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- Creator:
- Kakos, Bernadette
- Description:
- There is very little literature available regarding the relationship between neuropsychological functioning of a patient with cognitive impairment and his/her caregiver's leyel of stress or burden. The purpose of the present study was to examine the burden caregiyer's of patients with cognitive impairment experience as a function of the patient�s neuropsychological test scores and their functional abilities. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with mild cognitive impairment were recruited from community hospitals and clinics in the Los Angeles area. Patients were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery designed to assess the following cognitive domains: memory, attention, and information processing speed. The patients were also administered an observation based activities of daily living test which assess seven different areas of functioning, including ability to shop, grooming, carry out financial tasks, communication and understanding of transportation rules. Twenty-nine caregivers of the patients were administered a 24-item burden inventory, which is designed to assess their level of stress and physical and emotional burden in caring for the patient. Results: Bivariate correlation analyses were conducted between patients test scores and the caregiver burden measures. The analyses revealed a relationship between a specific neuropsychological domain and the caregiver measure. Specifically, the lower the verbal processing ability, the verbal memory, and functional ability of the patient, the greater the caregiver reported their stress or burden level to be. Interestingly, specific activities of daily living domains, such as transportation, appeared to cause the greatest burden in caregivers. Conclusion: The results from the current study suggest that neuropsychological test scores of cognitively impaired patients can be used when predicting the burden of care a caregiver is likely to experience. Further implications from this study are that we can assist healthcare providers in tailoring specific support programs for caregivers of patients with specific cognitive deficits.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Steers, William Neil
- Description:
- A study was conducted for the purpose of demonstrating the effects of sex of subject, sex of target person, attributes of the target person, and search stage on the order and amount of information accession during the impression formation process. Equal numbers of male and female subjects were given the opportunity to access appearance, behavior, and trait information about either male or female targets. The targets and their attributes were represented in an information board, which is a matrix with each row representing a different target person, and each column representing either an appearance, behavior, or trait attribute of the target. Each cell contained cards with information regarding how the attribute in the column characterized the person in the row. Subjects were given the task of choosing which target impressed them most favorably by removing cards from the cells of their choice and reading the information printed on the cards. Two quadruple interactions were hypothesized. Male subjects were hypothesized to search a greater amount of appearance information about female targets in the first search stage than subjects in all other experimental conditions. Male subjects were also hypothesized to conduct a higher within-attribute search when searching appearance information about female targets in the first stage than subjects in all other conditions. Neither of these hypotheses was confirmed. It was found that subjects executed a higher within-target search in the second search stage than the first. The effect of subject sex on search sequence and the effect of attribute type on search depth were tested post hoc. It was found that females conducted a higher within-target search than males. Surprisingly, an overall preference for searching trait information than appearance or behavior information was also found. Results are discussed in light of existing models of information search.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Morawiec, Risako
- Description:
- Past studies have shown mixed results in the effect of presenting information in visual and auditory modalities on students' learning. Some studies suggest that presenting information in visual and auditory modalities provides more resources to working memory and thereby improves the learning process (Feinbergm & Murphy, 200; Kalyuga et al. , 2000; Mayer, 2001; Moreno & Mayer, 199, 2002). Some other studies suggest using Cognitive load theory (CLT) that redundant auditory and visual information increases cognitive load and interferes with learning (Kalyuga, et al., 2004; Mayer, 2001 ; Mayer & Moreno, 2002, 2003). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of different multimedia presentation styles on participants' learning performance. The participants were 85 undergraduate university students, and they were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions or the control group. The control group received narration only. The first independent variable is an on-screen text density, including on-screen keyword text and on-screen summary text. The second independent variable is on-screen text segmentation, including small-chunked versus continuously presented on-screen text. Dependent variables are subjective rating of cognitive load, a recall test, and a problem solving transfer test. It was hypothesized that on-screen text groups would experience less cognitive load and would outscore the other groups in overall total test scores. Among on-screen text groups, those who received the keyword presentation were predicted to report less cognitive load and scores higher in overall test scores than those who received summary presentations. Also, it was hypothesized that the segmented presentation groups would experience less cognitive load and outperform in overall test scores than the continuous presentation groups. One way ANOVA and 2x2 between-subjects ANOVA revealed that there were no significant differences between the five groups. The study was not conclusive in terms of recommending effective ways of multimedia presentation styles using both onscreen text and narration. Future studies should examine the same variables with different presentations or other ways to improve learning using multimedia presentations.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Anderson, James Edward
