We assessed the calming effect of doppel, a wearable device that delivers heartbeat-like tactile stimulation on the wrist. We tested whether the use of doppel would have a calming effect on physiological arousal and subjective reports of state anxiety during the anticipation of public speech, a validated experimental task that is known to induce anxiety. Two groups of participants were tested in a single-blind design. Both groups wore the device on their wrist during the anticipation of public speech, and were given the cover story that the device was measuring blood pressure. For only one group, the device was turned on and delivered a slow heartbeat-like vibration. Participants in the doppel active condition displayed lower increases in skin conductance responses relative to baseline and reported lower anxiety levels compared to the control group. Therefore, the presence, as opposed to its absence, of a slow rhythm, which in the present study was instantiated as an auxiliary slow heartbeat delivered through doppel, had a significant calming effect on physiological arousal and subjective experience during a socially stressful situation. This finding is discussed in relation to past research on responses and entrainment to rhythms, and their effects on arousal and mood.

Four job analysis methods––job elements, critical incidents, the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ), and task analysis––were empirically compared to assess their utility for personnel selection. Four job classifications were analyzed with each of the job analysis methods, yielding 16 separate reports. 64 government personnel selection specialists were assigned to each of the cells in the 4 by 4 design. Each S evaluated 1 report, developed an examination plan from it, and evaluated that plan. Occupational experts and researchers independently evaluated the exam plans, and exam plan contents were quantified for separate analysis. Results reveal that although the PAQ was the least costly method to apply, participants rated PAQ reports lowest. The critical incidents method resulted in examination plans that appeared to be somewhat higher in quality than plans derived from other methods. The methods, however, had relatively little impact on exam plan contents or the costs of developing exam plans. (15 ref)

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