Consequences of performance and competently executed work.

Although scholars of industrial organizational (IO) psychology have devoted considerable theoretical and research attention to determinants of effective human performance in work settings and competently executed work, they have given little consideration to consequences of effective performance and competently executed work. A 3?×?3 matrix was developed that examined consequences of performance for three distinct groups of individuals: (1) the performers themselves; (2) recipients or consumers of performance; and (3) innocent bystanders or beneficiaries, typically members of the performers' immediate families. Each of these was considered at 3 levels of aggregation: individuals; collections of individuals in work units, groups, or organizations; and collections of work units, groups, or organizations forming a society or nation. It is suggested that IO psychologists shift their research focus away from a search for additional determinants of performance to the consequences of performance. (French abstract) (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cross-reactions between mouse Ia and human HLA-D/DR antigens analyzed with monoclonal alloantibodies

Two mouse monoclonal anti-I-E/Ck alloantibodies (H7-8.26 and H10-81.10) directed against 2 distinct determinants of the specificity Ia-7 and 1 anti-I-Ak alloantibody (H8-15.9) directed against a public determinant common to the I-A subregion products of the H-2k, H-2b, H-2d, H-2q, and H-2ja haplotypes identified cross-reactive determinants on lymphoid cells from various mammalian species, including rat, dog, pig, cow, hamster, and guinea pig. In man, these antibodies detected nonpolymorphic determinants of DR antigens on B cell-enriched peripheral blood lymphocytes from 50 unrelated individuals. These cross-reactive DR determinants were also detected on lymphoblastoid B cell lines, on PHA-activated peripheral T lymphocytes, and on allospecific cytolytic T cell clones, but not on various DR-negative human T leukemia cell lines. Two chains of 29,000 and 35,000 daltons m.w., corresponding to DR antigens, were precipitated by H7-8.26 and H8-15.9 antibodies from radiolabeled membrane extracts of Raji cells. Competitive binding experiments indicated that the 3 mouse anti-Iak antibodies identified 3 distinct cross-reactive determinants on human cells. The results indicate that: a) The cross-reactivity described between mouse I-E/C gene products (Ia-7) and human DR antigen(s) involves, in fact, several distinct and topologically distant determinants. b) At least 1 determinant cross-reacting with DR can be identified on I-Ak gene products. c) The intriguing genetic problem of mouse MHC allotypic determinant(s) being nonpolymorphic in man cannot be simply explained by the deletion of an I-E alpha chain in some strains of mice.     

Determinants of infant responses to vaccines in presence of maternal antibodies

Presence of maternally-derived antibodies at time of immunization is known to often interfere with active infant immunization, although with variable degrees of clinical significance. In order to progressively decipher the rules that form the basis for these inhibitory effects on infant vaccine responses, two antigens (measles, tetanus) and various antigen presentation systems were evaluated in murine early life immunization models either in absence or presence of maternal antibodies. Both conventional (proteins, conjugate vaccines) and new (live viral vectors, DNA plasmids) antigen presentation systems were found to be similarly susceptible to the inhibitory influence of maternal antibodies. Factors emerging as crucial determinants of maternal antibody-mediated effects on responses to both live and non-live vaccines include (i) the level of maternal antibodies present at immunization, (ii) the use of distinct vaccines in mothers and pups and (iii) their distinct influence on B cell and T cell vaccine responses.     

In vivo priming of T cells against cryptic determinants by dendritic cells exposed to interleukin 6 and native antigen

T cells recognizing poorly displayed self determinants escape tolerance mechanisms and persist in the adult repertoire. The process by which these T cells are primed is not clear, but once activated, they can cause autoimmunity. Here, we show that dendritic cells treated with interleukin 6 (IL-6) process and present determinants from a model native antigen in a qualitatively altered hierarchy, activating T cells in vitro and in vivo against determinants that were previously cryptic because of poor display. IL-6 does not induce conventional maturation of dendritic cells but alters the pH of peripheral, early endosomal compartments and renders the cells more susceptible to killing by chloroquine. Acidification of endosomes by ouabain mimics the effect of IL-6 and allows processing of the same cryptic determinant. These results suggest that cytokines such as IL-6 could initiate and help to propagate an autoimmune disease process by differentiating dendritic cells into a state distinct from that induced by normal maturation.     

Relationship of ego disjunction and manifest anxiety to conflict resolution.

