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The Role Of Anxiety In The Stimulus Preference And Play Patterns, Betty R. Rutherford

Student Work

The play patterns and stimulus preference of 20 preschool children were observed during low and high s tress conditions. The stress manipulation was contingent upon the child's preparation for a medical appointment. Heart rate recordings and a questionnaire were used as Indices of stress. Children manifested a preference toward creative-constructive play under conditions of increased stress , with a resultant decrease in manipulative and imaginative play. Play with relevant or irrelevant toys did not change significantly during the increased stress condition. Pencil—paper measures of stress used in previous studies were significantly related to the physiological measure of stress . No …

Assessing Some Side Effects Of A Contingency Management Program, Charles M. Atkinson

All Master's Theses

This study applied a contingency management program to a single behavior while measuring multiple behaviors. Reinforcement was made contingent upon increased addition rate. The experimental group made significantly greater gains in addition rate. There was no significant difference in the gains made in subtraction rate, reading rate, reading comprehension, or classroom behavior. The study was limited by a small sample, six week time span, and the use of mentally retarded subjects to assess side effects of reinforcing an academic behavior.

A Critical Examination Of Korman's Self-Esteem Motivation Theory, Dierdra E. Bowditch

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Order Of Information Processing In The Perception Of Short Sentences, Maryam Abusaidi

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

A Method For Sensing And Recording Simultaneous Behavioral And Electrophysiological Epileptiform Activity And The Observed Suppression Of Paroxysmal Spiking Activity With Classical Conditioning Procedures, J. H. Tough

Masters Theses

A method for sensing and recording the simultaneous behavioral and electrophysiological activity of epileptic seizures was developed. An activity sensing cage consisting of an inverted loudspeaker translated motor behavior into voltage changes. The resultant voltage changes were integrated, amplified and recorded on a polygraph concurrently with electrophysiological data. The method was shown to 1) sense reliably a repeated standard input, 2) be sensitive to differing minute amounts of force and 3) produce data which lends itself to analysis with less variability than a more conventional technique.

Experimental manipulation of epileptiform activity revealed that a behavioral response to the onset of …

The Effects Of A Programmed Sex Education Course On Institutionalized Mental Patients, Alan G. Zukerman

Masters Theses

There is an apparent need for sex education programs targeted to young institutionalized mental patients. A sex education course was developed that could be easily disseminate and have potential general applications and utility in institutional settings. Data were taken on the effectiveness of the course, its effects on sexual and sex-related values of the subjects, its influence on selfratings of behavior, and evaluative responses of the subjects to the course itself. A pretest-posttest experimental design was used with a control group included. The results showed that factual knowledge in sexual areas was significantly increased by the course. Experimental subjects' values …

Effects Of Manipulating Enforced Attention And Reinforcement For Correctness On The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Performances Of Kindergarten Children, Galen James Alessi

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Learning Set And Generalization Of The Non-Matching Concept In Pigeons, M. Katherine Stephens

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Selective Attention In Conditional Discriminations., William M. Beneke

Psychology ETDs

Six experiments were conducted in order to provide support for an extension of attention processes to stimulus relationships at the empirical and theoretical levels. These experiments, which employed a total of 231 introductory psychology students, were conducted in the context of a conditional discrimination labelled symbolic matching. In that discrimination, the correct choice or comparison stimulus depended upon the value of a discriminative or standard stimulus present on each trial. The first three experiments systematically replicated basic attentional effects in the conditional discrimination in order to provide an empirical base for evaluating the results of the second three experiments, which …

One-Trial Versus Incremental Learning : A Re-Evaluation Employing Signal Detection Theory, James William Hyams

Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to lend support to either the one-trial or incremental theory of learning by examining the probability of correct responses as a function of prior stimulus exposure. Signal detection theory was employed as the method of analysis. Two experiments tested the theories in a verbal learning task and a psychomotor task. On each of three trials a list of 6 AB pairs or 6 AB distances was presented once, then one of these 6 pairs or distances was tested for recognition. On the recognition test either AB (a previously viewed pair or distance) or …

