Showing papers in "Systems Research and Behavioral Science in 1970"
126 citations
TL;DR: The inaugural addresses of American presidents from 1905-1969 were scored for the need for achievement (n Ach) and the need to power (n Power) using procedures originally developed for scoring individual TAT protocols as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The inaugural addresses of American Presidents from 1905-1969 were scored for the need for Achievement (n Ach) and the need for Power (n Power), using procedures originally developed for scoring individual TAT protocols. The resulting motive scores are closely related to the consensus judgment of historians and political scientists concerning those Presidential administrations. Thus the technique of scoring speeches for psychological imagery appears to be a promising way to measure the personality characteristics of significant political actors, who are usually unavailable for standard personality assessment procedures. Moreover, the technique appears to have promise for predicting the future course of political action, given the motive scores of actors. Several methodological issues are discussed.
84 citations
TL;DR: An analysis of variance suggested that increasing the number of factors included in the descriptions caused the subjects to be less able to make consistent evaluations, and suggested that subjects who were required to respond to fewer factors in early trials and more factors in later trials made less consistent evaluations overall.
Abstract: Two types of utility models were compared on the basis of their ability to predict the subjects' evaluations of hypothetical university faculty members. The models obtained using multiple regression were better predictors than the models obtained using a parameter-eliciting questionnaire, as expected, but the differences were small. An analysis of variance suggested that increasing the number of factors included in the descriptions caused the subjects to be less able to make consistent evaluations even in the small range included in the study, and also suggested that subjects who were required to respond to fewer factors in early trials and more factors in later trials made less consistent evaluations overall than subjects who were required to respond to more factors in early trials and fewer factors in later trials. The data also suggested that the subjects thought that the factors had a more uniform impact on the evaluations than was actually the case.
82 citations
TL;DR: Positive responses about having the experiences increased over a six-year span, and this change seems to be due partly to increased acceptability of these experiences, and partly to methodological reasons, namely increased confidence of the interviewers in asking the questions.
Abstract: Doubt has been expressed as to whether deep emotional experiences can be assessed only in intensive clinical interviews or whether they can be studied in survey interviews on representative samples as well. A series of studies on transcendental experiences shows that these experiences can be investigated in surveys. The results meet the criteria of comprehension and scalability. Positive responses about having the experiences increased over a six-year span. This change seems to be due partly to increased acceptability of these experiences, and partly to methodological reasons, namely increased confidence of the interviewers in asking the questions.
51 citations
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a set of a priori semantic features is developed through rational analysis of the language of interpersonal behavior, and a relatively small number of such distinctive features is shown to be capable of differentiating among a relatively large number of interpersonal verbs (IPVs).
Abstract: A model is presented in which bipolar dimensions are hypothesized to operate as a simultaneous bundle of distinctive features in mediating the meanings of interpersonal behavioral events. A set of a priori semantic features is developed through rational analysis of the language of interpersonal behavior. A relatively small number of such distinctive features is shown to be capable of differentiating among a relatively large number of interpersonal verbs (IPVs). An initial set of six features, proposed on intuitive grounds, was tested for discriminating power over a sample of 210 representative IPVs, drawn from index categories of Roget's Thesaurus. On the basis of coding distributions and correlations with other features, two of these original features were discarded. Inspection of the sets of quasi- synonyms created by the surviving four features suggested the operation of six additional features, three of them affective in nature. The simultaneous application of these 10 semantic features provides intuitively satisfying differentiation among the sample of interpersonal verbs. It is suggested that, if the dimensional structure of interpersonal intentions (that is, their semantic features) can be shown to be culturally invariant, then manifest differences in behavioral prescription and expression can be economically compared across cultures.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that acceptance of a typical unanimity principle requires the rejection of social transitivity, which is not a general desideratum for social choice functions.
