Showing papers by "University of North Texas published in 1979"

Expectations and Performance: An Empirical Test of Bandura's Self-efficacy Theory

Abstract: The present investigation was designed to test the predictions of Bandura's (1977) theory of self-efficacy in a competitive, motor-performance situation. Subjects (30 males and 30 females) were randomly assigned to either a high or low self-efficacy condition in a 2 × 2 × 2 (sex × self-efficacy × trials) factorial design. Self-efficacy was manipulated by having subjects compete against a confederate on a muscular leg-endurance task where the confederate was said to be either a varsity ;rack athlete who exhibited higher performance on a related task (low self-efficacy) or an individual who had a knee injury and exhibited poorer performance on a related task (high self-efficacy). Because self-efficacy theory predicts that expectation-performance differences are maximized in the face of obstacles and aversive consequences, the experiment was rigged so that subjects lost in competition to the confederate on both trials. The results supported self-efficacy predictions with the high self-efficacy subjects exten...

Physiological and Ecological Correlates of Preferred Temperature in Fish

Abstract: Fishes released from constraints of their previous thermal history tend to limit thermal exposure to a narrow range of temperatures. Thermoregulatory behavior (final preferendum) is a stable characteristic of each species studied, suggesting strong regulation by natural selection. However, the adaptive significance of the final preferendum has not been documented for most species. Species with wide geographic distributions, such as bluegill sunfish and largemouth bass exhibit constant laboratory final preferenda regardless of their geographic origin or thermal histories. This apparent evolutionary anomaly of the final preferendum requires further study. It is no longer adequate to describe responses of fish to thermal gradients, rather falsifiable hypotheses concerning adaptive relations between thermoselection, and physiological, biochemical, life-history and genetic correlates must be developed and tested experimentally.

Stream Regulation in North America

Abstract: The mainstream rivers of North America once guided steamships and fishes inland from the oceans to the confluence of major tributaries. These side-channels presented the travelers with profound alternatives for maximizing (or minimizing) their fitness. Some routes gave way to prosperity, others terminated at insurmountable barriers.

Effects of competition, success/failure, and sex on intrinsic motivation.

Abstract: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of different types of competition and success/failure on intrinsic motivation of males and females performing on a motor task. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following competition conditions: (a) face-to-face competition, (b) competition against a standard of excellence, or (c) a noncompetitive condition (control). In addition, subjects received either success or failure feedback while performing on the pursuit rotor. Results indicated that subjects receiving success exhibited more intrinsic motivation than subjects receiving failure. Subjects also displayed more intrinsic motivation during competition than when not in competition. In addition, the Sex × Competition interaction indicated that males exhibited more intrinsic motivation when competing than when not competing, whereas females displayed no differences between these conditions. Results are discussed in light of previous research by Deci (1975) and Deaux...

Age differences in relationships between crystallized and fluid intelligences and problem solving.

Abstract: One hundred and sixty-two subjects at three age levels were tested to examine the relationship between crystallized (Gc) and fluid (Gf) abilities and three problem solving tasks varying in the abstractness concreteness of their stimuli and emphasis on past experience. It was predicted that the difference in correlations between crystallized and fluid abilities and each of these tasks would increase with increased age. The hypotheses were partially supported in the young and elderly groups of subjects. On tasks using concrete stimuli, emphasizing past experience, where no cross-sectional decline was observed, Gc (relative to Gf) accounted for an increasing proportion of variance in performance with increased age. On tasks using abstract stimuli, de-emphasizing past experience, where significant cross-sectional declines were obtained, Gf (relative to Gc) correlated more highly with performance. Contrary to previous research, relationships between Gf and Bc supported a reintegration of abilities in old age.

Relative Deprivation and Perception of Financial Adequacy among the Aged.

Abstract: This paper presents a conceptual framework that incorporates the notion of relative deprivation to explain the perceived financial adequacy among the elderly. The model not only provides a more heuristic interpretation of older people's financial satisfaction but also further clarifies the role of actual income. The relative deprivation model was evaluated by using data from the General Social Survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Ctr. from 1972 through 1977. The findings support the predictions derived from the model and were replicated with high consistency across these six data sets. According to the findings, financial satisfaction is directly related to relative deprivation while income only indirectly affects one's sense of financial well-being. Social status, income, and labor force participation have been demonstrated to be either directly or indirectly related to feelings of deprivation.

