Sex differences, androgyny, and approach responses to erotica: A new variation on the old volunteer problem.

In Study 1, 52 male and 41 female college students were ostensibly given a choice between a hard-core, "lustful" film and a soft-core, "loving" film. Consistent with predictions, results indicate relatively less approach of the lustful theme film by females. Study 2 was a field experiment in which 43 female and 41 male college students were contacted by telephone and asked to volunteer for an experiment involving erotica or one involving perception of geometric figures. Females were less likely than males to volunteer for a study involving erotica, regardless of whether it was described as hard- or soft-core in nature. Results for Ss who had completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory indicated that the effect was obtained only for sex-typed (vs androgynous) Ss. The possible influence of S self-selection on laboratory studies in this area is considered. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of erotica upon men's loving and liking responses for women they love.

In 2 studies, the construct validity of the Rubin Love scale and its discriminant validity in relation to the Rubin Liking scale were examined. In Study 1, 51 male undergraduates were asked to describe their loved ones on a series of measures after having been exposed to either erotica or control materials. Analysis of the within-condition correlations revealed convergent and discriminant patterns indicating construct validity. Analysis of covariance also revealed convergent and discriminant patterns: Only scores on the Love measures reliably increased from the control to the erotica condition. In presenting a behavioral analysis of the differential impact of erotica on Love vs Liking scale responses, it was assumed that (a) women are more likely to reinforce suitors for emitting statements more similar to the Love than to the Liking items and (b) men are more likely when sexually aroused than when not aroused to express statements more similar to the Love than to the Liking items to their loved ones. In Study 2, a series of surveys of 77 female and 64 male undergraduates offer support for these assumptions. Overall, results are interpreted as corroborating the construct validity of the Love scale. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A simulation study comparing procedures for assessing individual educational growth.

Developed a computer simulation procedure to reproduce the overall pattern of results of the Educational Testing Service 1971 growth study. Then, simulated data for 7 sets of 10,000 to 15,000 cases were analyzed with several techniques for assessing growth. Techniques were compared on the basis of correlations between estimated and true growth scores and of root mean square errors. Growth was estimated most accurately by procedures that involved the pretest-posttest difference, and for practical purposes all estimates that involved this difference had approximately equal accuracy. In particular, the simple difference between pre- and posttest scores seemed about as accurate as any other estimate, was easier to compute, and should be meaningful to nonresearchers. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Further meta-analytic procedures for assessing cognitive gender differences.

Outlined procedures for assessing the heterogeneity of a set of effect sizes derived from a meta-analysis, testing for trends with contrasts among the effect sizes obtained, and evaluating the practical importance of the average effect size obtained. These procedures were applied to data presented by J. S. Hyde (1981) regarding cognitive gender differences. The authors conclude that (a) for all 4 areas of cognitive skill investigated, effect sizes for gender differences differed significantly across studies; (b) recent studies of gender differences show a substantial gain in cognitive performance by females relative to males; and (c) studies of gender differences show male vs female effect sizes of practical importance equivalent to outcome rates of 60 vs 40%. (6 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Manual-guided cognitive-behavioral therapy training: A promising method for disseminating empirically supported substance abuse treatments to the practice community.

A gap exists between empirically supported substance abuse treatments and those used in community settings. This study examined the feasibility of training substance abuse counselors to deliver cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) using treatment manuals. Participants were 29 counselors. Counselors were randomly assigned to receive CBT training or to a control group. Counselor attitudes were assessed pre- and posttraining. In addition, CBT therapy sessions were videotaped and rated for adherence and skillfulness. CBT counselors reported high levels of satisfaction with the training , intention to use CBT interventions, and confidence in their ability to do so. Ratings indicated that 90% of counselors were judged as having attained at least adequate levels of CBT skillfulness. Findings demonstrate the feasibility of using psychotherapy technology tools as a means of disseminating science-based treatments to the substance abuse practice community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A comparison of maximum likelihood with method of moment procedures for separating individual and group effects.

Monte Carlo simulations were used to compare the Kenny and La Voie (1985) method for separating individual and group effects with a maximum likelihood estimator. Maximum likelihood estimates cannot be out of bounds; that is, sample coefficients cannot be less than –2 or larger than +1. The Kenny and La Voie estimator yielded sample correlations greater than 200. The procedure used to attenuate the range and frequency of out-of-bounds occurrences was effective, but at the cost of making Type II errors. The 2 methods were shown to be similar in bias. Overall, the maximum likelihood estimator was judged preferable because it was always at least as good and sometimes better than the Kenny and La Voie method. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Applicants' reactions to the fairness of selection procedures: The effects of positive rule violations and time of measurement.

