Neural network technology was compared with simultaneous and stepwise linear discriminant analysis in terms of their ability to classify and predict persons (n=138) as having autism or mental retardation. The neural network methodology was superior in both classifying groups and in generalizing to new cases that were not part of the training…

Performed a reliability generalization using 244 studies that used NEO personality scales. Reliability estimates were given in only 15% of these studies, and 44% made no mention of reliability at all. Results suggest that many researchers have an inadequate understanding of concepts of reliability. Results also suggest that NEO personality scales…

Three experiments examined factors influencing whether young children consider function, as opposed to appearance or shape, when extending names of novel artifacts. Findings indicated that 4-year-olds extend names based on demonstrated function more often when that function provides a plausible causal account of perceptible object structure, when…

Studied sources of measurement error variance in the Teacher Efficacy Scale (TES) (Gibson and Dembo, 1984). Used reliability generalization to characterize the typical score reliability for the TES and potential sources of measurement error variance across 43 studies. Also examined related instruments for measurement integrity. (SLD)

In two experiments in a Morris pool, rats were trained to find a hidden platform which was located in a specific position in relation to two objects, B and F, which were presented together, one in front of the other. One object, B, was just above the platform (a beacon for the platform, the critical object) while the second object, F, was above…

The four reactions in the May 2005 issue of "The Counseling Psychologist" address several considerations regarding the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) in counseling psychology research, including its appropriateness for analyzing one's data and testing one versus multiple theoretical models. In addition, points that are not mentioned in…

Psychology is focused on variation between cases (interindividual variation). Results thus obtained are considered to be generalizable to the understanding and explanation of variation within single cases (intraindividual variation). It is indicated, however, that the direct consequences of the classical ergodic theorems for psychology and…

The authors provide generalizations of R. J. Boik's (1993) studentized maximum root (SMR) procedure that allow for simultaneous inference on families of product contrasts including simple effect contrasts and differences among simple effect contrasts in coherent analyses of data from 2-factor fixed-effects designs. Unlike the F-based simultaneous…

The present experiments investigate how young language learners begin to acquire form-based categories and the relationships between them. We investigated this question by exposing 12-month-olds to auditory structure of the form aX and bY (infants had to learn that a-elements grouped with Xs and not Ys). Infants were then tested on strings from…

This paper examines the question of whether there are useful general thinking skills. It offers a working definition of "thinking skill" and identifies ways in which this concept has been over-applied. Thinking skills, used across domains, are not inevitably weak as a result of the generality-power tradeoff. Admitting that thinking skills require…

In this note it is shown that the Moore-Penrose inverse of real 3 x 3 matrices can be expressed in terms of the vector product of their columns. Moreover, a simple formula of a generalized inverse is presented, which also involves the vector product.

Prism exposure produces 2 kinds of adaptive response. Recalibration is ordinary strategic remapping of spatially coded movement commands to rapidly reduce performance error. Realignment is the extraordinary process of transforming spatial maps to bring the origins of coordinate systems into correspondence. Realignment occurs when spatial…

Two experiments were conducted to investigate generalized imitation of manual gestures in 1- to 2-year-old infants. In Experiment 1, 6 infants were first trained four baseline matching relations (e.g., when instructed "Do this," to raise their arms after they saw the experimenter do so). Next, four novel gestures that the infants did not match in…

Play is, by definition, internally motivated, flexible, spontaneous and voluntary. Yet some researchers claim to have taught children with autism to play using behavioural interventions that are heavily structured, repetitive and make use of external reinforcements. In the current systematic review, we examine the extent to which these claims are…

This study investigated the use of adapted bicycles on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of conventional cycling by seven children with mild mental retardation. Feedback was used in addition to the adapted bicycles and consisted of pedal rate, head position, and steering participation. A multiple probe design was used. Participants…