Abstract: Examples are presented that illustrate the untenability of the transitivity condition as a general desideratum for social choice (or group decision) functions. The first two examples assume that each individual has a weak order preference-indifference relation on the set of alternatives. The second two examples assume only that individual preference is transitive and permit individual indifference to be intransitive, thus adding a degree of reality to the analysis. The latter two examples show that acceptance of a typical unanimity principle requires the rejection of social transitivity. The first example (which has no indifference) shows that if, in any election between two candidates with a number of voters, any candidate that receives all or all but one of the votes is to win, then social transitivity cannot hold.
33 citations
TL;DR: The diamond model and triangle model as discussed by the authors are generalizations of the symbolic psycho-logic proposed by Abelson and Rosenberg and of conceptualizations of structural balance stated in terms of signed digraphs.
Abstract: Despite the demonstrated usefulness of signed digraphs in treating the structural properties of configurations of evaluative relationships, they possess certain inherent limitations. Since each relationship is classified merely as positive or negative, gradations in strength must be ignored, and no means is provided for representing evaluations of ambivalence or indifference. It is proposed that the theory of networks constitutes a more suitable conceptualization since it places no restriction on the values assigned to lines. The use of networks for this purpose, however, requires that an appropriate system of values be formulated.
The properties of several possible value systems are examined critically, and two, which we call the diamond model and the triangle model, are judged most promising. Both are based on the assumption that in order to state the value of a relationship it is necessary to specify two components: a positive and a negative one. It is then shown that these two systems are generalizations of the symbolic psycho-logic proposed by Abelson and Rosenberg and of conceptualizations of structural balance stated in terms of signed digraphs. It is found, however, that the cycle, path, and partition criteria for balance, which are equivalent in the absence of ambivalence, are no longer equivalent for these generalized systems of values. In view of this result, three types of balance—cycle balance, path balance, and partition balance—are defined, and the empirical implications of each are examined. Finally, several suggestions are made concerning the construction of quantitative indexes for balanced and unbalanced structures.
32 citations
TL;DR: There is evidence that apparently trivial decisions—such as how to operationally define one's unit of observation or how often to observe the units so defined—may have profound effects on the conclusions drawn from the data.
Abstract: Two recent reviews of mathematical modeling in social psychology (Abelson, 1967; Rosenberg, 1968) indicate that efforts to develop formal analyses of sequential social behavior will most likely accelerate in coming years, as will research devoted to determining which of the several competing models provides the best representation of the way social interaction is sequentially organized. The purpose of our paper is to highlight two methodological difficulties which may beset the investigators in such research.
We have evidence that apparently trivial decisions—such as how to operationally define one's unit of observation or how often to observe the units so defined—may have profound effects on the conclusions drawn from the data. The formal model chosen as best fitting the data may be rejected or found adequate depending upon the measurement decisions adopted. Two empirical analyses are cited below to support this contention: The first shows how closely predictions of behavior based on past performance are dependent upon the level of complexity of the units utilized in the analyses. The second shows that a Markov model of sequential dependencies in conversational speech was supported using one set of observational sampling rates but rejected when different rates were used.
28 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of the dynamics of the neural mechanisms that transduce light to the firing of nerve impulses yields a mathematical model that accounts for both the deterministic and the stochastic components in the spike train.
Abstract: The remarkable sensitivity of the Limulus eye to moving patterns can be explained by the dynamics of the neural mechanisms that transduce light to the firing of nerve impulses. The excitatory generator potential results from the superposition of small discrete potentials triggered by photon absorptions. This mechanism specifies both the frequency response to time-varying stimuli and the spectral properties of the intrinsic noise. The response to higher frequencies is enhanced by two inhibitory synaptic mechanisms; self-inhibition that is local to photoreceptors, and lateral inhibition that depends on the activity in neighboring photoreceptors. Analysis of these mechanisms yields a mathematical model that accounts for both the deterministic and the stochastic components in the spike train.
27 citations
TL;DR: This article found that Ss who were initially shown policy descriptions (either quantitative or verbal) provided by the target himself performed significantly less well than those who were shown a quantitative description of the target's policy provided by a regression analysis.
