2007 Publications
Constellation, Uncertainty, and Incompleteness: Towards a Human(e) Science
Gabriel Rupp
University of Central Oklahoma
This paper argues there are significant "postmodern" responses to Enlightenment science's three primary characteristics of simplicity, generalizability, and verifiability. Specifically, Walter Benjamin's response to simplicity is constellation; Werner Heisenberg's response to generalizability is uncertainty, and Kurt Godel's response to verifiability is incompleteness. In each instance, three factors characterize the response: a determination of the epistemological inadequacy of the specific scientific characteristic, a reintroduction of the human into the equation for reality, and an expansion, not displacement, of the epistemological frame. By reframing each characteristic and its response as a type of Bohrian conceptual complement, this paper maintains both a humane science and science of the human is possible, a science that simultaneously invites a more exhaustive description of the human as well as provides a context for developing an ethical "techne of the self." Further, such a proposed human(e) science provides new directions for research in psychology, as well as suggests a therapeutic stance characterized by holistic understanding and client-based agency.
Gabriel Rupp
University of Central Oklahoma
This paper argues there are significant "postmodern" responses to Enlightenment science's three primary characteristics of simplicity, generalizability, and verifiability. Specifically, Walter Benjamin's response to simplicity is constellation; Werner Heisenberg's response to generalizability is uncertainty, and Kurt Godel's response to verifiability is incompleteness. In each instance, three factors characterize the response: a determination of the epistemological inadequacy of the specific scientific characteristic, a reintroduction of the human into the equation for reality, and an expansion, not displacement, of the epistemological frame. By reframing each characteristic and its response as a type of Bohrian conceptual complement, this paper maintains both a humane science and science of the human is possible, a science that simultaneously invites a more exhaustive description of the human as well as provides a context for developing an ethical "techne of the self." Further, such a proposed human(e) science provides new directions for research in psychology, as well as suggests a therapeutic stance characterized by holistic understanding and client-based agency.
| Constellation, Uncertainty, and Incompleteness: Towards a Human(e) Science |
Human Mate Selection Theory: An Integrated Evolutionary and Social Approach
Elizabeth G. Shoemake
University of Central Oklahoma
Current research into mate selection processes has developed under two main theoretical approaches: evolutionary and social structural. While the evolutionary approach favors behavior mediated through evolved dispositions, the social structural
approach is guided by cultural exchange and gender role expectations. The interpretation of empirical data within these two perspectives is reflected across the various dimensions of mate selection studies; particularly in the sexual differentiation of mate selection behaviors. Both theoretical models offer valuable insight into the mechanics of mate selection criteria; however, a combined theoretical approach provides a more thorough and comprehensive examination of the issue. Future research would benefit from a unified and multidimensional evolutionary and social structural approach.
Elizabeth G. Shoemake
University of Central Oklahoma
Current research into mate selection processes has developed under two main theoretical approaches: evolutionary and social structural. While the evolutionary approach favors behavior mediated through evolved dispositions, the social structural
approach is guided by cultural exchange and gender role expectations. The interpretation of empirical data within these two perspectives is reflected across the various dimensions of mate selection studies; particularly in the sexual differentiation of mate selection behaviors. Both theoretical models offer valuable insight into the mechanics of mate selection criteria; however, a combined theoretical approach provides a more thorough and comprehensive examination of the issue. Future research would benefit from a unified and multidimensional evolutionary and social structural approach.
| Human Mate Selection Theory: An Integrated Evolutionary and Social Approach |
Human Mate Preferences: Empirical Validation of Dual Sexual Strategies Using FANOVA
Robert D. Mather Mike Knight
University of Central Oklahoma University of Central Oklahoma
Editor's Note: Kelli Vaughn-Blount served as Action Editor for this article.
Dual sexual strategies in humans were tested according to Sexual Strategies Theory (Buss & Schmitt, 1993). Sixty-nine undergraduates used a computer task to rank twenty-four items of mate desirability. The experimental designs were two WW MANOVAs analyzed by participant sex. The dependent variable was a continuous latency of participant response on each item. The independent variable was the type of relationship situation (short-term versus long-term) presented. The results of the FANOVA were significant for Sex by Long-term, Sex by Short-term, and Female by Long-term. These results were consistent with the hypothesis. Evidence of dual sexual strategies was significant for both short-term and long-term strategies.
