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Articles 1 - 24 of 24
Full-Text Articles in Psychology
A Lego Model Of The Modularity Of The Mind, Steven J. Scher
A Lego Model Of The Modularity Of The Mind, Steven J. Scher
Steven J. Scher
In this paper I propose that the dominant form of evolutionary psychology (which I term “cognitive adaptationism”) can be improved by adopting an alternative version of the concept of mental modularity. I suggest a metaphor of mental modules as Lego blocks. The Lego blocks represent a relatively small set of elementary operations that the mind/brain can carry out. These Lego blocks are repeatedly assembled in different ways to execute a wide variety of different functions. These repeated assemblies correspond more closely to the things that cognitive adaptationists have asserted are modules. Arguments in favor of the Lego model include the …
Mind And Body: Psychology And Neuroscience, Morton A. Heller
Mind And Body: Psychology And Neuroscience, Morton A. Heller
Morton A. Heller
No abstract provided.
A Lego Model Of The Modularity Of The Mind, Steven J. Scher
A Lego Model Of The Modularity Of The Mind, Steven J. Scher
Faculty Research and Creative Activity
In this paper I propose that the dominant form of evolutionary psychology (which I term “cognitive adaptationism”) can be improved by adopting an alternative version of the concept of mental modularity. I suggest a metaphor of mental modules as Lego blocks. The Lego blocks represent a relatively small set of elementary operations that the mind/brain can carry out. These Lego blocks are repeatedly assembled in different ways to execute a wide variety of different functions. These repeated assemblies correspond more closely to the things that cognitive adaptationists have asserted are modules. Arguments in favor of the Lego model include the …
Mind And Body: Psychology And Neuroscience, Morton Heller
Mind And Body: Psychology And Neuroscience, Morton Heller
Faculty Research and Creative Activity
No abstract provided.
A Lego Model Of The Modularity Of The Mind, Steven Scher
A Lego Model Of The Modularity Of The Mind, Steven Scher
Faculty Research and Creative Activity
In this paper I propose that the dominant form of evolutionary psychology (which I term “cognitive adaptationism”) can be improved by adopting an alternative version of the concept of mental modularity. I suggest a metaphor of mental modules as Lego blocks. The Lego blocks represent a relatively small set of elementary operations that the mind/brain can carry out. These Lego blocks are repeatedly assembled in different ways to execute a wide variety of different functions. These repeated assemblies correspond more closely to the things that cognitive adaptationists have asserted are modules. Arguments in favor of the Lego model include the …
Mind And Body: Psychology And Neuroscience, Morton A. Heller
Mind And Body: Psychology And Neuroscience, Morton A. Heller
Faculty Research and Creative Activity
No abstract provided.
Gender And Ethnic Biases In Personality Disorder Diagnostic Criteria, Danna Frantz
Gender And Ethnic Biases In Personality Disorder Diagnostic Criteria, Danna Frantz
Masters Theses
The present study examined gender biases, ethnic biases, and interaction effects within the DSM-IV-TR Clusters A and B Personality Disorder (PD) criteria. One of the principal controversies of the DSM-IV-TR involves the diagnosis of PDs. The diagnostic criteria have been considered to be subjective, making PDs hard to diagnose, yet easy to misdiagnose. In Phase I, examination of Cluster B PDs, there were 89 female and 31 male participants and in Phase II, examination of Cluster A PDs, there were 60 females and 60 males from introductory psychology courses. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and viewed a PowerPoint presentation depicting …
Understanding The Variables Associated With Mathematics Achievement, Kelsie J. Buker
Understanding The Variables Associated With Mathematics Achievement, Kelsie J. Buker
Masters Theses
Mathematics achievement scores on standardized test batteries are a major area of concern in public schools. This study examined the relationships among different variables that may affect mathematics achievement as measured by the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Specifically, this study investigated the relationships among gender, mathematics fluency, mathematics accuracy, anxiety toward mathematics, and mathematics composite scores on the ITBS. In addition, the study assessed the effects of gender and anxiety on mathematics achievement as measured by accuracy, fluency, and ITBS math scores. One hundred fourth and sixth grade participants completed the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Anxiety Scale to measure their …
The Role Of Mood As A Mediator In Trait-Congruent Cognitive Processing: Does Mood State Mediate The Relationship Between Personality Traits And Judgment?, Janice E. Harewood
