Cross-cultural career psychology: Comment on Fouad, Harmon, and Borgen (1997) and Tracey, Watanabe, and Schneider (1997).

This article uses the theoretical framework of cultural validity and cultural specificity in career psychology proposed by F. T. L. Leong and M. Brown (1995) to comment on the theoretical and methodological issues raised by N. A. Fouad, L. W. Harmon, and N. H. Borgen (1997) and T. J. G. Tracey, N. Watanabe, and P. L. Schneider (1997) in the Special Section on Cross-Cultural Career Psychology. In terms of theoretical issues, the important distinction between etic and emic approaches to cross-cultural research is discussed, as well as the role of the cultural context in understanding vocational behavior. Methodologically, the specific issues surrounding the problem of equivalence of measurement (functional, conceptual, linguistic, and metric equivalence) as it relates to the two studies are discussed. Finally, the importance of studies of both internal and external validity as means of advancing cross-cultural career psychology is highlighted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Necessary (but not sufficient) innovation: Comment on Fox and Jones (1998), Koehly and Shivy (1998), and Russell, Kahn, Spoth, and Altmaier (1998).

In the Special Section on Innovative Quantitative Research Methods, C. M. Fox and J. A. Jones (1998), L. M. Koehly and V. A. Shivy (1998), and D. W. Russell, J. H. Kahn, R. Spoth, and E. M. Altmaier (1998) have presented statistical methods related to Rasch modeling, social network analysis, and latent variable structural equation modeling for experimental designs, respectively. These methods address 3 critically important issues in counseling psychology research: (a) measuring constructs, (b) modeling processes of change, and (c) operationalizing social relations. It is argued that innovation in methods is necessary to study complex phenomena, but sophisticated methods should not be used to disguise insufficient conceptualizations of the research problem. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On dimensionality, discriminant validity, and the role of psychometric analyses in personality theory and measurement: Reply to Kruglanski et al.'s (1997) defense of the Need for Closure Scale.

D. M. Webster and A. W. Kruglanski's (1994) Need for Closure Scale (NFCS) confounds multiple dimensions and is redundant with existing instruments (S. L. Neuberg, T. N. Judice, & S. G. West, 1997). A. W. Kruglanski and his colleagues (1997) dismissed these findings as "psychometric naysaying," although they presented no data that refute them. Moreover, Kruglanski et al (1997) suggested that researchers (a) be unconcerned with the NFCS's lack of discriminant validity and (b) use the scale as if it were unidimensional. These recommendations are problematic. Using the NFCS in this manner invites interpretational ambiguity and theoretical confusion. In contrast to the Kruglanski et al (1997) position, proper psychometric analyses play a critical role in theory testing and in the development of conceptually coherent measures of individual differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Using research to determine the efficacy and modes of treatment in university counseling centers: Comment on Jobes, Jacoby, Cimbolic, and Hustead (1997) and Hayes (1997).

The articles by D. A. Jobes, A. M. Jacoby, P. Cimbolic, and L. A. T. Hustead (1997) and J. A. Hayes (1997) in the Special Section on Research in Counseling Centers are reviewed in the context of changes in college and university counseling centers. D. A. Jobes et al.'s study dealt with the development and application of the Suicide Status Form; J. A. Hayes's study reported the results of a factor analysis of the Brief Symptom Inventory that used data gathered specifically from college students. Suggestions are offered as to how the results of these studies might be applied to current counseling center work. A greater role for research in counseling centers is argued for, and examples of how research might abet counseling center personnel in their attempts to be both efficient and efficacious are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Toward a clinically relevant model of counseling research: Comment on Patton, Kivlighan, and Multon (1997) and Gelso, Kivlighan, Wine, Jones, and Friedman (1997).

