Productive use of failure in inductive proof

Proof by mathematical induction gives rise to various kinds of eureka steps, e.g., missing lemmata and generalization. Most inductive theorem provers rely upon user intervention in supplying the required eureka steps. In contrast, we present a novel theorem-proving architecture for supporting the automatic discovery of eureka steps. We build upon rippling, a search control heuristic designed for inductive reasoning. We show how the failure if rippling can be used in bridging gaps in the search for inductive proofs. The research reported in this paper was supported by EPSRC grant GR/J/80702 and ARC grant 438.     

Occlusions and binocular stereo

Binocular stereo is the process of obtaining depth information from a pair of cameras. In the past, stereo algorithms have had problems at occlusions and have tended to fail there (though sometimes post-processing has been added to mitigate the worst effects). We show that, on the contrary, occlusions can help stereo computation by providing cues for depth discontinuities.We describe a theory for stereo based on the Bayesian approach, using adaptive windows and a prior weak smoothness constraint, which incorporates occlusion. Our model assumes that a disparity discontinuity, along the epipolar line, in one eyealways corresponds to an occluded region in the other eye thus, leading to anocclusion constraint. This constraint restricts the space of possible disparity values, thereby simplifying the computations. An estimation of the disparity at occluded features is also discussed in light of psychophysical experiments. Using dynamic programming we can find the optimal solution to our system and the experimental results are good and support the assumptions made by the model.     

Pseudohomophone effects and models of word recognition.

Two experiments examined factors that influence processing of pseudohomophones (nonwords such as brane or joak, which sound like words) and nonpseudohomophones (such as brone or joap, which do not sound like words). In Experiment 1, pseudohomophones yielded faster naming latencies and slower lexical-decision latencies than did nonpseudohomophones, replicating results of R. S. McCann and D. Besner (1987) and R. S. McCann, D. Besner, and E. Davelaar (1988). The magnitude of effect was related to subjects' speed in lexical decision but not naming. In Experiment 2, both immediate and delayed naming conditions were used. There was again a significant pseudohomophone effect that did not change in magnitude across conditions. These results indicate that pseudohomophone effects in the lexical-decision and naming tasks have different bases. In lexical decision, they reflect the pseudohomophone's activation of phonological and semantic information associated with words. In naming, they reflect differences in ease of articulating familiar versus unfamiliar pronunciations. Implications of these results concerning models of word recognition are discussed… (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Group self-identification and adolescent cigarette smoking: A 1-year prospective study.

As an extension of previous work, we analyzed the longitudinal relations between group self-identification and adolescent cigarette smoking. The predictive precedence of cigarette smoking and identification with 6 different types of peer groups was examined. Results indicated that 7th-grade group self-identification predicted 8th-grade cigarette smoking, whereas 7th-grade cigarette smoking did not predict 8th-grade group self-identification. Group self-identification also was compared with 7 other psychosocial variables as predictors of smoking 1 yr later. The pattern of results suggests that group self-identification is about as good a predictor of smoking as other psychosocial variables, and that group self-identification is more than a mere proxy of other psychosocial variables. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A reply to Macmann and Barnett: Lessons from the blind men and the elephant.

Comments on G. M. Macmann and D. W. Barnett's (see record 1995-15770-001) argument that the Wechsler scales are probably best suited to serve as measures of "g," and that the verbal and performance factors are "truncated or degraded versions of the general factor." These arguments have empirical weight when viewed with tunnel vision, but lose power in a more clinical, practical context. Alternative empirical foundations on which the verbal and performance dichotomous constructs rest are explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Authoritarianism, punitiveness, and perceived social status.

Ss were 101 introductory psychology students, 48 of whom were high scorers and 53 of whom were low scorers on an authoritarianism scale. A series of 24 separate stimulus cards of a semiprojective nature similar to the Rosenzweig pictures studied some of the interrelationships among authoritarianism, punitiveness, and status. The data indicate that low authoritarians respond to frustrators independently of their status. "… punitiveness is a function of both the personality of the individual and the particular stimulus environment that elicits the behavior." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Monitoring computer users' behaviour in office environments

Monitoring computer users' behaviour to enhance the usability of software has become increasingly popular among the developers of computer products. One objective of this paper is to compare the use of a software monitoring technique with other field observation methods. It is argued that when contrasted against traditional observation techniques, the software monitor provides a more accurate and unobtrusive approach to collecting behavioural data on larger samples of individuals for longer periods of time than either participant observation or Thinking Aloud methodologies. A second objective is to demonstrate the application of software monitors on installed multi-user systems. Technical aspects of software monitor design are discussed, with emphasis on specific practical problems in monitor design and utilization when making the transition from the laboratory to an office environment. Data from two studies are presented. The first illustrates how a software monitor can be used to determine the impact and acceptance of various software packages in an integrated office automation product. The second study examines how software monitor data were used to modify the interface to a specific electronic mail facility.     

Television policy research and the social science community: An industry perspective.

Describes the activities of the Developmental and Social Research Unit at the American Broadcasting Companies. This unit consists of social scientists and other researchers, including psychologists and sociologists. They are responsible for (1) monitoring social trends in society, (2) conducting primary research to assess the impact of TV, (3) evaluating current research on the effects of TV and providing this information to management, and (4) serving as a liaison to the academic community. The author suggests that industry executives often find research results too theoretical for practical application. Suggestions are offered to academic researchers desiring to have their recommendations considered by the TV industry: (1) Emphasize unique research skills and capabilities not available in the industry; (2) develop innovative research techniques and methodologies; (3) use heterogeneous samples; (4) explore the industry's research needs; and (5) disseminate research findings as quickly as possible. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)