- Description:
- This evaluation focused on accessing word-processing functions by testing the efficiency of predetermined key combinations often called "accelerator-commands," "keyboard-equivalents," or "keyboard-shortcuts." Only the alpha-key component of accelerator-command key combinations has previously been addressed by user interface guidelines (International Business Machines Corporation., 1992; Apple Computer Inc., 1987; Digital Equipment Corporation, 1988). This evaluation focused on two other accelerator-command components: accelerator-keys and the shift-key. The evaluation compared key combination assignment principles using a three by three between-subject design. The accelerator-key assignment principle was the first dimension with three conditions: using one accelerator-key, using multiple accelerator-keys for added mnemonics, and using multiple accelerator-keys for categories. The shift-key assignment principle was the second dimension with three conditions: not using the shiftkey, using the shift-key for added mnemonics, and using the shift-key for related commands. Each cell had different key combinations for the 60 commands. The subjects were to press the correct key combination when presented with a definition of the command. The test ended when the subject pressed the correct key combination 19 of 20 times (95% correct responses) in a single trial. None of the overall measures, trials to 95 percent, percentage correct on first trial, or total errors, were significantly different on any dimension. The principles used to predict the overall results including the Category Coding Principle, the Number Of Accelerator-Keys Principle, the Number of Shift-Keys Principle, the Related Coding Principle, and the Mnemonic Principle have the following flawed assumption in common: that by reducing a targeted type of component error (accelerator-key errors, shift-key errors, or alpha-key errors) the overall number of errors will be reduced. The results of the component error measures (accelerator-key errors, shift-key errors, and alpha-key errors) give application designers the following strategies to help predict the key combinations that are more likely to cause users to have the different kinds of component errors: � Key combinations that are more likely to have accelerator-key errors can be predicted better by using the Category Coding Principle than by using the Number Of Accelerator-Keys Principle. � Key combinations that are more likely to have shift-key errors can be predicted better by using the Number of Shift-Keys Principle than by using the Related Coding Principle. � Key combinations that are more likely to have alpha-key errors can be predicted using the Mnemonic Principle. By using the previous strategies to predict the key combinations that will have the most component errors, the following guidelines could be used by application designers to reduce the frequency of component errors if they can predict the frequency with which individual commands will be used: � To reduce the frequency of accelerator-key errors, 1) assign the most frequently used functions to key combinations using the primary accelerator-key and assign the less frequently used functions to a secondary accelerator-key or 2) use the Category Coding Principle. � To reduce the frequency of shift-key errors, 1) assign the most frequently used functions to key combinations without the shift-key and assign the less frequently used functions to key combinations with the shift-key or 2) use the Category Coding Principle for the shift-key. � As previously stated in the guidelines, to reduce the frequency of alpha-key errors, assign the most frequently used functions to mnemonic key combinations and assign the less frequently used functions to non-mnemonic key combinations.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Prenovost, Linda M.
- Description:
- The goal of the present study wa'i to uncover interrelationships among sexual orientation, sex, attitudes toward women's roles in society, and level of dietary restraint. It was hypothesized that sexual orientation, attitudes toward traditional gender roles, and sexual self-esteem would be at least as highly associated with restraint as gender. Other expected relationships predicted that participants who seek male sexual acceptance (homosexual men and heterosexual women) would report higher restraint and lower sexual self -esteem than their counterparts and, in addition, high restraint levels were expected to relate to women who had been raised or lived inside the U.S. as opposed to women from other countries. A questionnaire was administered to volunteers at CSU, Northridge which contained the Restraint Scale, Attitudes Towards Women Scale, the Sexual Self-Esteem Scale, questions pertaining to sexual orientation, as well as demographic items. The useable sample consisted of 183 cases (60 men and 122 women; 13 homosexual and 170 heterosexual respondents). Results were found to be unreliable due to a lack of power; however the arithmetic means of the hypotheses involving restraint and the respondents seeking male acceptance and their estimation of their sexual self-esteem were in the predicted directions. Supplementary analyses revealed that, in addition to the small representation of homosexual participants, the sample also lacked respondents who were restrained eaters. A more powerful sample would be expected from a more directed purposive sampling procedure. Finally, principal components analyses with oblique rotation were performed on the Restraint Scale and Sexual Self-Esteem Scale respectively. The factor structure of the Restraint Scale supported the pre-established structure (two factors: concern for dieting and weight fluctuation) and the structure of the latter scale revealed only one component. It was recommended that the items pertaining to the factor, weight fluctuation, be re-constructed to reflect purer measures of dieting and binging behaviors separately since fluctuations of weight are generally the result of a combination of dieting and overeating.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Metchikian, Karyn L.