The purpose of this study was to discover the influence of 2 determinants, ego disjunction (ED) and manifest anxiety (MA), on conflict resolution. ED, defined as antagonistic response tendencies within an individual, was measured by the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, and MA by the Taylor MA scale. From a sample of 56 college Ss, it was found that Ss high in both ED and MA required significantly more time to resolve approach-approach and avoidance-avoidance conflicts than Ss high in only one determinant but low in the other and Ss low in both determinants. No significant differences in conflict scores were found when Ss low in both determinants were compared with Ss high in only one determinant but low in the other. The results were interpreted as indicating that ED and MA interact, producing interfering responses which hinder efficient resolution of conflicts when ED and MA are both high within an individual High MA and high ED scores, when taken alone, did not yield any conclusive results. It is only when both determinants are taken into consideration that greater confidence can be invested in those measures to predict conflict performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Dienes phenomenon: identification of the determinants of compatibility

Two hundred and four isolates of swarming strains of Proteus species which had been typed for their ability to produce bacteriocin (proticine) and also their proticine sensitivity (P/S typing) were tested in all combinations for their Dienes compatibility with each other. Ninety-eight distinct Dienes compatibility groups were found. Physiological and genetic experiments supported the evidence of typing results that, irrespective of species, both the type of proticine a strain produces (P type) and the sensitivity of the strain to proticine (S type) were determinants of Dienes compatibility. Strains showing compatibility in the Dienes test were of the same P/S type, whereas those of different P/S types were incompatible.     

A reexamination of black-white mean differences in work performance: More data, more moderators.

This study is the largest meta-analysis to date of Black-White mean differences in work performance. The authors examined several moderators not addressed in previous research. Findings indicate that mean racial differences in performance favor Whites (d = 0.27). Effect sizes were most strongly moderated by criterion type and the cognitive loading of criteria, whereas data source and measurement level were influential moderators to a lesser extent. Greater mean differences were found for highly cognitively loaded criteria, data reported in unpublished sources, and for performance measures consisting of multiple item scales. On the basis of these findings, the authors hypothesize several potential determinants of mean racial differences in job performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A twin study of generalized anxiety disorder and major depression

Previous analyses with a sample of female twins sampled from the general population in Virginia have suggested that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression (MD) share their genetic determinants but have partly different environmental determinants. The goal of this report is to examine whether these findings apply to samples that include male as well as female twins and contain high proportions of subjects who had been hospitalized for MD. The subjects were ascertained through two different sources: (i) index probands were ascertained through the Swedish Psychiatric Twin Registry for a diagnosis of unipolar or bipolar affective illness; (ii) control twin probands were ascertained through the Swedish Twin Registry. Subjects were sent questionnaires for the assessment of lifetime history of GAD and MD. Positing multinormal distribution of the liability for GAD and MD, we fitted bivariate models to examine the sources of comorbidity. The full model included additive genetic effects, shared environment and individual-specific environment, as well as scalar and non-scalar sex limitations and different thresholds across genders. The best-fitting model included: (i) a genetic correlation of unity; (ii) no common environment; (iii) an individual-specific environmental correlation of 0.28; (iv) different thresholds across genders, but neither scalar nor non-scalar sex-limitations. A model that included additive and dominant genetic effects and individual-specific environment, with correlation of unity for both additive and dominant genetic effects, provided an equivalent fit. These analyses confirm that GAD and MD share the same genetic factors but that their environmental determinants are mostly distinct. Moreover, the present report supports the feasibility of combining clinical ascertained and general-population samples into a single bivariate analysis.     

Predicting individual differences in complex skill acquisition: Dynamics of ability determinants.

Addresses the controvervesy about ability determinants of individual differences in performance during and subsequent to skill acquisition. An information-processing examination of ability–performance relations during complex task acquisition is described. Included are ability testing (including general, reasoning, spatial, perceptual speed, and perceptual/psychomotor abilities) and skill acquisition over practice on the terminal radar approach controller simulation. Results validate and extend P. L. Ackerman's (1988) theory of cognitive ability determinants of individual differences in skill acquisition. Benefits of ability component and task component analyses over global analyses of ability–skill relations are demonstrated. Implications are discussed for selection instruments to predict air traffic controller success and for other tasks with inconsistent information-processing demands. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A field experiment on rumor transmission and distortion.

"Current notions of the determinants of rumor spread and distortion were tested in a field experiment… . Evidence is presented indicating that under conditions of wide-spread cognitive unclarity there is far more transmission of a planted rumor and far more speculation involving new rumors when the issue is important than when it is relatively unimportant… . In distinct contrast to expectations created by studies using the technique of serial reproduction, there is absolutely no indication of distortion of the planted rumor." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

What makes us like music? Determinants of music preference.