The Life Cycle of Perlesta placida (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in an Intermittent Stream in Northern Texas

Abstract: Perlesta placida (Hagen) emerged when x daily stream temperatures approached 20°C. Adults came to lights May-July, with maximum attraction at 0.5-1.0 h after sunset. Mean head capsule width decreased seasonally from 1.4 to 1.3 mm in males and 1.8 to 1.6 mm in females. Laboratory life span was ca. 8 days. Fecundity ranged 130-453 eggs/♀ with x = 276±96 eggs. Eggs were smooth, brown, measured 0.44×0.28 mm and underwent a differential 5-6 mo or one yr and 5-6 mo diapause. Diapause was broken when x daily stream temperatures decreased to ca. 18 °C in Oct.-Nov. Eyespots appeared in Sept., ca. 4 wks before hatching. First instars were unpigmented, had 4 cereal and 9 antennal segments and their x interocular distance was 0.16 mm. The life cycle was a fast type with greatest growth beginning in Mar., after emergence of Hydroperla crosbyi (Needham and Claassen). Female larvae were consistently larger than males. Size frequency distribution indicated ca. 12-16 instars. The 1st few instars fed primarily on detritus, whereas older carnivorous larvae preferred Chironomidae larvae; other food items included Simuliidae, Choroterpes mexicanus Allen and Hydropsyche simulans Ross.

Language indices in the measurement of cognitive complexity: is complexity loquacity?

Abstract: Within an accepted measurement system of the construct termed cognitive complexity, an analysis of the relationship between cognitive complexity scores and such indices of verbal complexity as number of tokens, type-token ratio, and noun-verb/adjective-adverb ratio was conducted. Writing samples used to measure cognitive complexity were obtained and analyzed for verbal complexity. Results indicate that number of tokens account for 33 percent of the variance in cognitive complexity followed by noun-verb/adjective-ad verb ratio (8 percent) and the type-token ratio (1 percent). Results are discussed relative to the potential for loquacity to impact the measurement of cognitive complexity.

Competition and extrinsic rewards: effect on intrinsic motivation and attribution.

Abstract: The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of monetary rewards and success/failure on intrinsic motivation and causal attributions of males and females competing on a motor task. Multivariate analysis of variance produced a significant overall main effect for feedback, with subjects exhibiting more intrinsic motivation after success than after failure. The Sex × Feedback interaction (p < .09) indicated that males exhibited more intrinsic motivation than females after success, whereas females displayed more intrinsic motivation than males after failure. Attribution results showed that success was primarily attributed to high ability, high effort, and good luck while failure was attributed to low ability, low effort, and bad luck. Correlational analysis revealed that success was related to high ability, high effort, good luck, and high intrinsic motivation. Conversely, failure was associated with low ability, low effort, bad luck, and low intrinsic motivation. In addition,...

The effect of beliefs on maximum weight-lifting performance

Abstract: The role of beliefs based on perceived external cues in determining maximum-strength lifting performances on a resistance exercise machine was examined. The task in question was a single maximum inclined bench press performed with other strength tests once per week for 6 weeks. Forty-eight college male volunteers engaged in physical education activities unrelated to strength development were randomly assigned to three groups. All subjects lifted for 3 weeks to establish baseline strength before the resistance settings were deceptively altered for testing under the treatment conditions. In one treatment the resistance was altered so that more weight was being pressed than the subject believed. Another treatment involved lifting less weight than the subject believed, and the third treatment was performed while subjects were denied direct knowledge of weight being pressed. A control group lifted each week without any manipulation of the resistance. Treatment groups were counterbalanced for order effect. Analysis of variance of mean differences for both groups and treatments showed significant (p <.05)main effect for treatments. A posteriori comparison revealed significantly higher strength performances when the resistance was greater than the subject believed. This performance difference was attributed to subjects' attempts to remain consistent with self-expectations based upon environmental cues.

Computer education in the secondary school: Problems and solutions

Abstract: The phenominal demand for computer education has placed heavy burdens on most educational institutions University computer science departments all over the country are hard pressed to supply faculty and facilities for the “masses” of students desiring an education in computer science Secondary schools have experienced this same demand on the part of the students Even though the problems that these demands cause are equivalent in many respects to those in universities, solutions at the secondary level are not as easy or as speedy

Measuring Reliability: A Comparison of Alternative Techniques:

Abstract: Few scholars would dispute the need to quantify and report the reliability of measurement in marketing research. There appears to be considerable confusion, however, about the appropriateness of va...

A Review and Analysis of Some Methods Used to Measure Functional Aspects of Periphyton

Abstract: Historically, assessments of water quality using periphytic communities have centered around indexes of structure such as biomass estimates, diversity indices, cluster analyses, and species abundances and distributions. However, perturbation of a community's structural attributes may not be concomitant with functional changes, and it follows that protection of community structural integrity would not signify protection of ecosystem function. A series of model streams provided semicontrolled experimental conditions for study of nontaxonomic attributes of periphytic community structure and function (photosynthesis) in response to a variety of perturbants. Over all of the model stream experiments, measured functional values were statistically less variable (P = 0.05) than measured structural values. No significant reduction in variability of structural or functional measurements was found for the treated streams relative to untreated or reference streams. A unified effort incorporating both structural and functional measurements should yield information adequate for accurate evaluation of impacts of perturbants on periphytic communities and aquatic ecosystems.

