The recently proposed "continuous-time latent curve model with structured residuals" (CT-LCM-SR) addresses several challenges associated with longitudinal data analysis in the behavioral sciences. First, it provides information about process trends and dynamics. Second, using the continuous-time framework, the CT-LCM-SR can handle…

The domain of environmental protection is comprised from many sub-domains as recycling, conserving water, or reducing the consumption of energy. The attitude-behavior gap is partly explained by the gap between the specificity levels of the particular measured behavior and of its antecedent(s). The present study aimed at assessing the effects of…

A greater understanding of implicit cognition can provide important information regarding the etiology and maintenance of psychological disorders. The current study sought to determine the utility of the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) as a measure of implicit aversive bias toward spiders in two groups of known variation, high fear…

Delay discounting is the decline in the present value of a reward with delay to its receipt. Across a variety of species, populations, and reward types, value declines hyperbolically with delay. Value declines steeply with shorter delays, but more shallowly with longer delays. Quantitative modeling provides precise measures to characterize the…

Using published findings and by further analyses of existing data, the structure, validity and utility of the Academic Behavioural Confidence scale (ABC) is critically considered. Validity is primarily assessed through the scale's relationship with other existing scales as well as by looking for predicted differences. The utility of the ABC scale…

How do people judge the monetary value of objects? One clue is provided by the typical endowment study (D. Kahneman, J. L. Knetsch, & R. H. Thaler, 1991), in which participants are randomly given either a good, such as a coffee mug, that they may later sell ("sellers") or a choice between the good and amounts of cash ("choosers"). Sellers…

Reviews Hanson's findings that laboratory research tends to demonstrate a positive correlation between attitudes and behavior while field research does not. This article, by adding date of publication, shows that the trend over time, presumably because of improved methodology, is toward more positive correlations in both settings. (Author/JAC)

Outlines a model of decision making known to researchers in the field of behavioral decision theory (BDT) as subjective expected utility (SEU). The descriptive and predictive validity of the SEU model, probability and values assessment using SEU, and decision contexts are examined, and a 54-item reference list is provided. (JL)

The Group Test of Openness (GTO) was shown to have a moderate degree of stability. Predictive validity was demonstrated through a 14-week high school course in counseling skills in which scores on the GTO increased. GTO focused on behavior within a group and had an objective method of scoring. (Author)

Studied the effect of different base rates of a target phenomenon on psychometric efficiency when an explicit decision-making rule was used to evaluate police officers. Concluded that numerous predictive indices would be required to screen such a heterogeneous population. (Author/JAC)

Presents and tests the verbal-plan approach as a basis for predicting verbal behavior. (Defines verbal plan as "what an individual intends to say in a specific situation or a general situation.") (PD)

Investigated determinants and predictive utility of client's perception of therapuetic relationship (CPTR) in context of behavior therapy research. CPTR was an effective predictor of dropping out when measured early in therapy, of immediate posttherapy client gains when measured in mid- to late therapy, but not of long-term maintenance.…

Examined the relationship between scores on the MMPI and concurrent and prior aggression. Analysis indicated sum of T scores for Scales F, 4, and 9 was valid measure of aggression. Composite had a higher reliability than its component scales and discriminated between delinquent and general populations. (Author/BEF)

Describes the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale, which is used to assess infants' competence in organizing their states of consciousness, interactive capacities, physiological responses, and environmental responsiveness. Various projects which have used the scale are reported. The predictive value and clinical uses of the scale are…

Examines the relationship between gender role and person-perception accuracy in face-to-face interactions between young adults and a young adult and a child. Females' perceptions were more astute in general, while androgynous subjects of both sexes were more accurate in predicting childrens' perceptions of them. (SA)