This study examined several unexplored issues in research on applicants' perceptions of fairness. First, the study explored possible differences between procedural violations that advantage individuals vs. those that are disadvantageous. Second, the study examined the complex relationship between process and outcome fairness across the stages of the selection process. A longitudinal, simulated selection process was used; procedural justice was manipulated by varying the consistency of test administration, and distributive justice was manipulated by varying perceptions of equity. Results indicate that favorable rule violations are perceived similar to rule satisfaction and that a complex and dynamic relationship exists between process and outcome fairness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Internship selection and early acceptance procedures: Students' evaluation.

We surveyed 192 graduate students in clinical psychology for the effects on predoctoral internship selection strategy of early acceptance procedures. Results showed a generally negative emotional response with strategy changes by students toward greater conservatism. We identified a subgroup that seemed to experience these effects more intensely. Implications of these findings for future selection procedures are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the utility of alternative procedures for assessing psychological androgyny.

S. L. Bem's definition of psychological androgny as the integration of both masculinity and femininity within a single individual obscures a potentially important distinction between those individuals who score high on both masculinity and femininity and those who score low on both. To assess the importance of this distinction, the Bem Sex-Role Inventory was administered to 375 male and 290 female undergraduates, along with a variety of other pencil-and-paper questionnaires, and in addition, the results of Bem's earlier laboratory studies were reanalyzed with the low-low scorers separated out. High-high and low-low scorers did not differ significantly on the Attitudes Toward Women Scale, Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, the Mach IV Scale, or the Attitudes Toward Problem-Solving Scale, nor did they differ significantly in 2 of Bem's 3 previous studies. Nevertheless, low-low scorers were significantly lower in self-esteem (Texas Social Behavior Inventory) than high-high scorers, they displayed significantly less responsiveness toward a kitten, and, among men, they reported significantly less self-disclosure (Jourard's Self-Disclosure Scale). Although the results are not consistent, it is concluded that a distinction between high-high and low-low scorers does seem to be warranted. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Confirmatory factor analytic procedures for assessing change during organizational entry.

Confirmatory factor analytic procedures that assess changes in the level of work-related constructs (e.g., organizational commitment), and also their reconstitution by individuals as they enter a new organization, are presented and applied to data from 101 doctoral program newcomers. The procedures assessed changes over time in the factor loadings, variances, and covariances of responses as well as changes in the level of common factor means, holding constant the latter changes in factor structure. The present application shows that this approach can yield profitable insights about shifts in the individual's perspective during organizational entry while also enabling researchers to determine the effect of such perceptual reconstitution on inferences about mean changes with repeated measures. Procedures are proposed to further apply this analytical framework to organizational entry and other research areas. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

It takes two to fight: A test of relational factors and a method for assessing aggressive dyads.

Observations of aggressive interactions in boys' laboratory play groups were used to evaluate the relative importance of relational and individual factors in accounting for aggressive acts. A classroom peer-rating method for identifying mutually aggressive dyads was validated in 11 5-session play groups, composed of 2 mutually aggressive boys and 4 randomly selected male classmates from 11 predominately African American 3rd-grade classrooms. When the social relations model was used, relationship effects accounted for equally as much of the variance in total aggression and proactive aggression as either actor or target effects. Mutually aggressive dyads displayed twice as much total aggression as randomly selected dyads. Members of mutually aggressive dyads attributed greater hostile intentions toward each other than did randomly selected dyads, which may serve to explain their greater aggression toward each other. The importance of studying relational factors, including social histories and social–cognitive processes, is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Matrix effects and the performance and selection of quality-control procedures to monitor PO2 measurements

We have assessed how variation in the matrix of control materials would affect error detection and false-rejection characteristics of quality-control (QC) procedures used to monitor PO2 in blood gas measurements. To determine the expected QC performance, we generated power curves for S(mat)/S(meas) ratios of 0.0-4.0. These curves were used to estimate the probabilities of rejecting analytical runs having medically important errors, calculated from the quality required by the CLIA '88 proficiency testing criterion and the precision and accuracy expected for a typical analytical system. When S(mat)/S(meas) ratios are low, the effects of matrix on QC performance are not serious, permitting selections of QC procedures based on simple power curves for a single component of variation. As S(mat)/S(meas) ratios increase, single-rule procedures generally show a loss in error detection, whereas multirule procedures, including the 3(1)s control rule, show an increase in false rejections. An optimized QC design is presented.     