The life cycle and drumming behavior of Zealeuctra claasseni (Frison) and Zealeuctra hitei ricker and ross (Plecoptera: Leuctridae) in Texas, USA 1

Abstract: The life histories of Zealeuctra claasseni (Frison) and Zealeuctra hitei (Ricker and Ross) (Plecoptera: Leuctridae) were determined from observations and sampling on a Red River tributary in Cooke County, and N. Pecan Creek, Wise County, Texas, Dec., 1974‐June, 1978. Both species showed peak emergence when daily temperature was ca. 12°. Emergence was diurnal, with teneral adults and mating pairs found from dawn—late evening. Male‐female drumming signals were successfully recorded for both species. Incubation experiments at simulated stream temperatures indicated rapid embryonic development, so that larvae were visible through the chorion within ca. 4 weeks after deposition. Both species have highly flexible seasonal development patterns. Four types of life cycles seem possible, depending on field conditions: (1) slow univoltine, (2) fast univoltine, (3) slow semivoltine, and (4) fast semivoltine.

The additivity of NMR carbon–carbon spin–spin coupling constants

Abstract: Fluorene-9-13C, fluorenone-9-13C, acenaphthenone-11-13C, acenaphthenone-12-13C, 1-methylcyclopentanol-1-13C and 1-methylcyclopentene-1-13C were synthesized to obtain J(CC) values between the natural carbons and the labeled carbons. Each of these compounds possessed at least one asymmetric dual-path coupling, i.e., coupling between the labeled carbon and another carbon via simultaneous two- and three-bonded coupling paths. Model 13C-labeled compounds were synthesized where necessary to give expected values of the constituent mono-path couplings. Values of these dual-path couplings (2+3)J suggested that the observed value is the (at least approximate) algebraic sum of the two constituent J values.

Age-related changes in rat and primate plasma cholesterol metabolism.

Abstract: Plasma lipids, lipoproteins and the enzyme, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), were studied in three age groups of Sprague-Dawley rats and non-human primates (Macaca nemestrina). In the rats, serum cholesterol levels did not change significantly from 2 months (82 ± 6 mg/dl) to 12 months of age (88 ± 9 mg/dl) but increased sharply by 24 months (173 ± 85 mg/ dl). LCAT activity (cholesterol esterified per ml per hr) decreased slightly, but a more significant decrease with age was noted in the fractional rate of cholesterol esterification (percent cholesterol esterified per hr). Fasting resulted in a progressive decrease in the serum cholesterol level, usually accompanied by an increase in the fractional rate of cholesterol esterification. In the primate study, three age groups were used. On each serum sample, the following determinations were made: free and total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and LCAT. In the serum from 4-year, 10-year and 20-year-old animals, only a few significant changes were observed. There was a slight tendency for the levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides to increase with age, but larger changes were noted in high-density and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compartments. HDL cholesterol increased while LDL cholesterol decreased with age. The significance of these findings in relation to human cholesterol metabolism, atherosclerosis, and aging is discussed.

Drumming Behavior of Four Western Nearctic Isoperla (Plecoptera) Species

Abstract: Drumming was successfully recorded from 4 of 7 reared Isoperla , representing 3 species complexes and 14 western nearctic collection localities. All 4 engaged in 2-way communication. The ♂ Isoperla phalerata (Banks) signal was diphasic, with a $\bar{\text x}$ of 13 plus 22 beats, at relatively constant $\bar{\text x}$ frequencies of 24.6 and 6.4 ms. The monophasic ♀ answer had a $\bar{\text x}$ of 8 beats at 27.1 ms. Mean beats and frequency of the monophasic male Isoperla quinquepunctata (Banks) signal were 9 and 43.3 ms, respectively. Females responded with 2 beats, at a frequency of 6.1 ms, usually beginning after the male 6th beat. Symphonies of combined and overlapped signals of this species were exhibited by laboratory groups. Isoperla mormona (Banks) ♂ had a $\bar{\text x}$ of 11 beats with a frequency of 45.9 ms. One ♀ was observed drumming twice but would not cooperate in the drumming chamber. Isoperla fulva . Claassen males tapped 5–6 times with a frequency of 25.9 ms. Females answered with a $\bar{\text x}$ of 5 beats at a frequency of 16.3 ms. Signal characteristics were species-specific, although one group of ♀ I. quinquepunctata answered ♂ I. mormona taped signals after the 5th or 6th beat. The 1st 6 ♂ beats in these 2 species exhibited similar frequencies. These females, however, exhibited a mating avoidance response when paired with I. mormona ♂. Drumming behavior serves as additional data input in establishing Plecoptera phylogeny, and corresponded well in this study to morphological species groupings of Isoperla .