A Test Of The Homogeneous Versus Heterogeneous Categorization Of The Repression-Sensitization Dimension, Howard J. Cohen

Student Work

The Byrne (1961) Repression-Sensitization (R-S) scale was designed to measure psychological defenses ranging from anxiety-avoidance behavior at the low scoring pole, to anxietyapproaching behavior at the high scoring pole. Byrne (1964) has cited consistent support for the relationship between the R-S scale and defensive style, with the repressionsensitization categories to be viewed as homogeneous groupings of individuals lying at the extremes of a dimension of psychological defense. However, a number of recent studies by Schill and his associates (Boor & Schill, 1967; Kahn & Schill, 1971; Lefcourt, 1969; Schill & Althoff, 1968; Schill, Emanuel, Pedersen, Schneider, & Wachowiak, 1970) have …

Simulation Of Brain Damage On Bender-Gestalt Test By College Subjects, Arnold Rahn Bruhn

Dissertations and Theses

It is a frequent occurrence in accident cases involving alleged brain injury and attendant damage suits, for the defendant's attorney to charge the plaintiff in the case with malingering. At some time in the court proceedings it i.s also common that the plaintiff's psychologist will testify to the court that his client's brain damage is genuine, not feigned. but heretofore, clinicians have been able to speak to the court only from their own background of clinical experience, and clinicians have been known to disagree. They have not been able to refer to a body of research that has addressed itself …

Auditory And Visual Sensory Stores: A Recognition Task, James Barr Richardson

Dissertations and Theses

A probe-stimulus recognition technique was used to test hypothesized differences in visual and auditory sensory memory storage. Lists of alphabetical letters were presented visually or auditorially, each followed by a visual or auditory probe. Performance on the auditory lists was predicted to be better than on the visual lists. Moreover, auditory lists followed by a visual probe (AV) were expected to show a decrement in performance in comparison to auditory list-auditory probe tasks (AA). Visual lists followed by an auditory probe (VA) were likewise expected to result in a decrement in performance in comparison to visual list-visual probe tasks (VV). …

The Role Of Extraversion & Intraversion On The Performance Of An Abstract Reasoning Task, Clarkie Farley

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This research compares the performance of a group of extraverts to a group of intraverts on a cognitive reasoning task. According to the theory of Hans J. Eysenck, one would expect that the intraverts would perform better than the extraverts on a task of massed reasoning. On the basis of scores on the Eysenck Personality Inventory and the Otis Lennon Mental Ability Test, a sample of 72 Ss were drawn from two undergraduate classes, Principles of Applied Learning and Human Development, at Western Kentucky University. Only Ss with extreme scores on the Extraversion scale E were selected, with each extravert …

The Effect Of Consummatory Stimuli On Brain Stimulation Reinforcement: Further Differentiation Of Killing And Feeding Mechanisms In The Posterior Hypothalamus Of Rats, Matthew S. Zweig

Senior Scholar Papers

Traditionally, killing or aggressive behavior has been viewed as an operant performed to gain reinforcement such as food. There is, however, increasing evidence indicating that killing is reinforcing in itself. Myer and White (1965) and Van Herrel (1970) have shown that natural killing behavior can be used to reinforce the learning of discrimination. Roberts and Kiess (1964) implanted electrodes in the anterior hypothalamus of natural non-killing rats and elicited killing behavior. They showed that this electrically elicited killing could also be used to reinforce the learning of discrimination. Thompson (1963,1964) demonstrated that both Siamese fighting fish and fighting game cocks …

An Operational Analysis Of The Value Of The Nonoutcome Trial In Children's Discrimination Learning, Thelma A. Giomi

Psychology ETDs

Numerous and divergent interpretations of the value of the blank or nonoutcome trial (N) in combination with reinforcement or punishment have been suggested. In all these interpretations N is considered as a response inferred construct. The present study was conducted to directly test the value of N in differential feedback combinations and to provide a critical evaluation of these various interpretations. The experiment consisted of a two phase study employing two simultaneous discrimination problems. In the first discrimination 90 Ss learned a two choice simultaneous discrimination under one of three feedback conditions, reinforcement following a correct response and punishment following …