Physiologic stress responses to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A comparison of the gasless and pneumoperitoneal procedures

BACKGROUND: Differences in the physiological stress response to pneumoperitoneal (PP) and gasless abdominal wall-lifting (AWL) procedures used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy have not been properly evaluated. METHODS: We compared leukocyte count, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, arterial blood gases, creatinine clearance, plasma renin activity, cardiothoracic ratio, and clinical outcome in 27 patients without systemic complications who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including 11 by AWL and 16 by PP. RESULTS: Transient leukocytosis and high IL-6 levels were observed at POD 1 (postoperative day) in both groups, but both values returned to baseline by POD 2. IL-6 levels correlated significantly with operation time (p < 0.01). Changes in blood gases, creatinine clearance, plasma renin activity, and cardiothoracic ratio were not different for the two groups. The clinical outcome was similar for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that both PP and AWL are appropriate for patients without serious complications.     

The effects of alcohol and anger on interest in violence, erotica, and deviance.

Alcohol expectancy (expect alcohol vs expect tonic), alcohol content (receive alcohol vs receive tonic), and anger provocation (provoked vs unprovoked) were factorially crossed to investigate their influence on male interest in viewing 4 types of slides: neutral, erotic, violent, and violent-erotic. Ss were 64 male undergraduates. Ss' ad lib viewing times were unobtrusively measured. Alcohol expectancy emerged as the most potent of the manipulated variables, facilitating viewing times for the nonneutral slides and overriding the impact of alcohol content. This expectancy effect was more pronounced with the violent-erotic slides than with slides that were violent only. Within the violent-erotic slides, the expectancy effect was greater for a highly deviant subset of slides. Expect-alcohol Ss also reported more sexual arousal than did expect-tonic controls. Anger provocation increased verbal aggressiveness and reduced slide viewing. The role of cognitive processes in mediating alcohol effects on negatively sanctioned psychosocial behaviors is discussed. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Judging creativity: A method for assessing how and by what criteria it is done.

In 2 experiments with a total of 90 undergraduates, Ss evaluated fictitious protocols that varied in the number and uniqueness of the answers. In Exp I, Ss were instructed to use criteria for creativity; in Exp II, judgments were made according to creativity, intelligence, or gender. Productivity influenced the ratings under all 3 criteria with the largest effect being on intelligence, followed by creativity. Uniqueness had an independent influence on judgments of creativity, a borderline effect on intelligence, and no significant effect on gender. Protocols which had more answers were judged more "masculine." Results indicate that laymen share the same definition of creativity used by psychometricians and that intelligence is semantically different from creativity. It is concluded that the method offers an unobtrusive but objective way of assessing factors that enter into conceptual judgments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Defense Mechanism Test: A new method for diagnosis and personnel selection.

By throwing TAT pictures on a screen in varying degrees of light intensity, precognitive defence organization was used to screen 412 aviation cadets. Ss drew pictures of what they saw. Protocols were rated. Validity varied by rater. The DMT is likely to increase the validity of the total test battery. (16 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Changing paradigms from empirically supported treatment to evidence-based practice: A cultural perspective.

Psychotherapy research guidelines have a profound impact on research, training, and practice, and they also influence reimbursement decisions that can have ethical and legal consequences. Furthermore, research guidelines have implications for the treatment of culturally diverse groups. Unfortunately, these implications have often been overlooked. Therefore, this article contrasts the impact of two prominent research guidelines on the development of culturally sensitive psychotherapies: (a) empirically supported treatments (ESTs) developed in 1995 by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology; Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures, 1995), and (b) evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) developed by the APA (Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures,2006) Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice. Although overall we believe that EBPP is more responsive to the needs and characteristics of culturally diverse groups, ESTs also have many strengths. As the cultural implications of research guidelines are better understood, researchers and clinicians will be able to more effectively advance the development of culturally sensitive evidenced-based psychological treatments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)