Gerald D. Gibb

Differences in Eye-Hand Motor Coordination of Video-Game Users and Non-Users

The recent proliferation of electronic video games has caused an outcry from those who question the merits of the games, while others maintain the games improve eye-hand coordination. At present, no empirical data are available to indicate whether there are differences in eye-hand coordination between video game users and non-users. Comparing 31 video game users and 31 non-users showed users have significantly better eye-hand motor coordination on a pursuit rotor. However, no relationship was found between an individuals eye-hand motor coordination and the amount of time spent weekly playing video games or the length of experience with video games.

Personality Differences Between High and Low Electronic Video Game Users

Summary In recent months a controversy has emerged in the United States over the possible effects video game usage has on the individual personality. At present no empirical data exist to indicate whether there are any personality differences between high- and low-use video game players. High and low users of video games (N = 280) were compared by sex. No significant differences were found between groups for either sex on the personality dimensions of: 1) self-esteem–self-degradation, 2) social deviancy–social conformity, 3) hostility–kindness, 4) social withdrawal–gregariousness, 5) obsessive–compulsive, and 6) achievement motivation. Correlations between the six personality variables and the weekly amount of time spent playing video games yielded no significant relationships for either sex. Correlations between the variables and length of experience with video games indicated that females with longer experience were more achievement motivated than females with lesser experience.

The Measurement of the Obsessive-Compulsive Personality

The present study presents information regarding the development and validation of a new personality instrument which is intended to measure the degree of obsessive-compulsive traits. Data indicate that the instrument shows both promising reliability and concurrent validity. Developed primarily for research purposes, the scale may have therapeutic assessment applicability in a clinical setting.

Use of a Behavior-Based Personality Instrument in Aviation Selection

This study evaluated a behavioral-based personality instrument currently used by a branch of the United States Armed Forces in their experimental aviation selection battery. The instrument, the Dot Estimation Task (DOT), was designed to measure compulsiveness versus decisiveness. The reliability and validity of this experimental instrument was evaluated. One hundred and fifty three university undergraduate students were administered the DOT and either of two paper-and-pencil compulsivity instruments in a counterbalanced design. Four weeks later, 90 subjects were retested on the DOT and the alternate compulsivity instrument. The results indicate that the DOT has a test-retest reliability of .64 but has no relationship to either compulsivity measure.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RECIDIVISTS AND CONTRACEPTORS ALONG THE DIMENSIONS OF LOCUS OF CONTROL AND IMPULSIVITY

Abstract The research examined personality differences between repeat aborters, initial aborters, and nulliparas. A review of the literature in the area has documented the demographic characteristics of women who continually seek repeated abortion. This study was an attempt to differentiate between women who contracept from those who seek abortion repeatedly on the basis of personality differences. The findings indicate that repeaters who seek abortion at the time of personality testing perceive themselves low in impulsivity, a finding similar to that for women who. have never been pregnant and are seeking contraceptive services. Results are examined from the perspective of inaccurate vs accurate self-perceptions. No differences were found with respect to locus of control.