Skin conductance responses of problem and non-problem gamblers to large and small magnitude wins

Abstract presented at the 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference, 20-22 Nov 2013, Wollongong, Australi

Matching-stimulus-interval affects the N2 and the P3: a principal components analysis

Abstract presented at the 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference, 20-22 Nov 2013, Wollongong, Australi

Sequential Processing and the Matching-Stimulus Interval Effect in ERP Components: An Exploration of the Mechanism Using Multiple Regression

In oddball tasks, increasing the time between stimuli within a particular condition (target-to-target interval, TTI; nontarget-to-nontarget interval, NNI) systematically enhances N1, P2, and P300 event-related potential (ERP) component amplitudes. This study examined the mechanism underpinning these effects in ERP components recorded from 28 adults who completed a conventional three-tone oddball task. Bivariate correlations, partial correlations and multiple regression explored component changes due to preceding ERP component amplitudes and intervals found within the stimulus series, rather than constraining the task with experimentally constructed intervals, which has been adequately explored in prior studies. Multiple regression showed that for targets, N1 and TTI predicted N2, TTI predicted P3a and P3b, and Processing Negativity (PN), P3b, and TTI predicted reaction time. For rare nontargets, P1 predicted N1, NNI predicted N2, and N1 predicted Slow Wave (SW). Findings show that the mechanism is operating on separate stages of stimulus-processing, suggestive of either increased activation within a number of stimulus-specific pathways, or very long component generator recovery cycles. These results demonstrate the extent to which matching-stimulus intervals influence ERP component amplitudes and behavior in a three-tone oddball task, and should be taken into account when designing similar studies

Elak jadi korban industri 4.0

Supervisors’ ratings of psychology trainees’ competence in field settings are a critical component of training assessment. There has been little systematic research regarding the validity of these assessments, but the available evidence suggests we have a problem! Supervisors’ judgments may be affected by systemic biases that pose a serious threat to assessment credibility. The current study is part of a research collaboration among six universities that endeavors to develop and evaluate a new method—the use of vignettes—against outcomes derived from a conventional rating scale. Individual vignettes were designed and subjected to a rigorous process of peer-review and revisions, before final vignettes were assigned calibration scores by a group of experts. A catalogue of vignettes (n = 41) that represent various domains of competence across several developmental stages was compiled. University and field supervisors used the conventional rating scale and the vignette-matching procedure (VMP) to evaluate competencies at end-placement. Data from a pilot (n = 20) and a follow-up study (n = 57) suggest that compared with a conventional rating scale, the VMP reduced leniency and halo biases. The VMP has the potential to improve outcomes of competency assessments in field placements and merits further research and development

Toward the science-informed practice of clinical supervision: the Australian context

Although supervision of clinical practice is mandatory for trainee psychologists, surprisingly little is known about the key ingredients of effective supervision and the relationship between supervision and patient outcomes. The purpose of this paper was to review current regulations that shape supervision in Australia and explore the links between these regulations and the components of effective supervision. Although recent developments including supervisor training and other quality control programs are an indication of progress, there are several empirical and conceptual issues in the supervision literature that require resolution. The second part of this paper identifies the gaps in the supervision literature and suggests steps to advance the development of a mature science of clinical supervision. The main areas requiring attention include the identification of the mechanisms by which supervision produces change in supervisees and their patients, the refinement of measurement methods and instrumentation, and the need to pursue collaborative research that maximises the generalisability of research findings

Psychophysiological changes associated with gambling behaviour on electronic gaming machines: the effects of gambling outcome, betting stakes and personality

It has been argued that electronic gaming machines (EGM) are extremely addictive, often described as the crack cocaine of gambling . Little research has been conducted on the psychophysiology of gambling behaviours. This study used state-of-the-art technology to investigate the effect of gambling outcome (wins and losses) and betting stake (high and low) on physiological responding. HR and SCL were recorded on a second-bysecond basis to win and loss events in high and low stake conditions while healthy controls (N=43) gambled on an EGM. The relationship between personality (impulsivity and reward/punishment sensitivity) and physiological responding to wins and losses were also investigated. Results indicated that psychophysiological measures were sufficiently sensitive to detect subtle changes in physiological responding. Wins resulting in SCL and HR increases, this pattern was amplified during the higher betting stake condition, for SCL only. Personality traits failed to demonstrate a relationship with physiological responding. The current study demonstrates that physiological changes associated with gambling on an EGM can be measured reliably, and are sensitive to gambling outcome and stake manipulations. The present study is an essential first step in determining whether problem gamblers can be identified by a physiologically distinctive pattern of responding to events on an EGM