A Study Of Early Childhood Recollections As Reflective Or Projective Of Values In Society, Nancy Eskridge

Student Scholarship

This study explores the relationship between early childhood recollections and an individual's value system, drawing primarily from the Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler. The research was conducted to determine if early memories could serve as projective devices to reveal a person's life style and values, defined by Adler as an individual's unique way of striving for goals. The author establishes a theoretical framework by comparing Adler’s belief that memories are active productions reflecting a person's current outlook with Sigmund Freud’s theory of screen memories, which suggests that early recollections often serve to conceal more significant infantile repressions. Ultimately, the author …

A Follow-Up Of Decision Changes From The Act Profile For Freshmen At Usu, Brent M. Hinze

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Decision making and decision changes were studied in late adolescents regarding post-high school choices. A branching questionnaire was constructed and mailed to 1239 late adolescents who during the preceding year had indicated on the American College Test (ACT) that Utah State University (USU) was their first choice for college attendance, but whose names did not appear on the USU Registrar's list of enrolled freshmen, Fall 1969. 62% of the questionnaires were returned. Questions were asked concerning post-high school decision making and decision change:

1. What alternatives to attendance at USU were chosen?
2. Was the alternative chosen college-related or was the change …

Short-Term Memory For Auditory Digit Sequences As A Function Of Systematic Manipulation Of Encoding Technique, Digit Duration, And Interdigit Interval, John G. Miscik

Student Work

The experiment tested whether short term retention for auditory digit sequences could be improved by efficient encoding techniques (ET) and increases in either digit duration (DD) or interdigit interval (IDI). All three hypotheses received strong support from the data. In addition, analysis of interactions between length of retention interval (RI) and DD, IDI, and ET led to the conclusions that longer DD and IDI permit increased resistance to forgetting during RI, while efficient ET improves retention regardless of RI.

An Awareness Of The Guidance Services Of District #91 As Seen By Students, Carlene Pace Herring

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This study is designed to obtain information about the awareness of the guidance services as seen by- students in the hope that it will bring about a renewed interest in, and the promotion of, a more functional program of guidance. The objectives of this study are summnarized as follows: 1. To provide data regarding perceived value or worth of the guidance program as rated by the pupils. 2. To identify perceived strengths and weaknesses in the guidance services for consideration by the Pupil Personnel Department of the district. a. To what extent are pupils orientated to the guidance service and …

Its Reevaluation And Improvement As Related To A Profile Analysis Classification System, Mark A. Skovron

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Over the first half of the present study the Mini-Mult (MM₁), a brief form of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), was compared with the standard MMPI in relation to eleven criteria classifications. These criteria were composed of the profile analysis classifications of Marks and Seeman (1963). Pearson product-moment correlations between the MM₁ and MMPI failed to reach statistical significance for any of the eleven criteria.

As based on the information gained, a correction factor was devised and added to the MM₁. Subsequently, the second half of the study involved a comparison between the HMPI …

The Effects Of A Token Economy On Epileptic Seizure Rates, Frederick Hjalmer Lindberg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Past studies have shown that a relationship may exist between certain forms of epileptic seizures and specific environmental stimuli. This relationship is not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess this relationship by determining the effect of a selected token economy on seizure rates. The token economy utilized in this study may differ from token economies described in the literature as it employed certain punishers. This was done by dividing the study into three experiments.

During Experiment I three severe epileptics were exposed to a series of conditions including baseline, token economy condition and baseline. During the …

The Development Of Career Activities For Fourth Grade Students, Barbara P. M. Southwick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Today's youth have few real contacts with the work world and have little knowledge of what is expected from them. Many grade school youngsters are not aware of the type of work their parents are doing. Some do not even know where their parents work. It is difficult for most elementary students to see the relationship between their present school activities and their future life. And all too often, students can not express personal goals or plans.