Analysis of Disinfection By-products in Water and Wastewater

Abstract: Several analytical methods have been utilized to study the products from the chlorination of water from a southern USA reservoir Low molecular weight fragments have been assayed by GC/MS following resin accumulation under acidic or basic conditions High molecular weight products before and after chlorination have been investigated using size HPLC with aqueous solvent and passivated controlled porosity silica columns The results show a slight lowering of average molecular weight after chlorination, but more importantly, a nearly uniform level of organic chlorine through the polymer Total organic halogen measurements confirm that the ratio of non-volatile halogen to trihalomethane halogen is at least 2:1 in all cases studied The oronation and photolytic oronation products of 246,2′,4′6′-hexachloro-biphenyl have been determined and a reaction scheme proposed

Haptic visual discrimination and intelligence.

Abstract: Investigated the relationship between tactual-visual discrimination and intelligence from a neuropsychological perspective. Parieto-occipital areas were conceptualized as mediating centers for the integration of tactile and visual information, as well as for the processing of higher cortical functions. A recently designed test of tactual-visual information processing, the Haptic Visual Discrimination Test (HVDT), was administered to a group of 39 first-grade school children. Standard tests of intelligence (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Revised, WISC-R), academic potential (Metropolitan Readiness Test, MRT), and spatial integration (Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, BVMGT) also were given. The obtained correlation coefficients revealed consistently significant associations between the importance of parietooccipital areas of the cortex for organizing sensory data as well as for the processing of intellectual information.

Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in pulmonary alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes from lung cancer and noncancer patients: a correlation with family histories of cancer.

Abstract: Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity was measured in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes from cigarette smokers with and without primary lung cancer. Frequency distribution analysis of AHH induction ratios for the two groups revealed an increased number of individuals in the lung cancer patient group with high lymphocyte induction values (P less than 0.05). A similar increase was not shown for high-PAM AHH values in lung cancer patients (P greater than 0.2). When individual PAM and lymphocyte AHH values were compared between noncancer and lung cancer patients, a positive correlation was observed for noncancer patients (r=0.195, P less than 0.001), but no correlation of these values was noted for lung cancer patients. The lung cancer patients were divided into three subgroups of patients showing (I) high PAM and low lymphocyte AHH levels, (II) low PAM and low lymphocyte AHH levels, and (III) low PAM and high lymphocyte AHH levels. When the incidence of family history of cancer was compared for these subgroups, no family cancer history was recorded for persons in subgroup II; however, individuals in subgroups I and III presented family cancer history incidence of 9.5% and 39.3%, respectively. Patients in group III averaged 6 years younger than those in group I. These data suggest that familial factors may be identified among lung cancer patients and that these factors appear to associate as either a cause of an effect with the capacity of pulmonary alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes to be induced for AHH. The data support the hypothesis that high AHH values may be characteristic of lung cancer patients but show that enzyme values determined from a single tissue, either PAMs or lymphocytes, may not be appropriate for showing whether high AHH inducibility is correlated with lung cancer.

Why a social economics

Abstract: This essay is largely reflective. It is an attempt to answer the ques? tion, why an organization called the Association for Social Economics exists. When it was originally founded as the Catholic Economic So? ciety, the rationale for its existence was obvious. But why a Social Economics? What differentiates us from the AEA? In a recent issue of the Review of Social Economy, we were offered several differing insights into this question. This paper, then, is but another attempt in that direction, to find the identifying badge of social economics. I believe that identifying badge should be an active concern for current socio-economic problems that arise from the inadequacies of the status quo, and the use of analysis, not to rationalize the status quo, but to find practical alternatives to it. Thus, the first social economist was Adam Smith. His monumental work is clearly characterized by what I believe should be our identify? ing badge: he identified an immediate socio-economic problem that stemmed from a defect in the status quo, and offered an alternative to correct that defect. Laissez faire was his alternative for the future. As a method of social inquiry, this was an excellent beginning. Un? fortunately, it was only a beginning, for early in our evolution toward becoming a socially-meaningful discipline, we came to a major fork in the road. While I believe we took the wrong one, the alternatives were clearly and succinctly presented to us by those two early giants,

Effects of structural integration on state-trait anxiety.

Abstract: Studied the effects of the intervention technique of Structural Integration on state-trait anxiety. Matched pairs of Ss were assigned randomly to either the experimental (received rolfing) or control group (N = 48). State anxiety questionnaires were administered beofre rolfing and then again in 5 weeks after rolfing. Results indicated that rolfing caused a decrease in state anxiety when compared to the control group. Results were discussed in terms of the release of emotional tension stored up in the muscles due to Structural Integration.