No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A new methodological procedure has been developed based on the vigilance task for investigating attentional deficits. The subject is directed to respond to visual signals which occur randomly within a temporal sequence of visual events noted as a pattern of flashing lights. The procedures successfully differentiate between children with learning disabilities and normal control subjects. The procedure allows attentional deficits in children to be studied in such a way as to bring variables not previously controlled under experimental scrutiny. The procedure has potentialities as a diagnostic tool.

No abstract

Albino rats were raised from birth in an environment of music in an attempt to assess the effects of early exposure to specific musical forms on subsequent preference behavior. Ss were housed in groups in sound chambers. One group was exposed to selections of the music of Mozart for 12 hr. a day for 52 days; a second group to the music of Schoenberg. In the test situation when the Ss were given an opportunity to select Mozart or Schoenberg music, the Mozart Ss displayed a significant preference for Mozart music. No preference was found among the Schoenberg Ss or among the control Ss raised in a similar environment devoid of music. These results show that early exposure may influence later choice behavior and perhaps point to some attachment process analogous to imprinting. However, questions arise as to why only the Mozart Ss "imprinted." A poss.ible explanation for this is offered.

Optimum relocation of the brake relative to the accelerator can reduce stopping distance and may mean the difference between an accident and a near-accident. A driving simulator was used to examine efficiency of braking movement time. Movement times were measured for 60 participants (30 male, 30 female) in six different depth/lateral-separation conditions. Movement times were shown to improve as a result of moving the brake pedal from its typical heights above the accelerator to positions equal with and below the accelerator.

The effects of a visual distractor on vigilance task performance were examined in a sample of LD and normal children. The vigilance task provides quantitative measures of the attentional deficit which is characteristic of many LD children. The results support previous findings that LDs tend to have a lower correct detection rate and higher false alarm, or random response, rate than normals. Detailed analysis supported the idea that most of the differences between these two broad groupings of children could be attributed to the hyperactive LDs. The study provided further support for the notion that the parameters of constructs such as Learning Disability can be Investigated and brought under experimental control.