Showing papers by "Claremont Graduate University published in 1976"

Configurational effects in visual information processing

Abstract: These experiments show that the perceptual organization of a multielement display affects both the speed and accuracy with which a target letter in it is detected. The first two experiments show that a target is detected more poorly if it is arranged in good form (a perceptual Gestalt) with noise elements than if it is not. This effect is not confounded with target-noise proximity or display size, and it holds for stimuli terminated by the subject’s response as well as for stimuli of very brief duration. Increasing the number of noise elements can actually improve performance if the added noise elements increase the degree to which the noise elements form perceptual groups separately from the target. A third experiment tries out a new method for scaling the perceptual structure of an array, and it shows that the main features of the first two experiments can be predicted from the scaled perceptual structure of the arrays they used.

A Rachet Model of Advertising Carryover Effects

Abstract: Previous research [13, 16] has indicated that advertising expenditures in previous periods influence sales in the current period. Two types of carryover phenomena may be at work [11]. First, the delayed response effect occurs whenever there is an interval between the time the advertising expenditures are made and the time the resultant sales are recorded. Second, the customer holdover effect is operant whenever current advertising expenditures create new consumers who make repeat purchases in future periods. The carryover effect usually is measured by means of an econometric model. Sales (s) is expressed as a function of lagged values of the advertising variable (a). The sales response function is represented by a multiplicative functional form rather than a linear one in order to permit diminishing returns to scale. A log-log transformation makes this relationship linear:

From Church to Laboratory to National Park

Abstract: We offer here a presentation of conceptual and empirical refinements of Barker’s work on manning of behavior settings. The laboratory research followed an ecological, social systems approach in creating different conditions of manning and measuring their effects. Different manning levels produced differences in the subjective experiences of group members, but not in group performance or in patterns of verbal interaction. The manning levels to which they were previously exposed affected group members’ judgments of personnel requirements. Subsequent conceptual work has focused on behavior settings in which staff members provide services to clients. Effects of staffing and population levels on both types of setting occupants are considered in terms of McGrath’s stress model. Adaptive mechanisms designed to avoid problems of client overpopulation in service behavior settings are also discussed. Illustrations of research on these problems are provided by recent work in Yosemite National Park.

The Mathematics Clinic: An Innovative Approach to Realism Within an Academic Environment.

Abstract: Introduction. Recently much has been said and written about the mismatch between traditional academic training in mathematics (both at the undergraduate and graduate levels) and the current and predicted job market for mathematicians. Evidence of this mismatch is widespread. In [1] a steady decline in graduate mathematics enrollments, accompanied by a general shift of student interest toward applied mathematics, is reported. Several new MS and PhD programs are being initiated ([2], [3]) with emphasis on training for non-academic employment. Thought is being given to the special preparation needed to train mathematicians for industrial careers [4] and to the role of the industrial mathematician [5], and new courses in which industrial mathematics is simulated are being designed [6]. In this article we describe experience with a new course developed at the Claremont Colleges, in whi'ch industrial and governmental problems are addressed, studied, and solved by teams of students working under faculty supervision. This approach was pioneered within the Engineering Department at Harvey Mudd College, beginning with a pilot activity in 1964 and led to the formation of the Engineering Clinic at that College. During the current academic year, the Engineering Clinic will operate a wide variety of Clinic projects involving about 70 students each semester. The Mathematics Clinic is patterned after this highly successful model. In response to the changing national funding patterns and job markets, the Claremont Graduate School developed, in 1973, four new Master's programs aimed at training students for immediate employment in industry, government, and two-year college teaching. At the same time, joint BS and MA programs with the same objectives were developed in concert with several of the undergraduate Claremont Colleges. Three of these four concentrations involve various aspects of applied mathematics, and the notion of a Mathematics Clinic was deemed of central importance in these concentrations. A first project was operated at Harvey Mudd College during 1973-74. In 1974-75, the Mathematics Clinic was developed jointly by Claremont Graduate School and Harvey Mudd College, and during the current academic year, Clinic projects are being operated which involve an average of 20 students each semester. Reaction on the part of students, faculty, and Clinic clients is overwhelmingly positive so far. Student participation in real-world problems provides stimulation simply not achievable in a traditional classroom environment. Clients, too, feel excitement through participation in an educational venture which they judge to be more meaningful than conventional ones. In addition, relationships are formed which may very well lead to jobs for the students and to a reduction in expensive on-the-job training for the employer. Furthermore, Clinic projects produce income which not only covers average project expenses but also provides stipends for graduate students and helps to offset some overhead expenses. Income this year from the Engineering Clinic will total approximately $200,000, while income from the Mathematics Clinic will total about $50,000.

Personality Differences Between Persisters and Withdrawers in a Small Women's College.

Abstract: Differential effects of a particular small women's college environment on the attrition of its students were studied. Two separate entering classes, a total of 330Ss were classified into four categories, Persisters, Withdrawers, Academic Withdrawers, and Returners, and were compared on 35 personality and demographic characteristics, using as primary measures the 15 scales of the omnibus personality inventory. Conclusions, drawn from the data on persisters and withdrawers, were that: (a) no consistent differences appeared in demographic characteristics, (b) as hypothesized, students who withdrew were more complex and more autonomous, (c) the hypothesis that withdrawers would be more impulsive was not supported, and (d) as predicted, persisters differed from withdrawers on social introversion, intellectual disposition, and practical outlook. The study supports the thesis that important personality characteristics discriminate between persisters and withdrawers.

Self-Management of Personal Habits By Female Drug Addicts A Feasibility Study

Abstract: This investigation tested the feasibility of a nine-week program for training incarcerated female drug addicts in the use of self-management techniques, including self-monitoring and contingency management. Among 21 participants, 16 women completed a total of 17 projects which included: the self-control of smoking, calorie intake, fingernail biting, hair-twisting, and telling lies. All but one of the projects demonstrated an improvement in final performance compared to baseline levels. Two indirect behavioral measures suggested that subjects were methodical and honest in self-monitoring of responses. There was no evidence that subjects using tangible consequences for goal attainment made greater progress than those employing only self-praise or social-reinforcement.