A self-determination theory perspective on parenting.

This article describes research on parenting that supports children's need for autonomy. First, the authors define parental autonomy support and distinguish it from permissiveness or independence promotion. The authors also define psychologically controlling parenting and distinguish it from behavioral control (structure). Second, the authors present studies examining how parental autonomy support promotes healthy development. Indeed, clear and consistent positive effects arise from different types of studies, conducted with children of various ages. Parent observation studies suggest that parental autonomy support is associated with infants' motivation and toddlers' internalization. Parent interview studies reveal that an autonomy-supportive parental attitude relates to children's adjustment at school. Children self-report studies demonstrate a clear link between perceptions of parental autonomy support and psychosocial functioning amongst adolescents. Third, the correlates and precursors of parental psychological control and autonomy support are presented, with a special focus on parents' trust in their children's ability to develop in an autonomous manner. Finally, ideas for future research are suggested. Although self-determination theory is not strictly a developmental theory, it seems highly pertinent to the socialization of children, their internalization and development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A signal-detection analysis of fast-and-frugal trees.

Models of decision making are distinguished by those that aim for an optimal solution in a world that is precisely specified by a set of assumptions (a so-called “small world”) and those that aim for a simple but satisfactory solution in an uncertain world where the assumptions of optimization models may not be met (a so-called “large world”). Few connections have been drawn between these 2 families of models. In this study, the authors show how psychological concepts originating in the classic signal-detection theory (SDT), a small-world approach to decision making, can be used to understand the workings of a class of simple models known as fast-and-frugal trees (FFTs). Results indicate that (a) the setting of the subjective decision criterion in SDT corresponds directly to the choice of exit structure in an FFT; (b) the sensitivity of an FFT (measured in d′) is reflected by the order of cues searched and the properties of cues in an FFT, including the mean and variance of cues' individual d′s, the intercue correlation, and the number of cues; and (c) compared with the ideal and the optimal sequential sampling models in SDT and a majority model with an information search component, FFTs are extremely frugal (i.e., do not search for much cue information), highly robust, and well adapted to the payoff structure of a task. These findings demonstrate the potential of theory integration in understanding the common underlying psychological structures of apparently disparate theories of cognition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A curriculum based on systems theory

This paper describes an entry-level curriculum based on systems theory that was designed to promote integrated thinking and a shared image of practice among all of the members of an educational community that included students, faculty, and clinicians. Initiated in 1983, the program integrates occupational therapy theory, critical thinking, and knowledge about person-environmental transactions with traditional medical, biological, psychological, and sociological course work to create a unique educational experience. The curriculum model is based on a spiral learning process that encourages integrated thinking. Furthermore, all concepts are systematically tied to the occupation core, the central theme of the program. Fieldwork is used to reinforce ideas presented in the classroom and features discrete learning experiences where students demonstrate their integration of knowledge and skills. In an evaluation of the program, responses from 78 clinician, 51 alumni, and 132 student questionnaires; feedback from 132 fieldwork supervisors; and longitudinal data from 33 alumni confirmed that graduates are critical thinkers who appreciate the diverse needs of clients while demonstrating an appreciation for the curative effect of meaningful, goal-directed activities.     

A modern learning theory perspective on the etiology of panic disorder.

Several theories of the development of panic disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia have emerged in the last 2 decades. Early theories that proposed a role for classical conditioning were criticized on several grounds. However, each criticism can be met and rejected when one considers current perspectives on conditioning and associative learning. The authors propose that PD develops because exposure to panic attacks causes the conditioning of anxiety (and sometimes panic) to exteroceptive and interoceptive cues. This process is reflected in a variety of cognitive and behavioral phenomena but fundamentally involves emotional learning that is best accounted for by conditioning principles. Anxiety, an anticipatory emotional state that functions to prepare the individual for the next panic, is different from panic, an emotional state designed to deal with a traumatic event that is already in progress. However, the presence of conditioned anxiety potentiates the next panic, which begins the individual's spiral into PD. Several biological and psychological factors create vulnerabilities by influencing the individual's susceptibility to conditioning. The relationship between the present view and other views is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

基于贝叶斯判别法的上市公司财务预警模型

利用贝叶斯判别法,以我国沪市A股上市公司为研究对象,选取2005和2006的ST公司和正常的公司各70家作为分析样本,建立财务预警模型.经检验,该方法预测的效果较好,准确率达到85.7%,可为投资者、债权人和监管机构等提供判别依据.     

Predicting career indecision: A self-determination theory perspective.

The purpose of this study was to propose and test a model of career indecision based on self-determination theory (E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan, 1985). This model posits that peer and parental styles predicted career indecision through perceived self-efficacy and autonomy. Participants were 834 college students (236 men, 581 women, 17 without gender identification). Results from structural equation modeling provided support for the proposed model and showed that the model was invariant across gender. Discussion centers on the theoretical and practical implications of the results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A nursing perspective on the interrelationships between theory, research and practice

Recessive dystrophic epidermis bullosa is ultrastructurally characterized by the absence of anchoring fibrils, and genetic analyses have revealed that recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa results from mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1). The mutations disclosed thus far are largely family specific, with no evidence for mutational hotspot(s). In this study, we report a recurrent premature termination codon mutation detected in two apparently unrelated Italian families in different regions of the country. This mutation, 497insA in exon 4 of COL7A1, was found in combination with two different premature termination codon mutations in these families. Haplotype analysis suggested a shared genetic background in the allele containing the mutation 497insA, suggesting that this genetic lesion may represent an ancestral mutation within the Italian gene pool.     