This response to the articles by M. J. Patton, D. M. Kivlighan, and K. D. Multon and C. J. Gelso, D. M. Kivlighan, B. Wine, A. Jones, and S. C. Friedman (see records 84-23832, and 23827, respectively) focuses on the significance and timeliness of these studies, elements of an emerging model for counseling research, the current context of psychoanalytic theory relevant to the counseling and research models of these studies, and measurement of clinical constructs. A broader, though not exhaustive, set of constructs useful for research and practice in psychoanalytic counseling is suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reaction to the Special Section on supervision research: Comment on Ellis et al. (1996), Ladany et al. (1996), Neufeldt et al. (1996), and Worthen and McNeill (1996).

Both the post-positivistic (M. V. Ellis, N. Ladany, M. Krengel, and D. Schult; N. Ladany, C. E. Hill, M. M. Corbett, and E. A. Nutt; see PA, Vol 83:21766 and 24267, respectively) and interpretive (S. A. Neufeldt, M. P. Karno, and M. L. Nelson; V. Worthen and B. W. McNeill; see PA, Vol 83:24269 and 24281, respectively) studies in this special section on supervision research are reviewed from the perspective of rigor and relevancy to the critical questions facing educators and practitioners of supervision. The value of different empirical methods to uncover the meaning and structure of supervision is discussed in light of these researchers' contribution to building a theory of practice. Empirical findings of both methods are needed to guide the systematic teaching of psychotherapy in supervision and the teaching of supervision itself. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

What are the differences between dimensional and categorical models of individual differences in attachment? Reply to Cassidy (2003), Cummings (2003), Sroufe (2003), and Waters and Beauchaine (2003).

The authors address commentaries by J. Cassidy (2003), E. M. Cummings (2003). L. A. Sroufe (2003). and E. Waters and T. P. Beauchaine (2003) on their taxometric analysis of Strange Situation behavior (R. C. Fraley & S. J. Spieker, 2003) by discussing four questions: Has the categorical model of attachment facilitated theoretical and empirical innovations in the field? How does a continuum of security fit into the two-dimensional model? What is the role of types and dimensions in understanding the function and organization of behavior? and Is dimensionality a null hypothesis in taxometric research? (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Stroop theory, memory, and prefrontal cortical functioning: Reply to Cohen et al. (1997).

In this article, the authors respond to J. D. Cohen, K. O. Dunbar, D. M. Barch and T. S. Braver's (see record 1997-02838-005) comment on their target article (see record 1997-02838-004). The present article (a) takes issue with the characterization given by Cohen et al. of the authors' approach as a classical speed-of-processing account of Stroop effects, (b) discusses the value and relevance of other theoretical concepts, such as traditional accounts of working memory and parallel distributed processing (PDP) approaches to Stroop effects, (c) further examines the possibility that the differences the authors observed in Experiment 2 between normal participants' performance and that of participants with schizophrenia may have been due to distractor stimulus degradation, particularly for participants with schizophrenia, and (d) argues for the relevance of the prefrontal cortex, as well as other brain areas, in accounting for their results. The authors conclude with a final theoretical question. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The flat earth as a metaphor for the evidence for uniform efficacy of bona fide psychotherapies: Reply to Crits-Christoph (1997) and Howard et al. (1997).

On the basis of a meta-analysis of comparisons of bona fide psychotherapies, B. E. Wampold et al. (1997) concluded that the available evidence supported the notion that all psychotherapies are nearly equal in terms of efficacy. K. I. Howard, M. S. Krause, S. M. Saunders, and S. M. Kopta (1997) and P. Crits-Christoph (1997) raised 4 general issues with this conclusion: (a) counterexamples, (b) untested alternative hypotheses, (c) methodological problems, and (d) adequacy of randomized clinical trials. Each of these issues is discussed, and it is asserted that empirically there is no basis to alter the conclusions reached in B. E. Wampold et al.'s (1997) meta-analysis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cultural psychology, a new look: Reply to Bond (2002), Fiske (2002), Kitayama (2002), and Miller (2002).