Abstract: In a study of interpersonal learning, 96 Ss were asked to predict another person's judgments about the socio-economic growth of a series of underdeveloped nations. Following each prediction, Ss were informed of the actual judgment made by the person (or Target) whose policy they were attempting to learn. Results from 150 learning trials revealed that interpersonal learning was significantly influenced by (a) the substantive differences among the judgment policies to be learned, as well as (b), the type of information initially available to the learner. With regard to the latter, it was found that Ss who were shown a quantitative description of the Target's policy provided by a regression analysis learned to predict the Target's judgments with substantial accuracy. In contrast, Ss who were initially shown policy descriptions (either quantitative or verbal) provided by the Target himself performed significantly less well.
TL;DR: A single basic model relating blood glucose and plasma insulin has been shown to adequately describe responses of the glucose regulatory system to various challenge stimuli and has been used successfully in a variety of applications.
Abstract: For the past several years, various simulations of the blood glucose regulatory system have been performed. Mathematical models of such a system have enabled data reduction, diagnostic classification, hypothesis testing and design of critical experiments. These mathematical models, which simulate the behavior of the real physiological systems, are in turn simulated using various digital and analog computer techniques. A single basic model relating blood glucose and plasma insulin has been shown to adequately describe responses of the glucose regulatory system to various challenge stimuli. Specific examples discussed included responses to an oral glucose tolerance test and an intravenous insulin infusion test. The significance of the model conformations to such tests is discussed in view of the goals of modeling and the extension of knowledge of blood glucose dynamics. Although this model is a highly oversimplified representation of the physiological control system, it has been used successfully in a variety of applications.
TL;DR: In this article, a model for collective decision-making by any voting body choosing among multi-attribute or multi-dimensional alternatives is developed, where the problem of salience (i.e., variations in the importance of different dimensions) is taken account of directly.
Abstract: A model is developed of collective decision-making by any voting body choosing among multi-attribute or multi-dimensional alternatives. Unlike previous models, the problem of salience (i.e., variations in the importance of different dimensions) is taken account of directly: each individual is assumed to have a lexicographic preference ordering among alternatives—i.e., he ranks the dimensions in order of their importance (or salience) to him, using only the first dimension in this ordering to choose between alternatives, unless they are equally good for him on the first. If this is so, he uses the second, and so on. Some theorems are proved, establishing the existence of equilibrium alternatives under simple majority rule (P is an equilibrium alternative if there exists no other alternative which a simple majority prefers to P), and the plausibility of the lexicographic assumption in various political contexts is discussed.
TL;DR: Dissonance theory and Lewinian theory offer conflicting predictions regarding an individual's psychological state after being exposed to discrepant information, and a classroom experiment was conducted to test those two theories.
Abstract: Dissonance theory and Lewinian theory offer conflicting predictions regarding an individual's psychological state after being exposed to discrepant information, and a classroom experiment was conducted to test those two theories.
One hundred and twenty-eight subjects expressed their preference for essay and objective tests, were exposed to either supporting, discrepant or neutral information concerning their initial preference, and subsequently were asked to express their preference once again. Sixty seven subjects were also told that they were committed to their initial preference regardless of their subsequent preference while the remaining 61 subjects were told that their subsequent preference would bind them.
Dissonance theory predicts that, when exposed to discrepant information, an individual becomes more convinced that his original preference was correct and expresses a greater preference for the original choice. This prediction was not upheld for both committed and not-committed groups. Both groups were influenced in the direction of the communication, as Lewinian theory predicts.
Both theories do not specify the functional relationships among the variables under some circumstances, and did not predict outcomes under those circumstances.
TL;DR: In this paper, a Prisoner's Dilemma game was modified to allow players to send threats to a simulated player which stated that the latter would be penalized if he did not cooperate on the next trial.
Abstract: Fifty subjects, 25 males and 25 females, played a Prisoner's Dilemma game which was modified to permit them to send threats to a simulated player which stated that the latter would be penalized if he did not cooperate on the next trial. The simulated target employed one of four patterns of responding to the threat: open defiance, in which the target both verbally and behaviorally defied the threats; concealed defiance, in which the target either refused to reveal his intentions or lied to the source, but was behaviorally defiant; and open and concealed compliance conditions similarly defined. The results indicated that prior announcement of intentions by the target deterred the source from using the threat in the open defiance condition and “converted” him to a mutual cooperator in the open compliance condition. The concealed conditions, however, encouraged exploitative play by the subjects; this finding was interpreted by a cost analysis. It was concluded that the findings supported Osgood's Grit proposal.
