Toward a theory and measure of the nature of nonprejudice.

To broaden the understanding of interpersonal relations, the nature of nonprejudice is proposed, and a means of measuring it is developed. Nonprejudice is conceptualized, in part, as a universal orientation in interpersonal relations whereby perceivers selectively attend to, accentuate, and interpret similarities rather than differences between the self and others (cognitive integration vs. differentiation). A series of studies indicates that the Universal Orientation Scale is a reliable, valid construct, presumedly measuring nonprejudice. In 2 studies in which participants rated photographs of persons differing in ethnicity, universally oriented participants were more accepting and less discriminating between minority and nonminority control targets than were less universally oriented participants. Discussion includes an elaboration of a theory of nonprejudice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Self-other orientations of institutionalized behavior-problem adolescents.

38 male and 20 female adolescents, institutionalized because of behavior problems, were contrasted with normal controls of the same age and sex with the Self-Social Symbols Tasks, a nonverbal test of self-other relations. Significant differences were found for 7 of the 12 measures. The maladjusted group was found to be higher in egocentricity, lower in esteem, social interest, individuation, and on 3 measures of identification. Response patterns were similar to those found in earlier studies for adult neuropsychiatric patients. (22 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Communication restraints, group flexibility, and group confidence.

"This study was designed to explore the relationship between selected group structure variables and the group's ability to adjust to the requirements of a new situation (group flexibility) and the group members' expressed confidence in the ability of the group to succeed in a problem-solving situation." About 1000 men in 96 aircrews did a group task (8-item intelligence exam). Leaders in flexible groups scored low on the F scale and high on conformity. Greater confidence was expressed by members of high attraction groups and groups whose leaders tended to conform to the group members' opinions. "… groups with more open communication systems (group with fewer communication restraints) are more flexible and more confident." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Classification of observational data with artificial neural networks versus discriminant analysis in pharmacoepidemiological studies--can outcome of fluoxetine treatment be predicted?

For several years, there has been an ongoing discussion about appropriate methodological tools to be applied to observational data in pharmacoepidemiological studies. It is now suggested by our research group that artificial neural networks (ANN) might be advantageous in some cases for classification purposes when compared with discriminant analysis. This is due to their inherent capability to detect complex linear and nonlinear functions in multivariate data sets, the possibility of including data on different scales in the same model, as well as their relative resistance to "noisy" input. In this paper, a short introduction is given to the basics of neural networks and possible applications. For demonstration, a comparison between artificial neural networks and discriminant analysis was performed on a multivariate data set, consisting of observational data of 19738 patients treated with fluoxetine. It was tested, which of the two statistical tools outperforms the two other in regard to the therapeutic response prediction from the clinical input data. Essentially, it was found that neither discriminant analysis nor ANN are able to predict the clinical outcome on the basis of the employed clinical variables. Applying ANN, we were able to rule out the possibility of undetected suppressor effects to a greater extent than would have been possible by the exclusive application of discriminant analysis.     

Online retail of alcohol,some dilemmas for professional SIA practice

Online retail is burgeoning, challenging ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers and changing both purchase and retail distribution practices in many countries. At the same time, this growth is challenging some established social impact assessment (SIA) frames of reference, creating new dilemmas for professional SIA practice. This paper examines some of these dilemmas as they are revealed in decisions published by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority in the calendar year 2017.     

The local community as a life environment for the elderly--on the future role of the community in supporting the elderly

Current and recent internal medicine residents were surveyed on their level of confidence in practicing operational medicine, satisfaction with graduate medical education, the impact of TRICARE, the military managed care plan, on their patients and education, and intentions on remaining in uniformed service. Their sentiments were recorded on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly agree, 3 = neutral, 5 = strongly disagree). Two hundred twenty-one of the 294 surveys were returned (75.2%). Most physicians felt unprepared to perform duties in a nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare environment, or handle administrative aspects of operational medicine (mean scores, 3.2-3.7). A majority of respondents felt satisfied with the quality of their residency experience (mean score, 1.9). Although more than half of those surveyed (53.6%) listed the opportunity to teach residents as a top factor influencing their retention decision, most felt skeptical that graduate medical education would remain important in the future (mean score, 3.6). Most physicians agreed that restriction of TRICARE to patients less than 65 years old may degrade the quality of military internal medicine residencies (mean score, 1.6). Previous service, Reserve Officer Training Corps experience, and graduation from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences were factors associated with increased physician intention to remain beyond their obligated service. The most common factors inducing physicians to leave the military included frequent deployments, relocations, and financial compensation. Factors cited most frequently as influencing physicians to stay on active duty included high-quality colleagues, opportunities for teaching residents, and freedom from malpractice and office management details.     

Four techniques of group decision making under uncertainty.

4 techniques of group decision-making—authoritarian, leader suggestion, census, and chairman—under risk and uncertainty were compared using a survival situation with 45 aircrews. "1. In a conflict situation, when a group discussion method… is involved, the members' reactions to the alternatives are relatively undifferentiated in contrast to the condition in which the leader alone makes the decision… . 2… . the groups appear to be least favorably disposed toward the authoritarian technique of decision-making… . 3. When the decision-making procedure is group centered the group reaches a decision involving greater personal risk to the members." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Group persuasion by the most knowledgeable member under conditions of incubation and varying group size.

How do group size and recesses affect ability of the most knowledgeable member to influence the group? 199 Ss in groups of 2-5 persons performed with each group having an informed accomplice. 2- and 5-person groups were most accurate, satisfied, and influenced. Recesses decreased the effectiveness of the E's accomplice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Photographic self-concept of counselees.

11 college counseling center clients and 11 psychology students (controls) were asked to take or to have taken 12 photographs in reply to the question "Who are you?" Clients in comparison with controls presented significantly more photographs of the past and of their families but significantly fewer photographs of themselves, their activities, and their books. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)