What are the determinants of music preference, and how strong is their relative influence? This article investigates the parameters that may influence music preference, focusing on the cognitive, emotional, and cultural functions of music, physiological arousal, and familiarity. Data were collected in a lab study and in an online survey (total N = 263). Participants listened to six pieces of distinct musical styles (and to their own favorite music in the lab study). They had to indicate how much they liked the music and how much they agreed with a list of statements concerning the parameters mentioned above for each piece. Multiple regressions revealed that all parameters (except cultural functions) accounted significantly for the strength of music preference. The cognitive functions of music (i.e., music as a means for communication and self-reflection), as well as physiological arousal elicited by the music, were the most important determinants of music preference. The results are discussed in the light of several assumptions about the evolutionary foundation of music listening. In addition, the present findings may serve as a basis for the construction of an empirically derived theory of music preference. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Using Analytic Network Process to Predict the Performance of International Construction Joint Ventures

Strategic collaborations such as joint ventures (JVs) have become an important way of exploiting business opportunities for construction companies. However, such entities are difficult to manage due to their composite structures, which entail diverse organizational cultures, styles, and objectives. Therefore, measurement of JV performance has been an interesting research topic although there is no consensus on the definition, measures, and variables of performance yet. Considering the inherent complexities of the construction projects, only an adequate combination of criteria allows assessing the international construction joint venture (ICJV) performance. Within this study, an analytic network process model is developed to examine the links between the determinants of performance and to observe the influences of these factors on the ICJV performance. As a result, interpartner relations, structural factors and interpartner fit are found to be the most important determinants of ICJV success. Effectiveness of conflict resolution and control mechanisms contribute significantly to ICJV performance. Cultural fit is the most important fit that should be attained between the partners. The performance of the model is tested on eight real construction projects and satisfactory results are obtained.     

Interference, aging, and visuospatial working memory: The role of similarity.

Objective: Older adults' performance on working memory (WM) span tasks is known to be negatively affected by the buildup of proactive interference (PI) across trials. PI has been reduced in verbal tasks and performance increased by presenting distinctive items across trials. In addition, reversing the order of trial presentation (i.e., starting with the longest sets first) has been shown to reduce PI in both verbal and visuospatial WM span tasks. We considered whether making each trial visually distinct would improve older adults' visuospatial WM performance, and whether combining the 2 PI-reducing manipulations, distinct trials and reversed order of presentation, would prove additive, thus providing even greater benefit. Method: Forty-eight healthy older adults (age range = 60–77 years) completed 1 of 3 versions of a computerized Corsi block test. For 2 versions of the task, trials were either all visually similar or all visually distinct, and were presented in the standard ascending format (shortest set size first). In the third version, visually distinct trials were presented in a reverse order of presentation (longest set size first). Results: Span scores were reliably higher in the ascending version for visually distinct compared with visually similar trials, F(1, 30) = 4.96, p = .03, η2 = .14. However, combining distinct trials and a descending format proved no more beneficial than administering the descending format alone. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a more accurate measurement of the visuospatial WM span scores of older adults (and possibly neuropsychological patients) might be obtained by reducing within-test interference. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Determinants of individual differences during skill acquisition: Cognitive abilities and information processing.

An integrative theory that links general models of skill acquisition with ability determinants of individual differences in performance is presented. Three major patterns of individual differences during skill acquisition are considered: changes in between-subjects variability, the simplex pattern of trial intercorrelations, and changing ability–performance correlations with practice. In addition to a review of previous theory and data, eight experimental manipulations are used to evaluate the cognitive ability demands associated with different levels of information-processing complexity and consistency. Subjects practiced category word search, spatial figure, and choice reaction time tasks over several hundred trials of task practice. An air traffic controller simulation was used to show generalization to a complex task. Examinations of practice-related between-subjects variance changes and ability–performance correlations are used to demonstrate that an equivalence exists between three broad phases of skill acquisition and three cognitive–intellectual determinants of individual differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychopathology and academic performance: The role of motivation and learning strategies.

How psychopathology, defined as high psychological distress with concomitant limited coping resources, relates to students' academic performance and its determinants is examined. The correlation between college students' (N?=?326) level of psychopathology and their course grade was not significant. However, psychopathology was significantly related to students' motivation and use of learning strategies that were, in turn, related to academic performance. Specifically, more poorly adjusted students perceived themselves as less competent to succeed, experienced greater test anxiety, and were less likely to regulate their study environment, persist in the face of difficulty, and seek academic assistance when needed. Structural equation modeling (EQS) provided evidence that psychopathology had a significant indirect effect on performance and demonstrated the important role of self-efficacy and resource management. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Amino acids of the alpha1B-adrenergic receptor involved in agonist binding: differences in docking catecholamines to receptor subtypes

Site-directed mutagenesis and molecular dynamics analysis of the 3-D model of the alpha1B-adrenergic receptor (AR) were combined to identify the molecular determinants of the receptor involved in catecholamine binding. Our results indicate that the three conserved serines in the fifth transmembrane domain (TMD) of the alpha1B-AR play a distinct role in catecholamine binding versus receptor activation. In addition to the amino acids D125 in TMDIII and S207 in TMDV directly involved in ligand binding, our findings identify a large number of polar residues playing an important role in the activation process of the alpha1B-AR thus providing new insights into the structure/function relationship of G protein-coupled receptors.     