M. H. Bond (2002) (see record 2002-00183-002), A. P. Fiske (2002) (see record 2002-00183-003), S. Kitayama (2002) (see record 2002-00183-004), and J. G. Miller (2002) (see record 2002-00183-005) joined D. Oyserman, H. M. Coon, and M. Kemmelmeier (2002) (see record 2002-00183-001) in highlighting limitations of the individualism-collectivism model of culture. Concern is warranted; nevertheless, individualism-collectivism helps structure discourse on the influence of culture on the mind. To avoid level-of-analysis entanglements, Oyserman et al propose an integrative model that includes distal, proximal, and situated cultural features of societies and internalized models of these features, highlights the importance of subjective construal, and uses evolutionary perspectives to clarify the basic problems cultures address. Framed this way, it is clear that, depending on situational requirements, both individualism- and collectivism-focused strategies are adaptive; thus, it is likely that human minds have adapted to think both ways. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Understanding anger: Comment on Deffenbacher, Oetting, et al. (1996), Deffenbacher, Lynch, et al. (1996), and Kopper and Epperson (1996).

The articles in the Special Section (J. L. Deffenbacher, E. R. Oetting, et al., 1996; J. L. Deffenbacher, R. S. Lynch, et al., 1996; B. A. Kopper & D. L. Epperson, 1996) further our empirical knowledge of different aspects of anger. This comment discusses each study's contributions and offers suggestions for future research. In particular, it is argued that we have neglected to address the sociocultural context of anger and therefore need to conduct cross-cultural analyses of anger. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Executive functioning and alcohol-related aggression: Reply to Weingartner (2000), Bates (2000), Lyvers (2000), Cherek (2000), and Berman (2000).

H. Weingartner (see record 2000-02949-018), M. E. Bates (see record 2000-02949-014), M. Lyvers (see record 2000-02949-017), D. R. Cherek (see record 2000-02949-016), and M. E. Berman (see record 2000-02949-015) put forth some very interesting and thought-provoking commentaries on the author's executive functioning framework for alcohol-related aggression (P. R. Giancola; see record 2000-02949-013). Many of their comments raised very important questions such as how executive functioning should be defined and conceptualized. Specifically, they asked whether executive functioning is better conceptualized as a unidimensional macroconstruct or as a set of related, yet independent, cognitive processes. Another key question was what other factors does executive functioning interact with to facilitate intoxicated aggression. Although these issues are far from being resolved, the author hopes that his article, their commentaries, and his responses will generate new research that will ultimately help to better predict and prevent alcohol-related aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On gender role conflict in men—Future directions and implications for counseling: Comment on Good et al. (1995) and Cournoyer and Mahalik (1995).

15 yrs of research on gender role conflict indicate it has been a fruitful construct in counseling psychology. G. E. Good, J. M. Robertson, J. M. O'Neil, L. F. Fitzgerald, M. Stevens, K. A. Debord, K. M. Bartels, and D. B. Braverman (1995) and R. J. Cournoyer and J. R. Mahalik (1995) add to the empirical knowledge and are certain to stimulate thinking in this area. In this comment, issues related to (a) psychological maladjustment, (b) test development, (c) life span development, and (d) practice implications are discussed. Although clear progress is being made, much more is unknown about how gender-related variables positively and negatively affect male development and, subsequently, the practice of counseling psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

An outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, Chile, 1997

A novel splice variant of RGS 9 was isolated from a rat hypothalamus, human retina, and a human kidney (Wilm's) tumor. This variant, termed RGS 9L, differs from the retinal form (termed RGS 9S) identified previously in that it contains a 211- (rat) or 205- (human) amino acid proline-rich domain on the carboxyl terminus. The pattern of RGS 9 mRNA splicing was tissue specific, with striatum, hypothalamus- and nucleus accumbens expressing RGS 9L, whereas retina and pineal expressed RGS 9S almost exclusively. This pattern of mRNA splicing seemed to be highly conserved between human and rodents, suggesting cell-specific differences in the function of these variants. Transient expression of RGS 9L augmented basal and beta-adrenergic receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity while suppressing dopamine D2 receptor-mediated inhibition. Furthermore, RGS 9L expression greatly accelerated the decay of dopamine D2 receptor-induced GIRK current. These results indicate RGS 9L inhibits heterotrimeric Gi function in vivo, probably by acting as a GTPase-activating protein. The human RGS 9 gene was localized to chromosome 17 q23-24 by radiation hybrid and fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses. The RGS 9 gene is within a previously defined locus for retinitis pigmentosa (RP 17), a disease that has been linked to genes in the rhodopsin/transducin/cGMP signaling pathway.     

