nondirective group psychotherapy. An experimental investigation.

Reviews the book, The nature of nondirective group psychotherapy. An experimental investigation by Leon Gorlow, Erasmus L. Hoch, and Earl F. Telschow (1952). This study was designed to investigate with quantitative precision various parameters of the process of nondirective group psychotherapy. Acknowledging the tentative, exploratory nature of the investigation, the authors outline a threefold objective: (a) analysis of the uniformity of group patterns of verbal behavior as a function of variables like time, differing membership, and leadership; (b) delineation of the therapeutic value of the group, per se; and (c) evaluation of the role of the group leader. This book is successful in providing interesting hypotheses and techniques for analyzing protocols. The limitations of its experimental design, however, prevent an evaluation of either the unique characteristics or therapeutic value of nondirective group psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of response patterns to improve item scoring.

This study compared the validity of 2 methods of scoring the Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory. One method used keys developed in the usual manner by selecting items that differentiated between specific occupational groups and a reference group of tradesmen-in-general. The other method used keys developed by selecting items that were part of response patterns that differentiated between criterion and reference groups. 3 occupational keys were developed and cross-validated: painter, printer, and electrician. Results showed that the keys were about equal in their ability to separate criterion from reference groups, but the key developed from response patterns used far fewer items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Stereotypic behavior and development.

Evidence was presented to show that some reflexes of the neonate are organized in rhythmical patterns of high frequency; that stereotypic mannerisms are organized in similar high frequency rhythms; and that under conditions of functional and structural regression, both rhythmical reflexes and stereotypic mannerisms may reappear in their archaic forms and frequencies. With respect to neonatal motor rhythms, it was proposed that development implies a phase interaction of two or more fixed frequencies giving rise to qualitatively different temporal patterns. This proposition was opposed to the suggestion that neonatal motor rhythms are suppressed by central nervous system maturation and replaced by learned sequences which in turn are reinforced by environmental contingencies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)