The Role Of Mood As A Mediator In Trait-Congruent Cognitive Processing: Does Mood State Mediate The Relationship Between Personality Traits And Judgment?, Janice E. Harewood
Masters Theses
The relationship between affective traits and predictive judgment was investigated using a mediation framework approach to examine whether the current mood state of participants acted as a mediator between traits and judgment. This relationship was examined for anxious trait, anxious mood, and judgment for negative events and for subjective well-being, happy mood, and judgment for positive events. A written scenario and an imaginal procedure were used to create anxious, happy, or neutral moods in participants, and a fourth group received a simple cognitive task. Results showed that the mood inductions were invalid. Given that the correlations necessary to test for …
The Effects Of Family Functioning And Parent Structure On The Prevalence And Intensity Of Childhood Fears, Rebecca Leis Pederson
The Effects Of Family Functioning And Parent Structure On The Prevalence And Intensity Of Childhood Fears, Rebecca Leis Pederson
Masters Theses
The current study was designed to examine the relation between family factors, such as family functioning and parent structure, and the prevalence and intensity of childhood fears. One hundred and sixteen children in grades 3-12 were surveyed using the Fear Survey Schedule-II. Of the 116 children surveyed, 75 had parents who returned the Self Report Family Inventory and demographic survey. Results indicated that younger, female participants reported fears of greater prevalence and intensity than male participants. Contrary to predictions, neither family functioning or any of its associated factors were found to be related to the prevalence and intensity of childhood …
The Relationship Between College Year And Depressive Symptoms For University Students, Erik Michael Levinson
The Relationship Between College Year And Depressive Symptoms For University Students, Erik Michael Levinson
Masters Theses
The goal of the present study was to examine how gender and grade level relate to depressive symptoms in a sample of university students. Based on previous research, it was expected that students in their first year of college would report more depressive symptoms than nonfreshmen, women would report more depression than men, and that female students in their first year of college would have the highest scores on a depression inventory. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (Beck, 1979) was completed by 131 freshmen and 114 nonfreshmen at a Midwestern university. The final sample included 188 women and 57 men, …
Motivation For Studying Abroad, Wendy M. Buesing
Motivation For Studying Abroad, Wendy M. Buesing
Masters Theses
The motivational factors among students who have completed a study abroad program or who are currently studying abroad were investigated. Several variables were explored including gender, age, major and whether the student was an international student who has studied or is currently studying in the United States from another country or an American student who has studied or is currently studying in another country. Two hypotheses were tested: 1) American students are more likely motivated to study abroad by cultural motives such as sightseeing and gaining awareness about a different culture, and 2) International students are more likely motivated to …
Presenting Issues, Severity Of Problems And Treatment Outcomes Of Asian College Students, Earl Anthony Evangelista
Presenting Issues, Severity Of Problems And Treatment Outcomes Of Asian College Students, Earl Anthony Evangelista
Masters Theses
The current study attempts to add to the limited body of literature on Asian American and Asian international students in counseling. Presenting issues, severity of problems, treatment outcome, and gender interactions of Asian American and Asian international college students were examined and compared to non-Asian college students. Data for this study were obtained from an existing database from an East Coast university counseling center. The overall sample consisted of 209 males and 297 females, all of whom were seeking treatment for the first time at the counseling center. The primary groups of interest were Asian American students (n = …
Narcissistic Self-Enhancement And Willingness To Seek Feedback On Weaknesses, Jessica J. Dhom
Narcissistic Self-Enhancement And Willingness To Seek Feedback On Weaknesses, Jessica J. Dhom
Masters Theses
In the current study, I investigated the relationship between narcissism level and feedback-seeking behavior. Using a dimensional approach to personality classification, I considered narcissism to be a component of normal personality and measured this construct with the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. I also investigated the willingness of narcissistic individuals to view feedback regarding their weaknesses, as well as the relationships between narcissism and different cognitive reactions to favorable and unfavorable feedback. Results indicated that, when given the opportunity, narcissistic people seek favorable feedback that pertains to their strengths, while passing on opportunities to receive feedback regarding their weaknesses. They also react …
