Jay T. Shurley

Auditory dimensions and irrelevant information in concept identification of males and females

Auditory concept identification (CI) of males and females was studied under 4 degrees of complexity and 3 types of dimensions as sources of relevant information. CI was negatively influenced by complexity, and females performed better than males when laterality of CI signal was relevant. Interactions between dimensions were found; explanation of sex differences in CI was attempted.

Interpersonal relationships, job satisfaction, and subjective feelings of competence: their influence upon adaptation to Antarctic isolation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the influence of interpersonal relationships, job satisfaction, and subjective feelings of competence upon adaptation to Antarctic isolation. Work performance has been the primary criterion of adaptation used because each individual goes to the Antarctic to perform a particular job. Work also has special significance for the men at isolated Antarctic stations for many of their normal social roles—husband, father, and church member—are eliminated or restricted. Therefore, a mans job may assume importance, and his self-esteem may come to depend upon doing a good job and knowing that he is doing a good job. This situation creates a need within the individual for performance evaluation because of the jobs dual value as a source of satisfaction and as a source of social status. Social adaptation assumes a role of primary importance in determining both individual levels of adaptation and the overall effectiveness of the winter-over party. These value differences and special in-group loyalties may be superseded by a homogenizing process of adjustment resulting in a new microculture adapted to this extreme environment.

Psychological adjustment at a small Antarctic station: an MMPI study

Abstract A report of changes in performance on the 566-item, true or false, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory by the eight members of the 1967 Plateau Station winter-over party is made. At the first testing, station members were essentially within the range of normality except for two members who showed moderate depressive features. The station members who were initially “depressed” produced technically invalid scores at the second testing. For the group producing valid profiles on both occasions there were significant (p = 005 or greater) changes on three scales: Depression (D) decreased, Welshs Second Factor (R) was decreased, and Caudality (Ca) was increased. Some explanation of these findings is offered; however, the principal conclusions are limited to: (1) personality change during isolation has been documented but the meaning of the particular measures of change is unclear, and (2) the most important personality changes may be undocumented due to the development of uncooperativeness among persons experiencing the changes. Evidence of personality change seems sufficient to merit further investigation.

Sensory deprivation and operant conditioning of rats

The duration of partial sensory deprivation (SD) was varied to test the effects of SD upon subsequent bar-pressing response of white rats. There was a significant reduction in response rate as a function of SD. Some degree of adaptation was evident with longer periods of SD.

Social facilitation and sensory deprivation in operant behavior of rats

Female albino rats (N = 35) were used in a study designed to test the effects of social and solitary conditions 6 months before and during 40 hr. of sensory deprivation (SD). Significant social facilitation of operant behavior rates subsequent to SD was demonstrated. Results were compared to earlier findings; influences of illumination and the 6 month, pre-SD period were discussed.

Immunoglobulins during South Polar isolation

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the measurement of immunoglobulin concentrations in serum specimens obtained serially throughout the isolation period from a group of men who spent one year at the South Pole. Serial serum specimens were obtained through a period of one year from 16 men who spent the winter of 1969 at the Amundsen–Scott Base operated by the USA at the South Pole. These serums were obtained from fasting blood specimens, usually collected during the activity period that would correspond to morning, that is, the wake period following sleep. Specimens were divided into aliquots. They were frozen and maintained at −40°C or lower until tested. Serum immunoglobulins (Ig G, Ig M, and Ig A) were quantitated by a radial immunodiffusion technique utilizing commercial material. The chapter presents the immunoglobulin values on serums obtained at the beginning, the mid-point, and at the end of the polar isolation period.

Extinction of conditioned electrodermal changes and human information processing

An inhibitory effect of information load upon extinction of GSR of humans was reliably demonstrated. Antecedent failure on concept identification task reduced extinction rate of GSR as did complexity of a concomitant problem, in terms of bits of irrelevant information. Theoretical formulations regarding interaction of autonomic and cognitive functions in humans, in terms of Spence’s inhibitory set and cybernetic aspects of the brain, were postulated.

An Antarctic sleep and dream laboratory

Publisher Summary Electrophysiological recordings form the core data of quantitative and qualitative study of mans adaptation under polar conditions. This chapter discusses the problems and challenges of making psychophysiological recordings on magnetic tape usable during long-term exposure to the isolated, extreme, and stressful environment of Antarctica during 1967 and 1968. The Antarctic laboratory, particularly the South Pole station, offers a singular opportunity to acquire relevant psychophysiological data relating to mans adaptation under the distinctly unusual biological, psychological, and social conditions of Antarctic living. Life on the polar plateau is characterized by a multitude of stressful factors such as social deprivation and isolation because of suspension of mail service and supply deliveries during the long winter night. In addition, men are subjected to sensory and perceptual isolation, circadian cycle disruptions, hypoxia, low humidity, and extreme cold. The report presented in the chapter will help investigators in implementing the advance planning necessary for field projects in the Antarctic and in other exotic environments.

Sleep research in the Antarctic: why?

Publisher Summary Sleep research focuses on the relationships between sleep and wakefulness, the induction of sleep, the neural structures and mechanisms involved in the control of sleep, and the function of sleep. The results of sleep studies recently conducted at the South Pole suggest that the study of sleep patterns under the conditions peculiar to the Antarctic may assist in resolving these enduring problems, particularly in the area of mechanisms controlling sleep. The chapter discusses the potential Antarctic holds in contributing to the study of sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is considered phylogenetically the oldest phase or stage of sleep to be identified in mammals. REM sleep cycles are closely tied to the organisms metabolic rate and tend to manifest their influence in subtle ways, even during periods of wakefulness. Sleep ontogeny in the human infant may be interpreted as supporting the assumption that primitive sleep and waking possess similar features. The sleep–waking activity of the human neonate has a periodicity of approximately 60 minutes, which continues unbroken throughout the 24-hour period.