TL;DR: The mapping of ecological and selective events during the process of genetic change in natural populations is presented and the theoretical treatment is applied to three current problems in evolutionary ecology to illustrate the difficulty and magnitude of such problems.
Abstract: The mapping of ecological and selective events during the process of genetic change in natural populations is presented. The representation rests on a method for estimating the amount of population control arising from the birth and death effects at each age. The theoretical treatment is then applied to three current problems in evolutionary ecology to illustrate the difficulty and magnitude of such problems. The three problems treated are (1) the evolution of complex life cycles, (2) the evolution of colonizing ability, and (3) ecological convergence and divergence in the evolution of similar species coexisting in the same local species ensemble.
TL;DR: Data show that hyperbaric conditions cause a massive change in the oxidation state of the intracellular pyridine nucleotide in the direction of oxidation—a reaction easily read out by fluorometric techniques in vivo.
Abstract: The following paper demonstrates a series of metabolic transitions of cells and tissues and their effects upon the oxidation-reduction state of pyridine nucleotide measured in vivo by a new technique We have employed a stereotyped set of transitions to segregate the varied responses of different parts of the metabolic chain under appropriate conditions For example, the rest-activity transition initially involved the mitochondrial space; then it led to a depletion of available substrates and to a condition under which feeding the animal by intravenous injection led to a highly localized and rapid response involving activation of the glycolytic and glycogenolytic mechanisms of the cytoplasm, with subsequent repercussions on the mitochondrial space The transition from aerobiosis to anoxia, either with toxic agents such as barbituates, primarily affected the mitochondrial space and, in turn, set into action control mechanisms for the more rapid operation of glycolysis in the cytoplasmic space, measured not only by DPN reduction but by tissue analysis of the adenine nucleotide ratios as well The ability to pinpoint the site of inhibition caused by barbiturates in vivo on the basis of in vitro studies of mitochondria has proved useful in evaluating the novel response of tissues to hyperbaric conditions Here, our data show that hyperbaric conditions cause a massive change in the oxidation state of the intracellular pyridine nucleotide in the direction of oxidation—a reaction easily read out by fluorometric techniques in vivo Analytical determinations thoroughly justify this finding and, in addition, support the observation of an increased ATP/ADP ratio in the tissues Locating this reaction at a site of reversed electron transfer in mitochondria now allows a much better interpretation of the action of possible therapeutic agents
TL;DR: A new theory of neurotic defense processes is presented in terms of algorithms which permit the construction of a model for computer simulation and the interpretation of the results is exemplified.
Abstract: A new theory of neurotic defense processes in presented. The theory is formulated in terms of algorithms which permit the construction of a model for computer simulation. The simulation procedure is discussed and the interpretation of the results is exemplified.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a multiple regression approach to predict negotiation group outcomes using three major sets of role forces, which act on the negotiation representatives, by obtaining a number of measures of these role forces for each negotiator and combining them as a battery of predictors.
Abstract: McGrath's Tri-forces model of the negotiation process emphasizes three major sets of role forces which act on the negotiation representatives. It is proposed that by obtaining a number of measures of these role forces for each negotiator and combining them as a battery of predictors in a multiple regression equation, negotiation group outcomes can be predicted. Data from two experimental studies are presented. They support the Triforces model as a valid representation of the factors operating in the decision-making process of negotiation groups and confirm the usefulness of the multiple regression technique.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used identical false feedback to subjects in five conditions: in one condition, subjects were faced with a preset sequence while in the other condition they were playing with one of the other subjects present in the experiment, and the feedback was not given any meaning as part of the game task; subjects merely had to predict the appearance of one of two lights on each of the 200 trials.