Nature, culture, and explanations for erotic plasticity: Reply to Andersen, Cyranowski, and Aarestad (2000) and Hyde and Durik (2000).

R. F. Baumeister's (2000) (see record 2000-15386-001) article on erotic plasticity was criticized by B. L. Andersen, J. M. Cyranowski, and S. Aarestad (2000) (see record 2000-15386-003) for not being biological enough and by J. S. Hyde and A. M. Durik (2000) (see record 2000-15386-002) for being too biological. Both critiques were based on drawing a polarized caricature of R. F. Baumeister's actual view, although the two caricatures are opposites. Actually, neither commentary questioned the gender difference R. F. Baumeister documented; rather, the dispute is about how to explain it, which is indeed a challenge remaining for further work. Although both commentaries provided valuable suggestions about how to approach an explanation, neither approach can provide a coherent account until various theoretical problems are resolved and seemingly contrary empirical findings are addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ambiguity and connectionist networks: Still settling into a solution: Comment on Joordens and Besner (1994).

Empirical results (e.g., see G. Kellas, F. R. Ferraro, & G. B. Simpson, 1988; M. L. Millis & S. B. Button, see record 1989-31854-001) suggest that readers perform lexical decisions faster for words with many meanings than for words with only one meaning. S. Joordens and D. Besner (see record 1995-07873-001) attempted to simulate this effect with a connectionist model but found that their network only produced an ambiguity advantage when its error rate was unacceptably high. In this commentary 3 issues relevant to an understanding of the implications of Joordens and Besner's findings are discussed: the reliability of the empirical data, the manner in which readers (and networks) make lexical decisions, and the effects of certain algorithmic and architectural factors on network performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inferring cognitive processes associated with alcohol-related behavior: Reply to Kerby (1995).

With the acceptance of cognitive science, the biological substrate linking stimulus to response has come to be usefully viewed as "hardware" that can support learned "software." A recent article (B. C. Rather & M. S. Goldman; see record 1994-29505-001) focused on the development of "software" associated with alcohol consumption in the form of theoretical network models of alcohol expectancies. The comment by D. S. Kerby (see record 1996-01212-001) inappropriately removed from the context of theoretical modeling out discussion of the cluster analyses and suggested that these analyses were incorrectly interpreted to offer conclusion about real-time behavior and cognitive events. In fact, our interpretation is entirely consistent with model-building approaches, which are further explained. Other strategies for clarifying issues raised by this discussion also are reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Developmental Dynamics and Contemporary Evolutionary Psychology: Status Quo or Irreconcilable Views? Reply to Bjorklund (2003), Krebs (2003), Buss and Reeve (2003), Crawford (2003), and Tooby et al. (2003).

The authors address commentaries by D. F. Bjorklund (2003; see record 200309105-002); D. M. Buss and H. K. Reeve (2003; see record 200309105-004); C. B. Crawford (2003; see record 200309105-005); D. L. Krebs (2003; see record 2003-09105-003); and J. Tooby, L. Cosmides, and H. C. Barrett (2003; see record 2003-09105-006) on their analysis of the underlying assumptions of contemporary evolutionary psychology (R. Lickliter & H. Honeycutt, 2003; see record 200309105-001). The authors argue that evolutionary psychology currently offers no coherent framework for how to integrate genetic, environmental, and experiential factors into a theory of behavioral or cognitive phenotypes. The authors propose that this absence is due to a lack of developmental analysis in the major works of evolutionary psychology, resulting in an almost exclusive focus on adaptationist accounts of evolution by natural selection rather than a more broad-based focus on the process and products of evolution by epigenetic developmental dynamics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)