A signal-detection determination of the two-point supraliminal difference limen on three different body areas

This investigation was designed to determine the relationship between the tactual two-point threshold and the two-point supraliminal difference limen. The yes/no method was employed and three localities were tested. The results confirmed the hypothesis that as the initial two-point threshold increases, the two-point supraliminal difference limen also increases. No significant differences were obtained between the right and the left sides of each body area tested and only on the hand was a reliable difference obtained between the first 9 and second 9 sessions. This difference was interpreted in terms of a peripheral fatigue phenomenon.     

Understanding motivation for exercise: A self-determination theory perspective.

Understanding the factors that motivate health-enhancing physical activity has considerable merit given the role of this lifestyle behaviour in combating disease and promoting quality of life. The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview of research investigating participation issues in exercise from the perspective of self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2002). Evidence informing the application of SDT to the study of motivational issues in exercise is reviewed around three central questions: (a) Does the quality of motivation regulating exercise behaviour matter?, (b) How important are basic psychological needs within exercise contexts?, and (c) Can contextual variables be manipulated to create adaptive environments for exercise? The available evidence is supportive of many propositions set forth within SDT by Deci and Ryan's work (2002). Future avenues for exercise motivation research are offered based on the available evidence with a view to addressing unresolved issues and advancing SDT's development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

一种基于灰色系统理论的分布式信任模型

在开放多Agent系统中,引入信任模型有利于选择出保证收益的交互伙伴,发挥灰色系统理论在解决贫信息、不确定性问题中的优势,构建了GTrust信任模型,设计了对证人推荐行为进行评定的方法,用灰色定权聚类的方法判定对证人的信任,克服证人提供的不准确信息带来的负面影响,指导评价者Agent合理使用来自证人的推荐.仿真实验表明,GTrust忽略了对不准确信息来源的甄别,而是只以实际交互结果为依据的策略,针对复杂的环境是一种切合实际的选择,无论在静态环境中,还是动态环境中,均可以取得好的效果.     

Visual search for orientation among heterogeneous distractors: Experimental results and implications for signal-detection theory models of search.

Three experiments tested a signal-detection theory (SDT) model of visual search (e.g., as described in J. Palmer, C. T. Ames, & D. T. Lindsey, 1993). In Experiment 1, participants searched for a 0° line among distractors at (a) 30°; (b) ? at 30°, ? at 50°; (c) ? at 30°, 50°, and 70°; and (d) ? at 30°, ? at 70°. The SDT model predicts improved performance in the more heterogeneous conditions, as some distractors are more discriminable from the target. In contrast, in Experiment 1 human performance degraded in the more heterogeneous conditions (c and d). In Experiment 2, sparser displays improved the performance of the SDT model. In Experiment 3, search for θ° among homogeneous θ?+?20° distractors was compared with search for θ° among θ?±?20° distractors. Performance in the latter condition was often worse, relative to performance in the homogeneous condition, than predicted by the SDT model; however, this depended greatly on the identity of the target. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Error management theory: A new perspective on biases in cross-sex mind reading.

A new theory of cognitive biases, called error management theory (EMT), proposes that psychological mechanisms are designed to be predictably biased when the costs of false-positive and false-negative errors were asymmetrical over evolutionary history. This theory explains known phenomena such as men's overperception of women's sexual intent, and it predicts new biases in social inference such as women's underestimation of men's commitment. In Study 1 (N?=?217), the authors documented the commitment underperception effect predicted by EMT. In Study 2 (N?=?289), the authors replicated the commitment bias and documented a condition in which men's sexual overperception bias is corrected. Discussion contrasts EMT with the heuristics and biases approach and suggests additional testable hypotheses based on EMT. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A model of statistics performance based on achievement goal theory.

Structural equation modeling techniques were used to test a model of statistics performance based on achievement goal theory. Data were collected after the midterm and final examinations in an introductory statistics course, and models were fit at each time point. Learning goals were positively related to the use of deep-processing strategies and to self-efficacy and were negatively related to test anxiety. Performance goals were positively related to disorganization in study strategies and to test anxiety. Both learning and performance goals affected achievement indirectly through study strategies, self-efficacy, and test anxiety. Use of deep-processing strategies was positively related to effort but displayed an unexpected negative relationship to achievement. Disorganization was a positive predictor of test anxiety. Implications of these findings for teaching and learning statistics are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cerebral asymmetry and hypnosis: A signal-detection analysis of divided visual field stimulation.

Examined brightness discriminations in a divided-field paradigm with a signal-detection procedure in 3 sessions, the 2nd with hypnosis. Practiced, hypnotically susceptible Ss were subdivided into high (n?=?6) and medium (n?=?5) susceptible groups on the basis of a susceptibility scale monitored throughout the hypnosis session. High-susceptible Ss showed increases in d′ in the left visual field (right hemisphere) with hypnosis, whereas medium-susceptible Ss showed bilateral enhancements. Beta remained invariant in both groups across 3 sessions but was higher in the left visual field. Results provide evidence of altered brain function with hypnosis and an association of focal right hemispheric changes with high susceptibility and, through the invariance of β, fail to support the attribution of perceptual changes to attitudinal, nonstate factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increasing the attractiveness of college cafeteria food: A reactance theory perspective.

Examined attitudinal effects of the elimination of a free behavior in a field experiment employing 27 female college students. Ss completed a survey, giving a rating of their cafeteria food. 9 days later they randomly received 1 of 3 communications: (a) elimination condition-eliminating their cafeteria use for 2 wks; (b) control condition-eliminating carbonated beverages; or (c) control condition-announcing a movie presentation. 5 min after receiving the communication, the Ss again completed the survey rating the cafeteria food. Only the elimination condition showed a greater positive reevaluation of the food as reflected by difference scores for the pretest and posttest ratings. Results are discussed in terms of contradictory hypotheses of J. Brehm's (1972) reactance theory and R. A. Wicklund's (l972) concept of prior exercise of behavioral freedom. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)