A plea for consideration of ecological validity in the experimental psychology of mental retardation: a guest editorial

The point was raised that, despite considerable experimental effort, laboratory research concerning learning, memory, and cognition, more generally, has not produced a very remarkable increase in our understanding of retarded behavior. Our principal contention in this paper is that the experimental psychology of mental retardation, while basically seeking causal relations between theoretical constructs and retarded behavior, is suffering from some metatheoretical and methodological shortcomings. These include, basically, a prevalent failure to consider the ecological aspects of the phenomenon of mental retardation. Implications of ecological validity are important with respect to the basis upon which subjects are selected for experimentation, the rationale underlying manipulation of independent variables, the choice of dependent variables, and the definition of the boundaries that limit generalizations. Some suggestions were offered for the purpose of guiding experimental research toward more meaningful and socially relevant goals.     

The social psychology of Rorschach validity research.

An analysis of the research extant in the literature on the validity of the Rorschach, revealed that there was a relationship between where the research was done (academic, nonacademic settings) and type of validity study (construct, criterion, i.e., theoretical or practical validity). Ramifications of these findings with regard to formulation and interpretation of studies on the Rorschach were discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A proposal for training in forensic psychology.

Documents the need for specialized training in forensic psychology. Several areas of specialty training are identified, and concrete and hypothetical examples are used to document the kinds of problems that emerge when mental health professionals without specialized training practice in the forensic area. Such specialties include legal tests and concepts, proper assessment, familiarity with relevant literature, and courtroom orientation. A graduate course sequence in forensic psychology that might alleviate some of the identified problems is presented; it includes an introduction, topical seminars, and field placements. (73 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors relevant to the validity of experiments in social settings.

"In analyzing the extraneous variables which experimental designs for social settings seek to control, seven categories have been distinguished: history, maturation, testing, instrument decay, regression, selection, and mortality. In general, the simple or main effects of these variables jeopardize the internal validity of the experiment and are adequately controlled in standard experimental designs. The interactive effects of these variables and of experimental arrangements affect the external validity or generalizability of experimental results. Standard experimental designs vary in their susceptibility to these interactive effects." 37 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Social psychology, experimental psychology and the social psychology of the experiment.

Discusses the recent growth of experimental social psychology which has involved wholesale adoption of classical methodology as conceived by experimental psychology. Paradoxically, research and writings on the "social psychology of the experiment" raise serious questions about certain assumptions implicit in classical methodology, i.e., those concerning the nature of the subject matter and the relationship between E and S. The views of R. Rosenthal, M. T. Orne, and others are discussed in this context and general implications considered in the light of the humanistic movement in American psychology. The general conclusion is that the values and criteria for all experimentation in psychology may be destined to undergo a radical reorientation. (French summary) (32 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Animal clinical psychology: A modest proposal.

Describes initial experiences in the development of a field of applied animal psychology dealing with the behavioral problems of pet animals. A team approach is suggested where (a) the pet's problem is analyzed; (b) a remedial training program based on classical and operant conditioning is used; (c) the owner is instructed in the implementation of the program; and (d) a follow-up assessment of the procedure's effectiveness is proposed. The case histories of 3 dogs with behavioral problems are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dangers in applying results from experimental social psychology.

Suggests that the application of the results of much social psychological research tends to (a) support and reinforce those aspects of the "real" world that promote such activities as unilateral control over others, manipulation, conformity, deception, and self-sealing processes; and (b) support the status quo. The basic causes are hypothesized to be related to the norm that the task of social science is to describe reality and to the requirements inherent in maximizing the internal validity of experiments. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The challenge of environmental psychology: A proposal for a new functionalism.

Argues that the hardship conditions under which man evolved put a high premium on rapid and efficient information handling. Currently maladaptive behavior with respect to overpopulation and environmental decline may be in part the result of an inadequate conception of what the future holds. The missing knowledge is unlikely to be verbal. Substitutes for experience that enhance imagery of alternative futures may be pivotal. A few of the multitude of researchable topics that arise in this context are presented. It is concluded that a broad functional psychology could find much to learn, study, and contribute in the environmental area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prototype matching: A strategy for social decision making.

116 college students responded to a series of questionnaires while they were in the process of selecting housing from a choice of 7 available options for the coming fall. Questionnaires concerned their self-concepts, housing prototypes, preferences in housing, and goals in housing selection. Ss also completed a self-monitoring scale. Analyses of the self-to-prototype matching strategy suggest that most Ss preferred the type of housing for which their prototype of the "representative" resident most closely matches their self-perceptions. Individual differences in attention to self-fit in situations were observed. Among Ss who reported that they had interpersonal goals in the housing selection task, those who reported that many personality characteristics (both positive and negative) were untrue of self were more systematic in their use of the self-to-prototype matching rule; this was also true of low self-monitors. Neither pattern of individual differences were obtained for Ss with practical goals in the housing decision. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Teaching social psychology: A Canadian dilemma.