Carbohydrate-mediated Golgi to cell surface transport and apical targeting of membrane proteins

Polarized expression of most epithelial plasma membrane proteins is achieved by selective transport from the Golgi apparatus or from endosomes to a specific cell surface domain. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, basolateral sorting generally depends on distinct cytoplasmic targeting determinants. Inactivation of these signals often resulted in apical expression, suggesting that apical transport of transmembrane proteins occurs either by default or is mediated by widely distributed characteristics of membrane glycoproteins. We tested the hypothesis of N-linked carbohydrates acting as apical targeting signals using three different membrane proteins. The first two are normally not glycosylated and the third one is a glycoprotein. In all three cases, N-linked carbohydrates were clearly able to mediate apical targeting and transport. Cell surface transport of proteins containing cytoplasmic basolateral targeting determinants was not significantly affected by N-linked sugars. In the absence of glycosylation and a basolateral sorting signal, the reporter proteins accumulated in the Golgi complex of MDCK as well as CHO cells, indicating that efficient transport from the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface is signal-mediated in polarized and non-polarized cells.     

Sulfated sialyl Lewis X, the putative L-selectin ligand, detected on endothelial cells of high endothelial venules by a distinct set of anti-sialyl Lewis X antibodies

Endothelial cells of high endothelial venules (HEV) in human peripheral lymph nodes expressed a distinct type of sialyl Lewis X antigen, which was detected preferentially with a set of anti-sialyl Lewis X antibodies, 2F3, 2H5 and HECA-452 in immunohistochemistry, while another set of anti-sialyl Lewis X antibodies, FH-6 and CSLEX-1, failed to detect it. The adhesion of cells expressing L-selectin to HEV was inhibited by members of the former set of antibodies in Stamper-Woodruff assays performed on frozen sections of human peripheral lymph nodes. Transfection of a cultured endothelial cell line with a human alpha1-->3 fucosyltransferase, Fuc-T VII, resulted in the expression of a distinct type of sialyl Lewis X antigen having the reactivity similar to that of HEV; i.e., the antigen appearing on the transfectant clone was detectable only with the set of 2F3, 2H5 and HECA-452, but not with the set of FH-6 and CSLEX-1. Treatment of transfectant cells with sodium chlorate, a metabolic inhibitor of sulfation, resulted in reactivity to the members of the latter set of antibodies, suggesting that sulfation of sialyl Lewis X moiety was the cause of the discrepancy in the reactivity of the anti-sialyl Lewis X antibodies. When tested against various authentic sulfated sialyl Lewis X determinants, 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X and 6,6'-bis-sulfo sialyl Lewis X were found to be reactive to the antibodies, 2F3, 2H5 and HECA-452, but not with antibodies FH-6 and CSLEX-1, suggesting that the distinct type of sialyl Lewis X determinant on the HEV endothelial cells and Fuc-T VII-transfected endothelial cell clone are mainly 6-sulfo and/or 6,6'-bis-sulfo sialyl Lewis X determinants.     

Repeated spatial acquisition: Effects of NMDA antagonists and morphine.

Effects of morphine and 2 N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, phencyclidine and LY235959, were studied using a within-subject, repeated-acquisition/performance procedure adapted to the Morris Swim Task. In the performance component, subjects swam to a hidden platform that was always in the same location in the pool. In the acquisition component, the platform was moved to a different place for each session. Baseline training produced rapid and direct swims to the platform in the performance component and steep within-session learning curves in the acquisition component. All 3 compounds increased swim distances, escape latencies, and slowed swim speed in a dose-dependent manner, but only morphine consistently produced selective impairments on acquisition. NMDA antagonists generally affected acquisition only at doses that also disrupted performance, although phencyclidine produced selective effects in some animals. These outcomes were different than those from studies of response chains in primates, suggesting that task and species variables may be important determinants of drug effects on acquisition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Skinner's theory and the emotion-behavior relationship: Incipient change with major implications.

D. A. Powell (see record 1987-31098-001) failed to indicate that Skinner's (see record 1986-24282-001) recognition of the effects of pleasure on reinforcement represent a distinct change toward his recognition of emotions as determinants of behavior. This incipient recognition of emotion has implications for radical behaviorism and the study of classical conditioning and suggests the need for a theory that treats emotion and behavior in a unified framework. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)