Esthetic decision‐making: How do people select colours for real settings?

A feature of the empirical literature in colour psychology is that little attention has been given to how people in real settings engage in colour selection. Surprisingly, with rare exceptions, we know almost nothing about this. Besides its theoretical significance within psychology, this question has practical implications for industries where colour choice is important. A study is reported into that most ubiquitous of activities, selecting a paint colour for the home. This used a retrospective method supported by qualitative data analysis (NVivo) in which participants described their process of colour selection. The results indicate a process that is far from uniform, but one that consists of two essential stages. The first involves arriving at what we refer to as an affective specification of the qualities sought. Once constructed, this leads to the second stage of matching colour attributes to that specification. Selecting a wall colour emerges as a surprisingly complex process, and one that corresponds more closely to a search than to a simple affective choice. A parallel is drawn with decision research, particularly the field of naturalistic decision‐making. From participants' reports, colour selection also emerges as a process that women appear to understand better than men. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 55–60, 2008     

Great psychologists and their times: Scientific insights into psychology's history: Book review.

This book (D. K. Simonton [2002]; see record 2002-17019-000) organizes a series of studies into a single volume on eminence in psychology. The reviewer contends that this is not a typical work on the history of psychology but prides itself as a work based largely on "historiometric methods" (with some results of psychometric studies included). Historiometrics is the use of archival data in almost any available form and bringing it to bear on questions of greatness or eminence in a particular field or fields. Hence, one can study the greatness of scientists, politicians, literary figures, and so on by counting their works, citations, analyzing the content of their works for various components, examining generational factors, biographical factors, personal factors, and so on. Technical details are few and the book reads somewhat like an advanced undergraduate textbook that of course enhances its accessibility but occasionally leads to rather superficial analyses. Despite these quibbles, it does stand as a solid representative of the historiometric tradition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Fictions and Facts About Evolutionary Approaches to Human Behavior: Comment on Lickliter and Honeycutt (2003).

Six misconceptions about evolutionary approaches to human behavior are exposed. Evidence is adduced to support the assertions that evolutionary approaches do not (a) adopt a reductionistic "gene-centered" level of analysis, (b) assume that natural selection is the only process that creates and designs ontogenetic processes and phenotypic outcomes, (c) assume that genes are the only agents responsible for the transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic traits and characteristics, (d) assume that genes are self-contained and impervious to extragenetic influences, (e) posit a strong form of genetic determinism, or (f) pay lip service to the role of the environment. Building straw men and knocking them down is an inherently destructive enterprise; integrating different approaches is a more constructive way of contributing to the growth of knowledge. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

In Search of the "Ideal" Pear (pyrus spp.): Results of a Multidisciplinary Exploration

Preference mapping with 10 pears identified 3 segments among New Zealand consumers. While 1 segment preferred ripe European cultivars, another rejected only the seedling with strong off‐flavors. A 3rd segment combined the 2 former segments, but also rejected 2 hybrid samples. Survey responses to the question “To me, the ideal pear is ?” from a 2nd consumer sample confirmed the general preference for juicy and sweet pears, the key characteristics of ripeness. A separate appearance evaluation revealed 4 segments based on color and shape. Combining information from several sources resulted in suggestions for new breeding directions for pears, while highlighting the importance of appearance and the need for more extensive measurements.     

Prix de la SCP 1987 honorant une contribution hors-pair á la psychologie en tant que profession.

Announces that Dr. Stephanie Dudek, Professor of Psychology at the University of Montreal, is this year's recipient of the CPA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology as a Profession. Dr. Dudek has contributed to our profession as a brilliant clinician, inspiring teacher and creative researcher, unifying these three roles into a remarkable and outstanding career. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

浅谈如何做一名新时期创新型教师

教师的职业道德是贯穿教育全过程的精神支柱,它对学生和社会都会有深远的激励和影响作用;而熟练掌握专业知识和教育理论知识是教师业务能力的本质要求。新时期的创新型教师都必须不断地在这两个方面进行提升才能够符合时代的要求。     

Editor’s column: Generational shifts.

This issue begins the journal's second year as an APA divisional journal. In this column, the editor presents a brief review of the history of the division, and discusses trends, or shifts, in the division's focus. Prior to 1972, the first phase saw the development of rudimentary theories of consultation emerging in the clinical, educational, and business fields. In the second phase, consultation theories were elaborated and tuned to specific application areas. Competition and some hostility developed between these groups which limited cooperation and collaboration. In the emerging third phase, the editor expects increased respect, cooperation and collaboration to emerge as the next generation of consultants become influential. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increasing the number of psychologists of color: Public policy issues for affirmative diversity.

This article identifies the key issues involved in the debate about affirmative action. The June 2003 Supreme Court decisions allowing consideration of race to ensure that there is a "critical mass" of African American, Latino/Latina, and Native American applicants to higher education are addressed. Social psychologists have identified key myths and provided clarifications about the need for and consequences of strategies used to promote equal opportunity for persons of color and women. A brief history of affirmative action and of the problems it was designed to solve is provided. The accomplishments, benefits, and compelling interest of diversity and affirmative action are described, as well as the concerns and counterpoints. The lack of a substantial applicant pool in psychology hinders progress toward diversity. Alternative strategies for remedying this lack beyond affirmative admissions policies in psychology are briefly discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Laboratory and Field Consumer Evaluation Relationships for Menu Items Processed in Retortable Trays for Quantity Foodservice

Problems associated with provision of food in quantity foodservices prompted the development and use of prepared food items processed in retortable trays. Consumer acceptance of such foods was required so that the items could be screened for foodservice application. Consumer tests, using small portion samples and sensory testing under laboratory conditions, gave a relatively reliable prediction of acceptability of most of the items under extended-use consumer testing during a field trial. Final field acceptance of some items was influenced by external factors not accounted for in laboratory testing.     

水文化研究的现代视野

水文化与人类文明同步。与水文化作为母体文化的传统优势相比,现代水文化研究的冲击力显得极其不足。应该在现代文化的视野下寻找水文化研究更为宽阔的出路。现代水利科技是水文化的主体,水资源短缺的危机为现代水文化提出了挑战;水与经济互动发展拓展了现代水文化的空间;农村饮水安全问题使水文化与人文素质相互渗透;农村水库生活与和谐社会建设为水文化提供了新的诠释。