Charles W. Cole

Non-Linearity of Self-Concept Discrepancy—The Value Dimension

25 adolescent behavior-problem females were compared in terms of perceived self-ideal discrepancy with 12 female Ss who had no history of behavior problems. The mean discrepancy scores of the two groups were not different; however, greater variability was found for Ss with behavior problems. Some Ss with behavior problems rated the self higher than the ideal self. Thus, the relationship of self-ideal discrepancies to disturbance may be curvilinear; extremely high or low discrepancies may be indicative of maladjustment.

Measurement of Stimulus-Specific Anxiety

284 Ss were administered an experimental scale which attempts to measure the anxiety-arousing properties of specific stimulus situations. Three concepts, preselected for assumed differences in stimulus properties, -were discriminated. It was concluded that the scale may be used to explore the prediction of avoidance behaviors in individuals.

Consumption of ethanol as a function of sensory isolation

Abstract After 10 days of accommodation and a 16-day period in which drinking base rates were established for all S s, the relative consumption of either water or an alcohol solution was observed in two groups of rats for 14 consecutive days. The group maintained in the normal cage environment showed a marked and stable preference for water; the group placed in sensory isolation reversed their water-alcohol solution consumption as a function of isolation. These results were inconsistent with predictions derived from activation-level theory and were interpreted as supporting the concept of a neurochemical mechanisms sensitive to level of stimulus input as a factor in absolute consumption as well as relative preference for ethanol.

Research in a community health center: A framework for action.

AbstractResearch and evaluation is a central part of the program of the Southeast Wyoming Mental Health Center. An evaluation team of four consultants is used for (1) continuing review of Center goals, (2) developing record forms and systems for processing demographic data, (3) creation of instrumentation and research design for study of individual projects, and (4) analysis of data and writing and publication of reports. The team is closely integrated into the overall planning of Center activities. Benefits include refined programming, increased staff effectiveness, and improved feedback to the community. This procedure creates a close interaction between the Center staff and the Evaluation Team in planning both the various projects and the associated research. The benefits of this collaboration include improved research design, increased communication of project goals, and an acceptance and understanding of the purpose of research instrumentation by the staff.

Meaning Discrimination: The D4m and D4mF Measures

D4m and D4mF are presented as empirical designations of meaning. D4m is the difference score and D4mF is the variance ratio for semantic differential D4 ratings of high and low m stimuli. D4m has been used in previous studies. D4mF is a new statistic.

A case study in community agency visitation

Two staff members of a mental health center were asked a series of questions about the role of a community welfare agency, its personnel, and their functions, both before and after one of them visited and worked within the agency. Changes in factor scores of a semantic differential to various staff and agency concepts were also assessed. The visitant showed considerable change, suggesting increased identification with the agency, its personnel, and its goals. The evaluation procedure itself appeared to make the visitation more effective.