Criticizes the American dominance of Canadian social psychology. It is argued that many American models and perspectives are only partially relevant to Canada. The exclusive use of American textbooks is also criticized; these texts are considered to incorrectly interpret Canadian phenomena as directly analagous to American. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On assessing social psychological theories through the study of individual differences: Template matching and forced compliance.

55 undergraduates were induced to advocate counterattitudinal political positions either relatively close to their own (acceptance) or further from their own (rejection). Significant attitude change toward the advocated position was observed in both conditions. Individual-difference prediction templates were derived from dissonance, self-perception, and self-presentation theories. A template was derived from an informal theory of psychological momentum that assumes Ss sometimes give altered attitude reports because of a tendency to unconsciously continue the advocacy in which they have just been engaged. The self-presentation template was the best predictor of attitude change within the latitude of acceptance; the momentum template was the best predictor within the latitude of rejection, and also overall. Various technical and substantive aspects of the template-matching technique are discussed. (44 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Experimental social psychology in Canada: A look at the Seventies.

Topics included in this literature review include attitude change, group processes, aggression, helping behavior, impression formation, attribution, moral judgment, the social psychology of criminal justice, and discipline-related issues. Unfortunately, programatic research constituted only a small portion of the reviewed literature. The review of the entire body of experimental literature did not reveal any distinctly Canadian issues, but rather those of social psychologists in general. (French abstract) (5? p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Enhancing the social ethics of psychology: Toward a psychology at the service of social change.

Presents a proposal for furthering the social ethics of psychology under the general term conscientization (P. Freire, 1971), which entails carrying out 2 tasks, denunciation and annunciation. It is argued that in contrast to its considerable efforts to insure proper ethical behavior toward individual clients, psychology has virtually neglected its moral obligations to society. Psychology can contribute to the advent of social change toward a "good" society by making explicit the process by which people come to accept the current social order as the best possible one, and by proposing strategies to counteract this pervasive phenomenon. This article illustrates how psychological research and psychologists can significantly transform social structures incapable of promoting human welfare. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Companionship therapy: A replication in experimental community psychology.

Disadvantaged 6–13 yr old Caucasian children were assigned to a Caucasian college student (21 male and 22 female dyads) or to a control group in a replication of G. Goodman's (1972) study of companionship therapy. The student's therapeutic talent was assessed by the Group Assessment of Interpersonal Traits (GAIT). Companioned children improved significantly more than controls on 3 parent-rated problem measures, and there was a trend for greater improvement of self-concept. Teachers perceived little change in either group. Most GAIT variables were not predictively valid, but empathy predicted relationship quality. The pattern of Goodman's findings for dyad types was repeated in the parent data: Quiet or outgoing Ss with an outgoing student improved most, and Ss in a double-quiet dyad improved least. There were relatively few sex differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The practice of psychology in hospital settings.

Psychologists are taking the lead to ensure that consumers have full access to behavioral science knowledge in America's hospitals. This article recaps the development of psychology's position in hospitals and explores the variety of current and prospective roles of psychologists in inpatient health care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

School psychology in preschool settings: A review of training and practice issues.

Explores facets of preschool psychological services that potentially pose problems for skill-oriented training and traditional practices (e.g., screening, individual assessment, curricula). It is suggested that techniques that stem from the most promising constructs in applied developmental psychology lead to dilemmas in training because of the necessity for time-consuming informal, or ad hoc, procedures. A review and a conceptual analysis of training and practice issues for preschool psychological services are offered. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The social psychology of creativity: A componential conceptualization.

Considers the definition and assessment of creativity and presents a componential framework for conceptualizing this faculty. Including domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant skills, and task motivation as a set of necessary and sufficient components of creativity, the framework describes the way in which cognitive abilities, personality characteristics, and social factors might contribute to stages of the creative process. The discussion emphasizes the previously neglected social factors and highlights the contributions that a social psychology of creativity can make to a comprehensive view of creative performance. (99 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Interstate forensic psychology consultations: A call for reform and proposal of a model rule.

Forensic psychology has made important gains in professional recognition and stature in the courts, resulting in increasing demands for mobility of expertise. Current regulations regarding the interjurisdictional temporary forensic practice of psychology, however, are characterized by variability of regulations, ambiguity and inaccessibility, and continuing total barriers. A uniform, well-reasoned policy is needed. A conceptual basis for such a policy is provided by a discussion of licensing rationales and the application of these to forensic practice. Uniformity, public and professional protection, and practicability are identified as fundamental regulatory criteria. A Model Rule Regarding the Temporary Forensic Practice of Psychology is proposed for adoption by state licensing boards on a nationwide basis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)