Current Preschool Screening Practices In Illinois And The Role Of The School Psychologist, Susan M. Kapper
Current Preschool Screening Practices In Illinois And The Role Of The School Psychologist, Susan M. Kapper
Masters Theses
Current preschool screening practices in Illinois and the role of the school psychologist in these practices were investigated. A survey focusing on current screening practices and the role of the school psychologist in the development and implementation of screening programs was developed and sent to 200 randomly selected members of the Illinois School Psychologists Association (ISPA). Results indicate that some consistency in the procedures and administration of preschool screening do exist between programs within the state of Illinois. These consistencies include consensus on the purpose of preschool screening programs, personnel involved in the administration of these programs, assessment tools utilized …
Distinct Group Differences And Discriminant Validity Of The Adjustment Scales For Children And Adolescents: Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Versus Conduct Disorder, James Richard White
Distinct Group Differences And Discriminant Validity Of The Adjustment Scales For Children And Adolescents: Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Versus Conduct Disorder, James Richard White
Masters Theses
The present study examined the distinct group differences and discriminant validity of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA; McDermott, Marston, & Stott, 1993). Participants included 37 children in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Thirty children met DISC-IV/DSM-IV criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and 7 met DISC-IV/DSM-IV criteria for Conduct Disorder. Participants were classified based on the results of the DISC-IV parent interview administered by school psychology interns. The teacher completed the ASCA when the student was initially referred. Results of the present study provided further support for the discriminant validity of the ASCA. The results of the MANOVA …
Low Stress Algorithms For Children With Difficulty In Mathematics, Amanda B. Boyer
Low Stress Algorithms For Children With Difficulty In Mathematics, Amanda B. Boyer
Masters Theses
The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of low-stress algorithms with third and fourth grade students who struggle with mathematics. It is important to study mathematics interventions because math is a neglected area of research (Gersten & Chard, 1999). This research examined the effectiveness of low-stress addition and subtraction instruction for low-achieving students compared to a control group of students receiving traditional instruction in the regular classroom. Additionally, half of the students in the experimental group (low-stress) self-monitored the number of problems they correctly completed. Results indicate that low-stress addition did not result in an increased number …
An Examination Of Explanatory Models, Coping Methods, And Help-Seeking Methods Among Individuals With Social Phobia, Brooke Jasmine Dibello
An Examination Of Explanatory Models, Coping Methods, And Help-Seeking Methods Among Individuals With Social Phobia, Brooke Jasmine Dibello
Masters Theses
In this pilot study, explanatory models, coping methods, and help seeking behaviors among individuals with social phobia were explored using in-depth interviews. Participants were ten female college students with probable social phobia. Researchers created a coding manual to investigate the qualitative data by organizing it into categories. Coders were trained to utilize the coding manual, which explored several factors such as name for social anxiety, explanatory models, perceived level of severity, coping methods, and appraisals of coping methods. Contributions of this study are a semi-structured help-seeking interview, coding manual, and rich data. Although the results were inconclusive, this study provides …
The Individualized Education Plan: Parental Satisfaction And Involvement, Melissa Habing
The Individualized Education Plan: Parental Satisfaction And Involvement, Melissa Habing
Masters Theses
Little recent research has examined parents' involvement and satisfaction with their child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). For the current study, parents of children with special needs were surveyed. Out of 1,000 questionnaires mailed out by an agency that provides support to families who have a child with a disability, 348 parents completed and returned the survey. As a result of the parents' written responses, it was determined that 234 (67%) of the children they reported on were boys and 114 (33%) were girls. The age of the children whose parents completed the questionnaire ranged from two to twenty-two. All eligible …
