Martha T. Mednick

Race, Social Class and the Motive to Avoid Success in Women

This study sought to examine race and social class differences in the expression of fear of success in women. This concept, termed the Motive to Avoid Success (M-s), was developed and utilized by Horner (1968) to explain sex differences in achievement motivation. In our study, M-s imagery expressed in response to TAT-verbal cues was compared for black and white college women and two social class levels. The hypothesis that black women would show less M-s than white women was supported. The findings held for subjects at two schools and for two verbal cues. Social class differences were not found. Several interpretations and suggestions for follow-up studies are given.

THE ORIGINS AND ACTIVITIES OF APA's DIVISION OF THE PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN

The activities of APAs Division of the Psychology of Women are traced from the origins of the Division in 1973 to the present. Division 35 evolved in response to pressures relating to the status of women in psychology as well as concerns about the content and practice of the psychology of women. The Division has fostered significant research on the psychology of women, been an important organizing base for women psychologists in their quest for visibility and influence, and provided institutional support for issues of diversity in psychology and society.

Currents and Futures in American Feminist Psychology: State of the Art Revisited

The intellectual development of feminist psychology is discussed in terms of social change that is affecting the discipline. The issues that seem important are the changing sex ratio, changes in the practice of psychology, decline of interest in the pursuit of academic/research careers, and the generally conservative tenor of society.

The Validity of the Ammons' Quick Test of Intelligence

The validity of the Quick Test was shown to be robust even though test administrators were relatively untrained.

Comparison of Two Administration Times for the Remote Associates Test

The Remote Associates Test (RAT) was administered to 41 graduate students in psychology and 26 graduate nurses; 30-min. and 40-min. scores were obtained from all Ss. Miller Analogies Test scores and graduate school grade point averages were available on most Ss. No significant change in the correlation between GPA and RAT resulted from shortened administration time, although the slight change was in the direction of a more positive relationship. Decreased administration time significantly raised the correlation between RAT and MAT for a heterogeneous group, but not for the more homogeneous group. With a decrease in administration time 22 to 27% of Ss fell in different thirds of the distribution than they did with the longer time limit. Shortening the administration period to 30 min. is unwise, particularly for heterogeneous samples.

Book Review: Women: A Feminist PerspectiveWomen: A Feminist PerspectiveFreemanJoPalo Alto, Calif.: Mayfield Publishing Co.,1979, 621 pp. (2nd ed.)

economist-political scientist of the current status of women in various social spheres. Data from many nations are utilized to show how the universal assignment of women to “the breeder-feeder” role continues to impede improvement of the lot of women. Newland demonstrates very effectively that feminist principles speak to all people but especially to poor women all over the world whose lives are most profoundly affected by their society’s assumptions about women‘s proper place and role. A bonus of this lively presentation of economic, political, and sociological dimensions of the problem i s that it is well written and utilizes little jargon, yet it does not stint on lucid presentation of factual material. I t s level and content are suitable for advanced undergraduates or graduate students in women’s studies courses.

Book Review: The Sisterhood of ManThe Sisterhood of ManNewlandK.New York: Norton1979. 242 pp.

This i s a “how to” book addressed to women, written for the mass market, It utilizes principles of behavioral analysis, assumptions about the importance of circadian fluctuations, and some common sense to provide a framework for self-management. Tennov carefully instructs the reader, who learns by charting her behavior, that she has cyclic variations in her levels of capability as well as activities that demand various levels of energy. and ability. Matching the two involves a careful analysis based on methodical record keeping, a crucial step in self-management. Tennov also applies the behavioral principles of baseline recording, shaping, antecedents, and reinforcement in her advice to those who wish to live more effectively. The suggestions are very useful for those who are discontented and feel that they are not fulf i l l ing their .promise. Illustrations from case histories are very real istic and appropriately presented. Of course, this is an analysis that focuses on individual change and even though it i s basically an environmental analysis, it does not speak to change that involves political and social action. This is an analysis that does not extend beyond managing one’s behavior in relation to social groups. These comments aside, the book i s readable, useful, and a good example of the application of laboratory findings to practical problems.

12.95 cloth,

This i s a “how to” book addressed to women, written for the mass market, It utilizes principles of behavioral analysis, assumptions about the importance of circadian fluctuations, and some common sense to provide a framework for self-management. Tennov carefully instructs the reader, who learns by charting her behavior, that she has cyclic variations in her levels of capability as well as activities that demand various levels of energy. and ability. Matching the two involves a careful analysis based on methodical record keeping, a crucial step in self-management. Tennov also applies the behavioral principles of baseline recording, shaping, antecedents, and reinforcement in her advice to those who wish to live more effectively. The suggestions are very useful for those who are discontented and feel that they are not fulf i l l ing their .promise. Illustrations from case histories are very real istic and appropriately presented. Of course, this is an analysis that focuses on individual change and even though it i s basically an environmental analysis, it does not speak to change that involves political and social action. This is an analysis that does not extend beyond managing one’s behavior in relation to social groups. These comments aside, the book i s readable, useful, and a good example of the application of laboratory findings to practical problems.