Abstract: This study utilized identical false feedback to subjects in five conditions. In two conditions the subjects played a standard two-choice prisoner's Dilemma game (200 trials); in two conditions the subjects played the standard game modified to include a prediction of Other's behavior on each trial. In each of the above situations, subjects in one condition were told that they were faced with a preset sequence while subjects in the other condition thought they were playing with one of the other subjects present in the experiment. In a fifth condition the feedback was not given any meaning as part of the game task; subjects merely had to predict the appearance of one of two lights on each of the 200 trials. The 100 subjects were assigned randomly to conditions with ten males and ten females in each condition. Analysis of the frequency of cooperative choice in the game indicates that the addition of prediction to the game had no significant main effect on choice behavior. There was a three-factor interaction effect with the description of the feedback and the trial block of the game. Subjects tended to decrease cooperation over trial blocks. The act of prediction reduced this effect for subjects who thought they faced a preset computer sequence but not for those attempting to predict the moves of a human adversary. The use of prediction data in combination with choice data produced four indices of behavior contingent upon expectation of opponent's behavior. These indices were useful in interpreting the higher cooperation of the females as an inability to find or maintain optimal strategies for maximizing their own rewards. An examination of the prediction data alone revealed that a probability matching hypothesis by itself will be inadequate to explain subjects' trial by trial expectations of Other's behavior.
TL;DR: A group of Zinacanteco shamans was compared to a group of non-shaman co-members on various social parameters and by means of a projective test as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A group of Zinacanteco shamans was compared to a group of non-shaman co-members on various social parameters and by means of a projective test The two groups were alike in most respects Shamans tended to receive lower scores on measures reflecting participation in Ladino culture and higher scores on several psychological dimensions The findings can be evaluated clinically or from a standpoint that accounts for the learning experiences that associate with the shamanistic role The pertinent literature is reviewed and the findings of this study are discussed
TL;DR: In this paper, a simulation model which describes in an interpretable way a player's behavior in the Prisoner's Dilemma game is presented. But the model is based on the past history of the game and upon four parameters representing player differences.
Abstract: This paper presents a simulation model which describes in an interpretable way a player's behavior in the Prisoner's Dilemma game. It is hypothesized that a player's choice of strategies depends on the past history of the game and upon four parameters representing player differences. The parameters are referred to by the terms Competitiveness, Memory, Foresight, and Rigidity and are intended to connote each psychological property included in the model. The model is described in detail. A computer program has been written and used to estimate player parameters from actual game data. Statistical analyses of the estimated parameters and methods of validation are also described.
TL;DR: This new psychotropic agent, in low doses, appears to be particularly effective in altering normal cognition without producing disorganization in thinking or perception.
Abstract: Normal adult males were administered DOET (2, 5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine) and d-amphetamine, at two separate times in a double blind experimental design. DOET in low doses (1.5 mg/70 kg) produced no gross behavioral or perceptual design. DOET did alter Ss' free associations at the time of maximal drug uptake. Ss produced lower frequency, less common, free associations with DOET. Although the associations Ss produced with DOET occur less frequently in association norms they were neither bizarre or idiosyncratic responses. In addition, these free associations were at least as reproducible as the associations produced under no drug or amphetamine conditions. This new psychotropic agent, in low doses, appears to be particularly effective in altering normal cognition without producing disorganization in thinking or perception.
TL;DR: Analysis of this model and related theoretical studies emphasize that, under the steady-state conditions of the living cell, and over the time periods normally involved in differentiation processes, changes in the levels of some essential enzymes are not significant with respect to controlling the metabolite flux necessary to the accumulation of specialized end products.
Abstract: A kinetic model has been constructed which describes biochemical changes underlying differentiation in a simple microbial system, Dictyostelium discoideum. The computer model is based upon, and consistent with, observed variations in a) the concentration of specific precursors and end products of differentiation and, b) reaction rates determined in vivo The model offers an analytical technique for the evaluation of data with respect to their relevence to the physiological mechanisms responsible for the accumulation of the end products of differentiation. For example, analysis of this model and related theoretical studies emphasize that, under the steady-state conditions of the living cell, and over the time periods normally involved in differentiation processes, changes in the levels of some essential enzymes are not significant with respect to controlling the metabolite flux necessary to the accumulation of specialized end products.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the simultaneous developments in methodology and computer use which could make the field of time-budget research attractive to various types of behavioral study, such as behavioral analysis.
