Third-party attitudes and strain reactions to the threat of a labor strike.

The authors examined how dispute-related stressors predicted strain experienced by third parties (N = 270) and their perceptions of a potential strike by part-time faculty. Immediately preceding a strike deadline, the authors surveyed students on their support for the union, perceived fairness, perceived effects of the impending strike, and perceived control. The authors also measured perceptions regarding information about the strike and psychological strain. Students facing increased disruptions because of the potential strike had decreased perceived control over their own tasks and over the university policies, and they experienced higher strain. Having more information about the dispute was associated with increased perceived task and policy control but was unassociated with strain. Both task and policy control moderated the relationship between disruptions and strain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Application of the CPA code of ethics: Towards integrating the science and practice of psychology.

Comments on S. Harvey's (see record 1994-43015-001) article on using the Canadian Psychological Association's Code of Ethics for psychologists in an organizational case. Harvey demonstrates that the Code of Ethics can be used as a metatheoretical framework that may lead to an integrated value system. The code must become part of the shared background of scientific activity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Probability learning on incidentally observed dimensions: A response bias effect.

Performed 2 experiments with 140 university students which demonstrate the occurrence of response bias effects as a function of previous probability learning and which are independent of stimulus dimensions. In Exp I, Ss first received training predicting the alternatives on a brightness dimension of metric patterns on a 70-30 probability distribution with the incidental dimensions of symmetry and concentration varying independently either on 70-30 or 50-50 distributions. After 200 trials, Ss were shifted to an incidental dimension; they predicted dimension alternatives on the incidental dimensions at a rate higher than appropriate controls Ss with no prior training. Exp II demonstrated that the response bias effect was dependent on the nature of the prior probability training. Ss first predicted on a 70-30 distribution of shape and were shifted to either a 70-30 or 50-50 distribution of nonsense syllables. Comparisons with nontraining control groups showed that Ss with prior training predicted the nonsense syllable alternatives at a higher rate. (French summary) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The steady-state modeling and optimization of a refrigeration system for high heat flux removal

Steady-state modeling and optimization of a refrigeration system for high heat flux removal, such as electronics cooling, is studied. The refrigeration cycle proposed consists of multiple evaporators, liquid accumulator, compressor, condenser and expansion valves. To obtain more efficient heat transfer and higher critical heat flux (CHF), the evaporators operate with two-phase flow only. This unique operating condition necessitates the inclusion of a liquid accumulator with integrated heater for the safe operation of the compressor. Due to the projected incorporation of microchannels into the system to enhance the heat transfer in heat sinks, the momentum balance equation, rarely seen in previous vapor compression cycle heat exchangers modeling efforts, is utilized in addition to the mass and energy balance equations to capture the expected significant microchannel pressure drop witnessed in previous experimental investigations. Using the steady-state model developed, a parametric study is performed to study the effect of various external inputs on the system performance. The Pareto optimization is applied to find the optimal system operating conditions for given heat loads such that the system coefficient of performance (COP) is optimized while satisfying the CHF and other system operation constraints. Initial validation efforts show the good agreement between the experimental data and model predictions.     

Industrial/organizational psychology in Canada: An introduction.

The objective in this Special Issue is to provide colleagues and students with an introduction to current research and professional issues in industrial/organizational psychology in Canada. The authors provide a historical context for that current work and offer some suggestions for future directions. The authors include a cross-section of industrial/organizational psychologists at work in Canada today, reflecting regional, language and gender differences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychomotor abilities tests as predictors of training performance.

Examined the predictive and incremental validity of three psychomotor ability measures (manual dexterity, finger dexterity, and motor coordination) in 209 Canadian Forces personnel being trained in technical and mechanical occupations. For both types of occupations combined, manual dexterity predicted training performance (r=.18), as it did for the Technical (r=.22) and Mechanical (r=.17) families, separately Finger Dexterity (r=.02) and Motor Coordination (r=.05) did not predict training performance for either the combined group or for each family by itself. The addition of the three psychomotor measures increased validity beyond what was predicted by cognitive ability in the combined occupations (δ R2=.05); however, only Manual Dexterity (β=.26) made a significant contribution to the regression model. Similar, though nonsignificant, increases in predictive validity occurred within each family. The results from this study suggest that specific abilities, when determined through a job analysis, improve predictions based solely on cognitive ability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Occupational stress in Canadian universities: A national survey.

Stress surveys in U.K. and Australian universities demonstrated high occupational stress levels among faculty. This study investigated whether the same occupational stressors and stress outcomes applied at Canadian universities. Randomly selected staff (n = 1440) from 56 universities completed a Web-based questionnaire. The response rate 27%, was similar to those in the U.K. and Australian studies, as were most of the results. With respect to strain, 13% of the respondents reported high psychological distress and 22% reported elevated physical health symptoms. Less secure employment status and work-life imbalance strongly predicted job dissatisfaction; work-life imbalance strongly predicted increased psychological distress. Overall study participants were satisfied with their jobs and emotionally committed to their institutions. These results warrant consideration of contemporary academic work by both academic staff associations and university administrations with respect to the implementation of changes in policies and procedures that might lead to reductions in work-related stress and strain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological involvement in the union.

Based on data from 233 union stewards (mean age 41 yrs), the authors developed a 5-item measure of psychological involvement in the union. Confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the scale is both unidimensional and distinct from union commitment. Correlation and regression analyses suggest that, after controlling for 3 dimensions of union commitment, psychological involvement in the union makes a unique contribution to the prediction of union-relevant criteria. Suggestions for the further development and use of the measure are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Specialty designation in psychology: Developing a Canadian model.

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the Council of Provincial Associations of Psychologists created a task force in 1986 to study the issue of specialty designation in Canada. As part of fulfilling its mandate, the task force surveyed 41 CPA sections and 237 Canadian psychologists and reviewed the status and history of specialty designation in the US, UK, and Australia. Based on that data, the task force concluded that it was timely for Canadian psychology to implement a specialty designation system that would be voluntary and certify minimal competence. The rationale for the development of a Canadian specialty designation system is presented. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)