Robert D. Mather Mike Knight
University of Central Oklahoma University of Central Oklahoma
Editor's Note: Kelli Vaughn-Blount served as Action Editor for this article.
Dual sexual strategies in humans were tested according to Sexual Strategies Theory (Buss & Schmitt, 1993). Sixty-nine undergraduates used a computer task to rank twenty-four items of mate desirability. The experimental designs were two WW MANOVAs analyzed by participant sex. The dependent variable was a continuous latency of participant response on each item. The independent variable was the type of relationship situation (short-term versus long-term) presented. The results of the FANOVA were significant for Sex by Long-term, Sex by Short-term, and Female by Long-term. These results were consistent with the hypothesis. Evidence of dual sexual strategies was significant for both short-term and long-term strategies.
| Human Mate Preferences: Empirical Validation of Dual Sexual Strategies Using FANOVA |
Age and Driving Behavior: Contributions from Human Factors
Robert D. Mather
University of Central Oklahoma
Human factors research regarding age differences and similarities for driving and driving related-behaviors is reviewed. Specifically, cognitive phenomena relevant to driving, such as distraction, memory, navigation, target identification, the legibility of street signs, and judgment of collision are discussed. There is also a discussion of risk assessment and training to improve the useful-field-of view of older drivers, ultimately contributing to improvements in driving skills.
Robert D. Mather
University of Central Oklahoma
Human factors research regarding age differences and similarities for driving and driving related-behaviors is reviewed. Specifically, cognitive phenomena relevant to driving, such as distraction, memory, navigation, target identification, the legibility of street signs, and judgment of collision are discussed. There is also a discussion of risk assessment and training to improve the useful-field-of view of older drivers, ultimately contributing to improvements in driving skills.
| Age and Driving Behavior: Contributions from Human Factors |
Theory of Cognitive Dissonance as it Pertains to Morality
Rachel D. Graham
Oklahoma Christian University
Oklahoma Psychological Society Undergraduate Paper Winner 2007
Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance has not been adequately researched in its application to morality (i.e., a person may believe one way but act another). The present experiment sought to demonstrate the presence of cognitive dissonance after making a difficult decision concerning morality. The results are congruent with the literature, which indicates that people experience significant cognitive dissonance after making a difficult decision. Different types of moral dilemmas elicit differing levels of cognitive dissonance. The theory that a person may reduce cognitive dissonance by changing their thoughts or decisions was not supported by the results.
Rachel D. Graham
Oklahoma Christian University
Oklahoma Psychological Society Undergraduate Paper Winner 2007
Leon Festinger's theory of cognitive dissonance has not been adequately researched in its application to morality (i.e., a person may believe one way but act another). The present experiment sought to demonstrate the presence of cognitive dissonance after making a difficult decision concerning morality. The results are congruent with the literature, which indicates that people experience significant cognitive dissonance after making a difficult decision. Different types of moral dilemmas elicit differing levels of cognitive dissonance. The theory that a person may reduce cognitive dissonance by changing their thoughts or decisions was not supported by the results.
| Theory of Cognitive Dissonance as it Pertains to Morality |
Just Noticeable Difference and Tempo Change
Kim Thomas
University of Central Oklahoma
Rapid perception of change in environmental energy is important to survival. This study applies Weber's law to perception of tempo change using sound to simulate environmental energy shifts in a response time paradigm. 2 independent variables; beginning tempo and direction of change each have 2 levels; slow (43bpm) & fast (75bpm) and increasing or decreasing tempo, respectively. Participants were exposed to 4 listening conditions; slow-up, slow-down, fast-up and fast-down; in 2 blocks of 24 trials-48 total. Participants indicated a perceived change by clicking a wireless mouse. They verbally reported whether the perceived change was an increase or decrease. The measures recorded were the change in beats per minute (bpm) before detection. Results between beginning conditions were significantly different (p<.000) while the ratios remained stable, confirming Weber's Law in the perception of tempo change.
