Size estimation of pictures associated with success and failure as a function of manifest anxiety.

"An experiment was performed to test the hypothesis that the size of a picture associated with failure would be overestimated relative to that of a picture associated with success and control pictures primarily by Ss with high scores on the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale… . The results showed that, in accordance with the hypothesis, high MAS Ss significantly overestimated the size of the failure picture… but the low MAS group showed an insignificant trend in the opposite direction. In addition, it was shown that the 'psychological' anxiety items of the Taylor scale related significantly to the success-failure difference in size estimation, but the 'somatic' items did not." From Psyc Abstracts 36:02:2HK57Z. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some factors affecting an individual's estimate of his probable success in a group situation.

"The data supported the following 2 hypotheses: (a) the more successful an individual's past group experience, the more favorable is his subjective likelihood estimate of subsequent success via group action, and (b) the more equivocal the information possessed by the individual concerning an alternate course of action available to him, the less certain is he of his subjective likelihood estimate of success via that course of action." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

REPETITIVE TASK FAILURE AND SOCIOMETRIC CHOICE.

"This study was designed to study two predictions: a) that if failing-persons' expectations of a failing choice of a successful-person were made ambiguous, their choices would shift from choices among each other to choices of successful-persons, and b) that in sequences of tasks and grouping choices, task success is initially dominant over choice success motivation." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors in sales success.

For the job of combination agent, an objective measure of job performance was correlated with each of 17 other variables in a sample of 346 agents, on whom were also obtained scores on a test of life insurance knowledge and data on life insurance ownership. "The data presented are consistent with the conclusion that the salesman's belief in his product (as measured by his own buying behavior) and his motivation are more important in determining how well he does his job than is product knowledge. Length of service shows no significant relation to job performance." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A note on "Predicting success in elementary accounting."

Hendrix (see 28: 1479) is quoted as concluding that "If a single test is to be utilized in predicting grades in elementary accounting, ACE Psychological Examination and OSU Psychological Test are preferable to the AIA Orientation Test." The author presents six additional comparisons between the ACE Exam and the AIA Test. The correlations between course grades and the ACE ranged from .15 to .28, while the correlations between grades and the AIA ranged from .23 to .43, in each comparison the correlation with the AIA being the greater. "The data… indicate that results do differ from one group to another, and they suggest further that the general trend… tends to favor the Orientation Test… ." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Report of the Treasurer: 1981. The end of a treasurership!

I am beginning to believe in the myth that all good things must come to an end as I near the end of my tenure (nine years in all) as APA treasurer. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve the APA membership in this capacity during a period when APA's "net worth" has increased from $1,043,732 in 1973 to $2,417,666 in 1980. In fact, by the time I officially leave this office, our net worth will be approaching the $3 million plateau. To put this growth in net worth in perspective, it took about 82 years for APA to build its net worth to $1,043,732, while it has only taken nine years (1973-1982) to go from $1,043,732 to nearly $3,000,000. This solidification of APA's financial foundation has been accomplished during a period in our economy when double-digit inflation rates have been commonplace. It has only been possible with the universal support of the entire APA governance system, including the special efforts of the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee, the Investment Committee, the executive officer, and the Central Office management team. This article provides an in-depth look into the recent financial success of APA. Topics discussed include: information concerning revenues for 1980, the expected surplus of 1981, and future budget plans for 1982. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Additive estimators for probabilities of correct classification

Several methods for estimating a sample-based discriminant's probability of correct classification are compared with respect to bias, variance, robustness, and computation cost. “Smooth” modification of the counting estimator, or sample success proportion, is recommended to reduce bias and variance while retaining robustness. Also the “bootstrap” method of Efron⁽⁸⁾ can approximately correct an additive estimator's bias using an ancillary computer simulation. In contrast, bias reduction achieved by the popular “leave-one-out” modification of counting method is vitiated by corresponding increase in variance.     

Tache réussite et échec: théorie de la conduite humaine [Strain successs and failure: Theory of human control].

Over a period of about fifteen years, the author of this study has been conducting experiments at the University of Louvain that are intended to show the impact of success and failure upon human personality. They comprise rather simple experiments in perception, learning, and memory. Using a simple style that is free of the more involved forms of idiomatic expression, Nuttin easily conveys not only his ideas but also his enthusiasm for experiment. By integrating both experimental and clinical sources, the work is given a broad practical bearing which will be of interest primarily to specialists in learning and in personality development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Follow-up techniques in a large-scale test validation study.

Records were kept on success of techniques used to obtain follow-up information on occupational and educational status of 12,615 individuals 2 yrs. after being tested in Grade 12. Various techniques were used, with varying degrees of success. The information was obtained for most individuals through use of letters, an effective and low-cost technique for obtaining factual information. It was found to be worthwhile to send as many as 3 letters, if necessary, before trying another technique. Among the most successful techniques, in terms of percentages of attempts that were successful, were telephone calls, presonal visits, employment service records, and knowledge of individuals in the community. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)