Fred J. Thumin

The perception of the common cold, and other ailments and discomforts, as related to age.

Perception of the common cold and other discomforts was studied as a function of age among 456 normals ranging in age from 18 to 82. Respondents completed a questionnaire which dealt with the frequency and duration of their colds, their symptoms and treatments-and, finally, with the perceived severity of various discomforts. Though older Rs were found to suffer more than younger with body aches, the former had less difficulty with a variety of other physical and psychological symptoms-and also contracted relatively few colds. Older Rs treated their colds less often with Contac and Dristan, but more often by staying home and/or calling their doctor. As compared with younger Rs, older respondents perceived intestinal flu to be relatively less serious-but earache, sprained toe, indigestion, having a tooth filled, stiff neck, and hangover to be relatively more serious.

Corporate Values as Related to Occupation, Gender, Age, and Company Size

A mail survey was used to study the perceived importance of 15 corporate values among advertising personnel, CPAs, and business school professors. Excellent customer service, ethical behavior, and product quality were perceived as highly important by all groups. Political activity and contribution to the community were seen as relatively unimportant. There was general agreement that it was more important to make a fair profit than to maximize profits. A number of corporate values were significantly related to occupational group, gender, age, and company size.

The Mental Dexterity Test: A Study of Reliability and Validity.

The objective of the investigation was to ascertain the reliability and concurrent validity of a new omnibus mental ability test which has considerably more ceiling than do most group intelligence tests, and which is proposed for use either as a speed or power device, once the appropriate norms are established. When administered to 184 college students under untimed conditions, the test was found to have a split-half reliability coefficient of .84 and a KR-20 reliability coefficient of .85. Regarding validity, the test correlated significantly with grades assigned in the classes which participated in the study (.26) and also with cumulative grade point average based on all courses taken at the university (.40).

Predictor Validity as Related to Criterion Relevance, Restriction of Range, and Ethnicity

Abstract Among 139 Western Union operators, a job-oriented spelling test correlated highly (-.53) with spelling errors in messages. Findings were attributed to criterion relevance (the use of actual work samples) and to relatively good criterion reliability (.70). There was no evidence of single-group or differential validity. The spelling test also correlated significantly with the performance of new operators during training. A numerical test correlated significantly with training performance and with errors in messages sent by experienced operators. The trait of cooperativeness was significantly related to customer complaints. Emphasis was given to the importance of correcting for range restriction (and of developing relevant and stable criteria) to ascertain the true value of a predictor.

Factor Analysis and Reliability of the Mental Dexterity Test

The primary objective of the present study was to factor analyze a recently developed mental ability test in order to develop verbal and numerical subtesrs—then to establish the reliability of the subtests (and of the test as a whole) using 97 advanced college students as Ss. Using a varimax rotation, some 34 factors were extracted, the most prominent two factors being verbal and numerical in nature. Based mainly on factor-loadings, two subtests were developed—a 50-item verbal comprehension test and a 30-item numerical ability test. The KR-20 reliability coefficients for the verbal and numerical subtests were .89 and .82 respectively, whereas that for the entire 100-item test was .93.

CORRELATIONS FOR A NEW PERSONALITY TEST WITH AGE, EDUCATION, INTELLIGENCE, AND THE MMPI-2 '

To gain better understanding of a new personality test (The Self-perception Test), scores on its 11 scales were correlated with age, education, and intelligence among 76 candidates for hire or promotion—and with the MMPI-2 among 45 additional candidates. As age increased, subjects perceived themselves to be less wild and sexy but more logical, thorough, and honest. With increasing intelligence, subjects appeared somewhat less inclined to “fake good.” The L and K scales of the MMPI-2 correlated negatively with the unfavorable Self-perception Test scales (Depressed, Crabby, and Shy), but positively with the favorable scales (Good-looking, Sociable, Thorough, Logical, Considerate, and Honest). The reverse was true of the F, Pt, Sc, and Si scales. The Depression scales of the MMPI-2 and the new test were not significantly correlated, probably because they measure depression differently (viz., indirectly vs directly) and because subjects were job applicants rather than clinical patients.

A Semantic Differential Study of the Yin-Yang Symbol

Summary The inherent meanings of the ancient and culturally significant symbol known as the Yin-Yang was investigated by having 242 students rate it on the Semantic Differential. The investigation further explored the meanings of the symbol as it might relate to Jungs controversial concept of the archetype. The results indicated that the qualities of the symbol supported the concept of the Yin-Yang archetype and, surprisingly, these were consistent with Jungs concept of the anima and animus.

Age differences in perceptions of the common cold and other ailments and discomforts.

Perception of the common cold and other discomforts was studied as a function of age by conducting telephone interviews with a systematic random sample of 430 respondents residing in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Information was obtained on the frequency and duration of colds, the symptoms and treatments of colds, and on the perceived severity of various discomforts. Older individuals had fewer colds than younger individuals and suffered relatively little head congestion, fever, and fatigue. In treating colds, older respondents tended to stay home, whereas younger individuals more often drank fluids and used Contac. As compared with younger respondents, older respondents perceived the two-day intestinal flu and having a wisdom tooth pulled to be relatively less serious, but a sprained ankle as relatively more serious. Implications were noted for the medical practitioner and consumer psychologist.

Performance on Tests of Power and Speed as Related to Age among Male Job Applicants

A number of ability tests were administered to 187 male job applicants ranging in age from twenty to fifty-three years. When test-performance was compared across age groups, no significant differences were found on tests of mental ability, numerical ability, reading speed and comprehension, and mechanical comprehension. On one of two verbal comprehension tests, scores increased significantly as a function of age. Moreover, the older individuals were not penalized in any way by tests which emphasized speed as opposed to power. The findings were discussed in connection with the generally negative stereotype of the aging worker.