Subjects judged whether aerial views would be seen by an observer oriented in various ways. For practiced subjects, time to answer was an approximately linear function of number of abstract spatial dimensions on which aerial view and observer's orientation were consistent. Ability correlated with linearity of response-time. (Author/RD)

Two tests of divergent thinking were taken by engineering students and business studies students. One concerned nonscientific objects, while the second concerned objects of specific interest to engineers. The result casts doubts on the validity of previous studies showing arts students better at thinking divergently than science students. (KC)

Investigated dimensions along which self-analytic group sessions vary. Identified three common dimensions: evaluation, potency, and activity. Used dimensions to describe phases of group development and individual differences in the perception of group sessions. (RC)

Cognitive component research on aptitudes has shown that performance on test items depends on a series of processing events. Each processing component potentially defines a separate construct that contributes to item and subject differences in performance. This article presents the multicomponent latent trait model for measuring these component…

Questioned summer school faculty (N=81) to determine their needs, interests, attitudes, and perceptions. Responses indicated faculty were most concerned with renumeration and adequacy of free time; they were strongly opposed to shorter sessions and indicated little interest in trying experimental programs. (RC)

Examined therapist variables related to outcome in structured, cognitive-behavioral group treatment for depression. Each of eight leaders conducted two consecutive psychoeducational treatment groups. Results indicated leaders differed significantly on behavioral and group-process measures, but differences in depression outcome between leaders did…

If human cognitive development advances through a series of broad and general stages, then the child's mind at any developmental point should seem consistent and similar across situations in its maturity level and general style. However, there appear to be factors and conditions that promote homogeneity and heterogeneity in the child's cognitive…

Examined validity of the postulated perceptual style-personality dimension of modulation of stimulus intensity in two elderly samples. Results indicated a significant linear relationship between kinesthetic aftereffect and degree of social engagement, life attitudes, and items previously validated with young adults. Discusses implications for…

Empirical cluster analysis methods have been the basis for development of a phenomenological classification of depressive disorders. Verbal descriptions of the distinguishing features of anxious, hostile, agitated, and retarded subtypes of depression are provided to facilitate development of clinical classification concepts. A review of validity…

Compared MMPI profiles and two-point code types of criminal defendants (N=50) pleading a defense of "not responsible due to mental disease or defect." A sign test was computed, treating the clinical scales as matched pairs, and a significant difference was found; the nonresponsible group profile was more elevated. (Author)

Mildly retarded young adults were given simple and choice reaction time (RT) tests. Subjects' RTs increased with stimulus complexity. RTs of retarded subjects were slower and evidenced more intraindividual variability than those of nonretarded subjects. Several RT parameters were related to measures of intelligence. (Author/RD)

Whether hierarchical ordering among fraction identification problems reflects the replacement of simple rules by complex rules was investigated. Latent class techniques revealed that children applied rules that were adequate for simple problems but had to be replaced to solve more complex problems. (Author/GK)

Investigated helping as a function of empathic anxiety (anxiety in response to modeled distress) and individual differences in sociopathic tendencies. Results indicated modeled distress produces increases in anxiety which are positively associated with helping and sociopathic individuals are less likely to help than are nonsociopathic individuals.…

Sixteen children at each of ages two, three, and four years were observed being approached by and interacting with a friendly stranger during their mothers' presence and absence. While analyses of discrete behaviors yielded results consistent with those of earlier studies, analyses based on a behavioral systems approach identified age and…

Factors affecting the failure to use world knowledge to complete an otherwise incomplete linear ordering was examined. Failure persisted after three repetitions was unaffected by order of presentation or nature of test procedure. Performance was affected by overall amounts of known and new information and by their relation. (Author/RD)