Showing papers in "Psychological Bulletin in 1974"

Animal hypnosis: Factual status of a fictional concept.

Abstract: Notes that animal hypnosis, or tonic immobility, is an easily induced and readily quantifiable phenomenon found in many different species. Recent findings on the behavioral, ecological, chemical, neurological, genetic, and ontogenetic aspects of animal hypnosis are reviewd in light of current and hi

The role of task-goal attributes in employee performance.

Abstract: : While many studies have demonstrated the relatively successful performance implications of formalized goal-setting programs in organizations, these findings typically do not identify the specific factors behind such techniques which are largely responsible for their success. The six 'task goal attributes' are: goal specificity; participation in goal-setting; feedback; peer competition; goal difficulty; and goal acceptance. While goal specificity and goal acceptance were found to be most consistently related to performance, several intervening variables on performance. The findings are discussed within a motivational framework and it is argued, based on the data, that performance under goal-setting conditions is a function of at least three important variables: the nature of the task goals, additional situational-environmental factors, and individual differences. (Modified author abstract)

Signal detection theory: considerations for general application

Abstract: While there exist a number of papers describing the theory of signal detection, it appears that many psychologists are not aware of the ease with which signal detection theory can be applied, the range of applications possible, or the limitations of signal detection theory. This paper briefly summarizes the assumptions of signal detection theory and describes the procedures, the limitations, and practical considerations relevant to its application. A worked example of an application of signal detection theory to the study of cognitive processes is included.

Gonadal androgen and sociosexual behavior of male mammals: A comparative analysis

Abstract: Sexual, aggressive, and scent-marking behavioral patterns are altered by withdrawal and replacement of gonadal androgen in some mammalian species. Although in some animals peripheral organs related to the expression of these behavioral patterns may be affected by androgen, most behavioral influences are due to the effects of androgen on the central nervous system. Earlier experimental work dealing with species differences in androgen control of sexual behavior suggested that androgen influence was inversely proportional to the relative development of the neocortex. Although this "evolutionary" principle may play a role in the overall picture, recent work reveals that understanding species differences requires an analysis of factors that relate to the responsiveness of the neural tissue in areas of the central nervous system that are affected by androgen. Several aspects of social behavior of male mammals are markedly influenced by gonadal androgen. As our knowledge of these influences has developed, various hypotheses attempting to unify observations on several species and to explain physiological mechanisms have been formulated. The purpose of this review is to bring recent experimental findings to bear on an examination of some of these hypotheses and to offer some new perspectives. In several instances gaps in the information needed to focus upon questions of a comparative nature are apparent. A few years ago almost all of the experimental observations related to gonadal androgen dealt with sexual behavior. But we have recently learned that a variety of behavioral patterns in adult males that are not directly related to copulation are also influenced by androgen. From the comparative standpoint sexual, aggressive, and scent

Picture perception: Toward a theoretical model.

Abstract: J. J. Gibson's new theory of picture perception is described, and a program of research within his framework is outlined. An analysis of pictorial information is proposed in which a systematic investigation of the structural components of pictures and their varying effects on perception is seen as preliminary to the postulation of hypothetical pickup mechanisms. The basic components of pictures are described, and literature is reviewed in the problem areas of distorted and impoverished information, observation from the wrong station point, coexisting flatness and depth information, and the ambiguity of .the source of a single projection. The feasibility of the Gibsonian enterprise is demonstrated, and further avenues for research into a structural analysis of pictorial information are pointed out. A picture is a delimited surface with markings on it that represent something. This article is concerned with pictures in the Western post-Renaissance mode; namely, that attempt to represent, by means of structural equivalence of some order, the layout of surfaces in the world. Alternative modes of representation, perhaps requiring alternative analyses, are beyond the scope of this article. By what means can a picture be said to represent, to bring clearly before the mind, the segment of the world pictured? The aim of this article is to demonstrate the feasibility of extending J. J. Gibson's theory of perception via motion-generated information to an adequate theory of frozen pictorial information and to explicate the problems that must be dealt with in any comprehensive theory of the perception of pictures. The problems to be dealt with herein are the use by artists of modified linear perspective, caricature, impoverishment of information in outline drawings and black-and-white photographs, the coexistence of flatness and depth information, observation from the wrong station point, and the ambiguity of a single projection (i.e., the same projected form can arise from an infinite variety of shapes).

Studies of behavior modification and juvenile delinquency: a review, methodological critique, and social perspective.

Abstract: Studies of the use of behavior modification techniques with delinquent youth are reviewed according to the type of behavior to be modified: educational, program, and delinquent behavior per se. While these investigations indicate an overall pattern of positive results, the definitiveness of the conclusions is restricted by methodologica l weaknesses. Issues regarding the relevance of this literature to the area of social policy decisions, and its impact on the various social systems that affect the lives of the youth who become labeled as delinquent, are discussed. An increasing concern of contemporary society is the prevention, treatment, and control of juvenile delinquency. This concern is found in the mass media, heard in political rhetoric, and demonstrated by increased federal funding for law enforcement agencies. At the same time, social scientists have been asked to provide explanations and solutions > for the problems posed by juvenile delinquency. Their work has been concerned, among other things, with the identification of demographic, physical, and personality correlates of delinquency (Glueck & Glueck, 1970); examination of social structure as it affects the availability of legitimate goals (Merton, 1957); suggestion- of genetic predeterminants of delinquent behavior (Court Brown, 1968); exploration of the crucial role of criminal associations (Sutherland & Cressey, 1960); explanation of criminality as a result of intrapsychic conflict (Freud, 1960, originally published 1923; Munroe, 19SS); and consideration of retarded cognitive development as an important variable in the prediction of delinquent activity (Kidder, 1971). 1 Preparation of this manuscript was aided by