Kim Thomas
University of Central Oklahoma
Rapid perception of change in environmental energy is important to survival. This study applies Weber's law to perception of tempo change using sound to simulate environmental energy shifts in a response time paradigm. 2 independent variables; beginning tempo and direction of change each have 2 levels; slow (43bpm) & fast (75bpm) and increasing or decreasing tempo, respectively. Participants were exposed to 4 listening conditions; slow-up, slow-down, fast-up and fast-down; in 2 blocks of 24 trials-48 total. Participants indicated a perceived change by clicking a wireless mouse. They verbally reported whether the perceived change was an increase or decrease. The measures recorded were the change in beats per minute (bpm) before detection. Results between beginning conditions were significantly different (p<.000) while the ratios remained stable, confirming Weber's Law in the perception of tempo change.
| Just Noticeable Difference and Tempo Change |
Toward a Unified Social Psychology: The Integrative Social Paradigm
Robert D. Mather
University of Central Oklahoma
The Integrative Social Paradigm (ISP) is introduced as a framework for social psychology. The model has an underlying assumption that there are four interrelated conceptual levels with which social psychology deals: 1) intra-psychic processes (e.g., social cognition, beliefs, attitudes), 2) interpersonal processes (e.g., ongoing interaction, behavioral exchange, communication), 3) group processes (e.g., group decision-making, conformity processes), and 4) personality variables (e.g., self-concept, need to belong, extraversion/introversion). The main postulate of the ISP is that humans are social organisms, and thus all psychological processes serve to facilitate group interaction. Specialization within social psychology should be tempered by an awareness of other perspectives and levels of analysis. Researchers must strive to integrate multiple levels of explanation for each research hypothesis.
Robert D. Mather
University of Central Oklahoma
The Integrative Social Paradigm (ISP) is introduced as a framework for social psychology. The model has an underlying assumption that there are four interrelated conceptual levels with which social psychology deals: 1) intra-psychic processes (e.g., social cognition, beliefs, attitudes), 2) interpersonal processes (e.g., ongoing interaction, behavioral exchange, communication), 3) group processes (e.g., group decision-making, conformity processes), and 4) personality variables (e.g., self-concept, need to belong, extraversion/introversion). The main postulate of the ISP is that humans are social organisms, and thus all psychological processes serve to facilitate group interaction. Specialization within social psychology should be tempered by an awareness of other perspectives and levels of analysis. Researchers must strive to integrate multiple levels of explanation for each research hypothesis.
| Toward a Unified Social Psychology: The Integrative Social Paradigm |
A Q-Methodological Study of Attitudes about Women: From a Design by William Stephenson
April Phillips Mike Knight
Columbus State University University of Central Oklahoma
In this study we examine theoretical predictions about attitudes concerning women abduced by William Stephenson as an illustration of Q-Methodology (Stephenson, 1993). A Fisherian concourse consisting of 48 quotations about women was constructed and balanced across three dimensions: feelings, morality and reality. Twenty participants were asked to sort these quotations based on their attitudes about women in general. These data were then analyzed using a new procedure, called FANOVA, which combines factor analysis and the ANOVA. This analysis revealed two statistically unique factors. One of which represented a male point of view and one of which represented a female point of view. The results indicate that while males have a generally positive view of women, the female viewpoint is significantly more negative toward women in general.
April Phillips Mike Knight
Columbus State University University of Central Oklahoma
In this study we examine theoretical predictions about attitudes concerning women abduced by William Stephenson as an illustration of Q-Methodology (Stephenson, 1993). A Fisherian concourse consisting of 48 quotations about women was constructed and balanced across three dimensions: feelings, morality and reality. Twenty participants were asked to sort these quotations based on their attitudes about women in general. These data were then analyzed using a new procedure, called FANOVA, which combines factor analysis and the ANOVA. This analysis revealed two statistically unique factors. One of which represented a male point of view and one of which represented a female point of view. The results indicate that while males have a generally positive view of women, the female viewpoint is significantly more negative toward women in general.
| A Q-Methodological Study of Attitudes about Women: From a Design by William Stephenson |