Abstract: The following article outlines the simultaneous developments in methodology and computer use which could make the field of time-budget research attractive to various types of behavioral study.
TL;DR: Manfred Bleuler has devoted himself to long-term followup studies of large populations of patients with this illness and has made statistical analyses which have not only advanced the authors' knowledge of schizophrenia as an illness, but have also thrown light on its genesis, diagnosis, and therapy.
Abstract: The Dean Research Award was established by the Fund for the Behavioral Sciences and is presented jointly with the American College of Psychiatrists to emphasize the importance of basic research toward an understanding of schizophrenia; each year, a scientist who has made an important contribution in this area is honored.
Following is the text of a lecture delivered by Dr. Manfred Bleuler on the occasion of his receiving the eighth annual award of $2,500 at a seminar held in Atlanta, Georgia, February 14, 1970, by the American College of Psychiatrists. Dr. Bleuler is a member of a distinguished family which has for many decades been associated with the Burgholzi Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, and is the son of Eugen Bleuler, the originator of the term “schizophrenia.” In his own right, Dr. Bleuler has developed an international reputation as a result of his clinical investigations of schizophrenia. He has devoted himself to long-term followup studies of large populations of patients with this illness and has made statistical analyses which have not only advanced our knowledge of schizophrenia as an illness, but have also thrown light on its genesis, diagnosis, and therapy.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of prior patterns of social interaction measured sociometrically, and visual presence upon Ss' cooperative and competitive choice behavior during 100 trials of a Maximizing Difference Game were reported.
Abstract: This study reports the effects of prior patterns of social interaction measured sociometrically, and visual presence upon Ss' cooperative and competitive choice behavior during 100 trials of a Maximizing Difference Game. The results of the present study, which are consistent with prior studies, indicate: (a) “strangers” play to maximize the difference between their own and the other's outcomes more frequently than non-friends who do so more frequently than friends; and (b) the opportunity to view the other player does not affect Ss' choice behavior.
TL;DR: 36 different experiments were carried out, demonstrating varying results at different stages but ultimately confirming the conclusion from previous experiments that during the time of regeneration the activities of the brain and of the prothoracic glands are suppressed.
Abstract: Mature larvae and prepupae of Ephestia were divided into four age groups (A1–A4). In each age group two operations were carried out alone or in combination: a. extirpation of one or both hind wing imaginal disks; b. ligation behind the lead (removal of the neurosecretory cells of the brain) or between meso- and metathorax (removal of brain and prothoracic glands). Pupation and regeneration of the extirpated wings were observed. Consequently, 36 different experiments were carried out in all, demonstrating varying results at different stages but ultimately confirming the conclusion from previous experiments that during the time of regeneration the activities of the brain and of the prothoracic glands are suppressed.
TL;DR: A theory of consensual experience, relating family interaction and the thinking and perception of individual members, is briefly reviewed in this paper, where it is hypothesized that members in families who experience the environment in a consensus-sensitive way will improve their problem solving performance as their contact with other members becomes less immediate and intimate.
Abstract: A theory of consensual experience, relating family interaction and the thinking and perception of its individual members, is briefly reviewed. From this theory it is hypothesized that members in families who experience the environment in a “consensus-sensitive” way will improve their problem solving performance as their contact with other members becomes less immediate and intimate. On the other hand, members in “environment-sensitive” families will show no change as the immediacy of their contact varies. A computer-automated method for testing this hypothesis is described. It requires family members to solve pattern recognition problems on the basis of positive and negative feedback from a LINC computer and from similar feedback given to other members of the family. The procedure permits systematic control of the immediacy of contact between family members by varying the mode by which the feedback given to one member is distributed to the others.