As students become more aware of the world of work, they should be better prepared to enter it and they should also develop …

The Prediction Of Sales Success Among B. F. Goodrich Territory Managers, Richard F. Fail

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The B. F. Goodrich Company spends considerable money selecting and training territory managers. The hiring of territory managers generally rests with local management's "intuition." Since 1967, a substantial percentage of these highly trained salesmen have separated from the company. It was within this attrition context, that an exploratory, objective, selection program was studied.

A multiple discriminant function (multigroup model) was used to analyze three groups of B. F. Goodrich Territory Managers' California Psychology Inventory and Edwards Personal Preference Schedule test scores.

The data revealed that known territory managers' group membership could be significantly predicted. A longitudinal study (one year later) …

The Comparative Effects Of Two Reinforcement Schedules Applied To Groups In Teaching Arithmetic Skills, Ronald C. Bennett

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A behavioral approach to teaching in the public school system is difficult because of the inherent difficulty of finding positive reinforcers and administering them simultaneously to large groups of students.

This study attempts to apply the same tangible reinforcers to two groups of students under different schedules of reinforcement. The students in the study were in special classes termed "learning adjustment" classes because of their failure to perform at grade level in regular classroom settings.

One group was on a continuous schedule of reinforcement using tokens and gold strike stamps as reinforcers. The second group was also on a continuous …

Utilization Of Phoneme-Grapheme Relative Frequency Data As An Effective Method Of Developing Reading Materials For Navajo Students, Wesley K. Roberts

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This thesis suggests a new method of developing reading materials for Navajo students. The core of this method is based on phoneme- grapheme relative frequency correspondence data.

A short story was phonetically edited and rewritten using the phoneme-grapheme relative frequency method. This short story was one of the major products of the thesis.

This short story and three other short stories previously phonically rewritten, were presented in both this form and in original text to 38 Navajo students for reading.

Reading speed and reading comprehension were measured for each student on the short stories. The students performed with superior reading …

Personality And Achievement Factors As Influences On Church Attendance Of College Students, Patricia Welch

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

College students, even of the same religious preference, attend church functions with varying degrees o£ frequency. What factors influence the rate of attendance among students? This study investigated the relationship between reported church attendance and personality and achievement variables in a group of college juniors and seniors in a state university in the South. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant differences between students who reported attendance at church functions either (a) 7 or more times per month (High Attenders), (b) 2 through b times per month (Attenders), or (c) 1 or 0 times per month (Low Attenders) …

Internal-External Control Of Reinforcement Versus Field Dependence-Field Independence, Robert Colclough

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Most authors have regarded the concepts of internal-external control and field dependence-field independence as two basically separate dimensions. However, in the area of personality, the two concepts may be related to a considerable degree. A review of the literature suggests that many of the same personality characteristics which can be attributed to internally controlled individuals are also common to field independent people. Also, those characteristics common to externally controlled people are found in field dependent individuals (Cardi, 1962; Franklin, 1963; Crowne & Liverant, 1963; Strickland, 1962; Getter, 1962; Gore, 1962; Elliot, 1961; Witkin, Lewis, Hertzman, Machover, Meissner, & Wapner, 1952*). …

Effects Of Container On Perception Of Product Quality, Wayne O. Miller

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Teacher Use Of Stimulus Discrimination And Response Cost As Techniques For Reducing Socially Maladaptive Student Behaviors In A Secondary Classroom, Thomas J. Doland

Master's Theses

The present study was designed to evaluate the use of two behavior modification techniques in modifying three inappropriate student behaviors in a secondary classroom. T'he two behavior modification techniques employed were 1) response cost, and 2) the teacher 's use of students' names as discriminative stimuli. The subjects were a D-section Junior English class consisting of fourteen boys and five girls of average intelligence, but who were under­ achieving academically. The contingencies were applied to all students, utilizing a multiple baseline design. In experimental condition I, the teacher informed the class that ten minutes of free time would be available …