George Fitzsimmons

Differences in baseline EEG measures for ADD and normally achieving preadolescent males.

This study was designed as a replication of previous studies describing dynamic EEG differences between behaviorally dissimilar groups. This study is intended as a reference point from which other researchers can continue to establish the EEG correlates of “on-task” behavior. Eight Attention Deficit Disordered (ADD) children and eight Normally Achieving Controls (NAC) were assessed using dynamic EEG measures. Results are reported for the tasks of baseline (eyes open), reading, and drawing as recorded from FZ, CZ, PZ, C3, and C4. Significant amplitude differences between the groups were demonstrated in the theta band (4–8 hertz) during all tasks and for all sites. Amplitude differences in the beta band (12–20 hertz) were negligible. Differences between groups expressed as a ratio of theta/beta revealed significant differences mainly in the parietal region for on-task conditions. These results are discussed in relation to EEG neuro-feedback training paradigms and the importance of establishing normative “on-task” EEG values.

A multitrait-multimethod study of work-related needs, values, and preferences☆

Abstract The present study attempts an empirical integration of the constructs of needs, values, and preferences. The Minnesota Importance Questionnaire measuring needs, the Work Values Inventory assessing values, the Values Scale also assessing values, and the Work Aspect Preference Scale measuring preferences for aspects of work were completed by 439 postsecondary students. The relationship among eight traits that had common labels or operational definitions across all four instruments were examined in a multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) design ( D. T. Campbell & D. W. Fiske, 1959 , Psychological Bulletin , 56 , 81–105). The Campbell and Fiske criteria and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the MTMM matrix demonstrated substantial convergent and discriminant validity. A series of models was tested with CFA, and the overall findings suggested that the eight traits were more important than the four methods for explaining the variance in the MTMM matrix. It was concluded that the four instruments are measuring highly similar constructs.

Hot flushes during breast feeding

The initiation of breast-feeding was accompanied by an increase in skin conductance followed by increased skin temperature. The pattern was similar to that observed during a menopausal hot flush and differed from sympathetic arousal and simple heating.

A comparison of EMG feedback and alternative anxiety treatment programs

Four cohorts of 40 subjects each were randomly assigned to 1 of 10 treatment conditions utilizing EMG feedback, cognitive monitoring training, systematic desensitization, high expectancy discussion group, or waiting list controls either in isolation or in various combinations. A three-way ANOVA for repeated measures indicated that significant anxiety reductions were experienced in all noncontrol treatment conditions. Treatment groups employing EMG feedback demonstrated significantly greater anxiety decrements on Cattells IPAT Self-Analysis Form, and baseline frontalis EMG. Adding desensitization or cognitive monitoring to EMG feedback did not produce a more powerful effect than using EMG feedback alone. Sex and age differences were also observed. Some implications are discussed.

Adaptability and cohesion: Implications for understanding the violence-prone system

Most research on physical abuse in relationships has been conducted from the perspective of the individual. Data compiled on couples have been mostly aggregate in nature. The present study examines physical violence at the level of the relationship from the perspective of both individuals involved. Using the Circumplex Model of Family Functioning as the conceptual framework, 75 intact couples in a counseling agency completed the Conflict Tactics Scale and the FACES III inventory at intake. The purpose of the research was to define characteristics of violent couples in terms of adaptability and cohesion in the relationship as measured by the self-report questionnaires. Findings suggest that violent couples are significantly more rigid on the adaptability dimension of FACES III. However, contrary to suggestions that violent couples are enmeshed, the present results showed that they were significantly more disengaged as measured by FACES III. Implications of the findings for therapeutic intervention of violent couples is discussed.

An ecological study of the reliability of clinical judgment in executive appraisal

Abstract This research was a study of the reliability of clinical judgment findings (multitrait) across three different information sources (psychometric tests, structured interview, and psychometric tests and interview). Subjects ( N = 74) were middle and senior executives of Western Canadian technical companies; clinicians ( N = 3) were trained and experienced industrial psychologists. The study investigated the similarity of clinical evaluation of personological characteristics (based on an 18-factor multitrait paradigm) across the three different information sources. Subjects were independently rated by a single clinician on 18 criterion factors in each of the three information source categories. Test information source categories required the administration of approximately 12 hrs of standardized psychological assessment questionnaires to each of the 74 subjects. Interview source category involved a 1.5-hr structured interview per subject. Combined condition pooled both test and interview conditions. Generalizability of the findings was maximized by the undertaking of the experiment in a natural situation thus increasing ecological validity. Statistical treatments used were designed to assess the similarity of a clinicians evaluation of a subject based on the different category of information available about that client. Convergence (intrarater reliability) indexes range from a high of .64 to a low of .05. Results indicate a varying degree of convergence of multitrait clinical ratings dependent on clinician and trait being rated. Results are discussed in terms of implications for practitioners involved in executive personnel selection.

Women Preparing to Re-Enter the Workplace

Re-entry women have been conceptualized as a homogeneous group primarily due to their highly similar personality and demographic characteristics. Divorced, widowed, and separated women as well as low income women are increasingly found within re-entry populations. However, little is known about how these women may differ from the other subgroups of reentry women. To this end, the personality characteristics, life events, and work values of three subgroups of re-entry women were studied (Adapters, Explorers, Change Seekers). Results indicated that similarities and differences do exist within the re-entry population. The personality characteristics commonly ascribed to re-entry women as a group were not the same as those personality characteristics found to be significant among the three groups of re-entry women. Significant differences were found between subgroups on the Life Events Scale and on six of the twenty work values. The implications for career counselling are discussed.