Eating Disorder Tendencies And Pathogenic Weight Control Usage In High School Female Athletes, Natasha L. Mcdonald
Eating Disorder Tendencies And Pathogenic Weight Control Usage In High School Female Athletes, Natasha L. Mcdonald
Masters Theses
For many years, eating disorders have become more prevalent in American society. Researchers have recently identified a "new" at risk group, female athletes. The primary purpose of this study was to answer two questions: First, are tendencies toward eating disorders and the use of pathogenic weight control techniques different between female high school athletes and female high school nonathletes? Secondly, among high school female athletes, are tendencies toward eating disorders and the use of pathogenic weight control techniques different between performance sports and traditional sports? Each participant completed a survey packet to gather information on (1) demography including athletic participation, …
Distinct Group Differences And Discriminant Validity Of The Adjustment Scales For Children And Adolescents: Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Versus Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Kim D. Miller
Masters Theses
The present study examined the distinct group differences and discriminant validity of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA). Participants included 36 children in Kindergarten through eleventh grade. Twenty-seven of the children met DISC-IV I DSM-IV (DSM-IV-TR, 2000) criteria for ADHD, and 9 met criteria for ODD. The participants were classified based on the results of the DISC-IV (Shaffer, Fisher, Lucas, Dulcan & Schwab-Stone, 2000) interview completed with the parent. The referring classroom teacher then completed the ASCA. Results of the present study did not support the distinct group differences and thus the discriminant validity of the ASCA. The …
Improving Functional Assessment With Computer-Based Data Collection And Analysis Software, Rebecca May
Improving Functional Assessment With Computer-Based Data Collection And Analysis Software, Rebecca May
Masters Theses
Many students exhibit behavior problems in the classroom that can negatively affect academic performance and social/emotional functioning if not identified and appropriately accommodated (Sugai, Lewis-Palmer, and Hagan, 1998; Scott, DeSimone, Fowler, and Webb, 2000). In order to combat the increasing number of students with behavior problems, an efficient means of assessing and treating problem behavior is warranted (Nelson and Johnson, 1996). Traditional observation methods are limited in the number of behaviors recordable and elaborateness of data analysis (Sharpe and Koperwas, 2001), and do not lend themselves to direct treatment development (Nelson, Roberts, Bullis, Albers, and Ohland, n.d.). Computer-based data collection …
Exploring Balanced Polymorphism Theory: Homosexuality, Personality, And Attractiveness, Rikki Singh
Exploring Balanced Polymorphism Theory: Homosexuality, Personality, And Attractiveness, Rikki Singh
Masters Theses
An evolutionary theory known as balanced polymorphism (Hutchinson, 1959), which accounts for the prevalence of the deadly hereditary disease called sickle cell anemia, may prove to be a possible solution to the evolutionary paradox of homosexuality. The evolutionary advantage supported by the theory may account for the current and future prevalence of homosexuality. The theory works on the basis of a heterozygotic advantage, which is simply the advantage gained by a combination of two extreme genotypes. In this case, the heterozygotic advantage is the personality of a homosexual and the sexual orientation of a heterosexual. To test this theory, forty-eight …
Considering Instructional Time And Comprehension Rate When Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Reading Interventions In Classrooms, Kelly E. Thomason
Considering Instructional Time And Comprehension Rate When Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Reading Interventions In Classrooms, Kelly E. Thomason
Masters Theses
The purpose of this investigation was to replicate and extend research done by Daly et al. (1998), which focused on the functional analysis of academic problems. This research examined comprehension and amount of instructional time as dependent variables to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of reading interventions (repeated reading, contingent reinforcement for rapid reading, and listening passage preview). Results suggest that when evaluating increases in oral reading fluency (words read correct per minute), each participant obtained greatest gains using different combinations of interventions. However, when examining instructional time specifically, it becomes clear that the contingent reinforcement and listening passage preview …