Research on stereotype threat has repeatedly demonstrated that the intellectual performance of social groups is particularly sensitive to the situational context in which tests are usually administered. In the present experiment, an adaptation of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test was introduced as a measure of cognitive ability. Results showed that individuals targeted by a reputation of intellectual inferiority scored lower on the test than did other people. However, when the identical test was not presented as a measure of cognitive ability, the achievement gap between the target and the control group disappeared. Using heart rate variability indices to assess mental workload, our findings showed that the situational salience of a reputation of lower ability undermined intellectual performance by triggering a disruptive mental load. Our results indicate that group differences in cognitive ability scores can reflect different situational burdens and not necessarily actual differences in cognitive ability.
On the basis of the theoretical distinction between self-centeredness and selflessness (Dambrun and Ricard, 2011), the main goal of this research was to develop two new scales assessing distinct dimensions of happiness. By trying to maximize pleasures and to avoid displeasures, we propose that a self-centered functioning induces a fluctuating happiness in which phases of pleasure and displeasure alternate repeatedly (i.e., Fluctuating Happiness). In contrast, a selfless psychological functioning postulates the existence of a state of durable plenitude that is less dependent upon circumstances but rather is related to a person’s inner resources and abilities to deal with whatever comes his way in life (i.e., Authentic–Durable Happiness). Using various samples (n = 735), we developed a 10-item Scale measuring Subjective Fluctuating Happiness (SFHS) and a 13-item scale assessing Subjective Authentic–Durable Happiness (SA–DHS). Results indicated high internal consistencies, satisfactory test–retest validities, and adequate convergent and discriminant validities with various constructs including a biological marker of stress (salivary cortisol). Consistent with our theoretical framework, while self-enhancement values were related only to fluctuating happiness, self-transcendence values were related only to authentic–durable happiness. Support for the distinction between contentment and inner-peace, two related markers of authentic happiness, also was found.
In this study, we analysed the distribution of the intermediate filament peripherin in the developing cochlea of the rat. At gestational day 16, weak immunolabeling was observed in neuronal somas throughout the spiral ganglion. At gestational day 20, the peripherin labeling increased in intensity throughout the spiral ganglion. At gestational day 20, the peripherin labeling increased in intensity throughout the cochlea but became especially strong in some ganglion neurons of the basal turn. Homogeneous immunolabeling was observed throughout the spiral ganglion of the apical turn. Double immunofluorescence labeling of the prenatal cochlea with peripherin and neurofilament (NF) antibodies revealed colocalization on the same structures. By postnatal day 3, the peripherin labeling intensity had decreased in the majority of spiral ganglion neurons, but remained strong in some cells of the basal turn. Only a few neurons continued to be immunolabeled into adulthood that correspond to Type II spiral ganglion neurons expressing both NF protein and peripherin, two classes of intermediate filament proteins. In the organ of Corti, the first immunolabeling was observed on gestational day 20 as peripheral fibers reaching the receptor cells. Positive fibers were observed below both inner (IHCs) and outer (OHCs) hair cells. At birth and at postnatal day 3, peripherin immunolabeling was still observed below both IHCs and OHCs. By postnatal day 4, peripherin labeling became more dominant in fibers below OHCs, but some immunoreactivity was still present below IHCs. No immunoreactivity was present in the intraganglionic spiral bundle (IGSB) fibers containing the olivary complex efferent fibers before birth. A few days after birth some fibers of the IGSB started to be immunoreactive.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.