- Description:
- The responses of 10 mothers reported for child abuse, 12 reported for child neglect, and 12 comparison mothers, were compared on the Parenting Stress Index/Short Form (PSI/SF), the Expectations subscale of the Parent Behavior Checklist, and the Abuse subscale of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP Inventory). The abuse and neglect group mothers had significantly higher scores than comparison mothers on the CAP Inventory; the neglect group had significantly higher stress scores than the comparison group on the PSI/SF; there were no group differences in terms of mothers' expectations for their child's behavior. Stress was a significant predictor of child abuse potential on the CAP Inventory. Post hoc analyses indicated that neglectful mothers reported the use of significantly more discipline and less nurturing with their children than comparison mothers. This study indicates that mothers with high stress levels would benefit from preventive services aimed at the reduction of future maltreatment rates.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Farris, Al’Lisha
- Description:
- Throughout my life, growing up as an African American, I desired to gain answers to where my ancestors came from. The purpose of this self-study is to explore the role ancestry and the collective unconscious may have played in answering my question of ancestry. I explore the appearance of themes and imagery in dreams and artwork, paired with depth processing methods in order to determine if the unconscious has worked to bring an intuitive connection between myself and my ancestral origins, as revealed through my ancestry test results. This work is a representation of my journey of ancestral revelation and the role of the collective unconscious in self-discovery and reconnection with my soul. My findings reveal a connection between the archetypal symbols of the serpent, the golden orb, the Sankofa and my ancestral connection to Ghana.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Sonoma
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Constantino, Michael
- Description:
- Purpose of the Study: This thesis explores human evolution from a holistic, transpersonal, and psychospiritual perspective in attempt to answer a central question: What is necessary to restoring humanity’s relationship to nature amid our current ecological crisis? Humanity’s loss of interdependence with nature is examined within a context of trauma and an indigenous equivalent of soul loss at the individual, collective, planetary, and cosmic levels. Methods: This study utilizes peer-reviewed literature and triangulation from Jungian, indigenous, and transpersonal psychologies, which, as theoretical disciplines, offer insights that illustrate the importance of engagement with the sacred via the soul. An interdisciplinary approach is also used – drawing from the integral philosophy of Jean Gebser (1966/1986); the historical and cultural critique of Morris Berman (1981/1989); the mystery tradition of alchemy; somatic-based trauma literature; and contrasting views of traditional and contemporary science. Research methods of triangulation, reflexivity, phenomenology, and radical empiricism are used as means of measuring validity. Findings: Humanity’s lack of response to the ecological crisis may be the result of unrecognized individual and collective trauma, signified by a deepening separation from nature, loss of feeling, and symptoms of dissociation. These can be defined as traumatic conditions. When examined from an integral and psychospiritual perspective their interdependence and unconscious and transpersonal nature can be uncovered. Conclusions: This study sheds light on three areas: (1) the importance of psychospiritual and holistic considerations in human evolution, (2) a reexamination into the causes and remedies of our current ecological crisis, and (3) a reevaluation of the relevance of the psychospiritual interface, the interplay between psychological and spiritual phenomena and their involvement in the evolutionary process. The transpersonal and psychospiritual fields are often marginalized as unscientific but may be more relevant to true scientific inquiry than previously thought.
- Resource Type:
- Masters Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Sonoma
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Mandel, Jerrold L.
- Description:
- This study represents an attempt to assess the relationship between unclear communication and deviant behavior. It was hypothesized that as stimuli became less discriminable, and the consequences of responses became less predictable, behavior would become less efficient, and more inappropriate responses would be observed. To test this hypothesis, four groups of Ss from a prep school were given a verbal learning task consisting of lists of paired associates with two levels of discriminability. Ss were required to learn one of the lists to a criterion of one perfect trial. Upon reaching criterion, either 50% or 100% reversal was instituted. Following institution of reversal, all Ss were given two additional test trials. This study was replicated using students from a remedial school, in order to test for the influence of behavioral problems upon performance level in this task. The study yielded a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design with two levels of discriminability, and two levels of reversal, using Ss from both schools. Three dependent variables were measured on all Ss: trials to criterion, number of errors after reversal was instituted, and number of inappropriate responses during reversal. The results supported the major hypotheses. The groups given the less discriminable word list showed a greater number of trials to criterion than those given the more discriminable list. The groups given 50% reversal showed more errors and inappropriate responses than the groups given 100% reversal. There were no statistically significant differences in performance between the two schools.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology
- Creator:
- Sharp, Tilghman
- Description:
- Forty-six depressed and anxious cardiac patients who had suffered myocardial infarction and/or bypass surgery were given twelve weekly sessions of either supportive or behavioral therapy. Patients completed a battery of psychological assessments at five different time periods, before therapy, at the completion of therapy, and at three, nine and fifteen month follow-ups. A combined standard-hierarchical multiple regression was used to determine if certain selected variables could predict success in therapy at each of the four post-therapy time periods. Two of the individual variables, Global Severity Index and Expectations were significant predictors. Taking the eleven variables as a group, strong prediction prediction was obtained, with predictable variance in therapy success increasing from 44% at the conclusion of therapy to 72% at the fifteen month follow-up. Further research is indicated with a larger group of patients in order to investigate a more diverse socioeconomic group and to further study the best combination of predictor variables. Cardiac patients form a group that is continuously at risk for further heart problems, therefore maintenance of the best possible quality of life, with the least amount of stress, is important for this population.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Psychology