PSI CHI Journal of Psychological Research
Volume 10.2 | Summer 2005

RESEARCH ARTICLES

Memory for Computer-Generated Graphics: Boundary Extension in Photographic
vs. Computer-Generated Images
Gale M. Lucas, Bennett Rainville, Priya Bhan, Jenna Rosenberg, Kari Proud,
and Susan M. Koger, Willamette University

ABSTRACT: Boundary extension, the tendency to remember more of an image than was originally presented, has been shown to occur for a variety of stimuli. The present investigation sought to determine if boundary extension occurs with greater or lesser frequency for computer-generated graphics compared to photographs. Experimenters presented participants with both types of images on computer screens, and a recognition test measured errors of boundary extension and restriction. Findings showed that boundary extension occurred more often for computer-generated images than for photographs of real-world objects, but there was no difference in boundary restriction. These results add support for the extension-normalization model of boundary extension. Moreover, they demonstrate that boundary extension and restriction do occur for simple novel computer-generated stimuli.

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A World of Their Own: Acculturation and Views on War and Interpersonal Violence Among Adult Mennonites
Allyson Meloni, Marie Helweg-Larsen, Jacquelyn M. MacDonald, and Aya Inoue, Dickinson College

ABSTRACT: Research shows that the degree of acculturation may affect individuals' views within a given culture as more acculturated individuals may hold values that are consistent with those of the given culture. We examined acculturation and attitudes toward war and interpersonal conflict among adult Mennonites. Consistent with predictions, increased acculturation was associated with favorable views about the use of violence in interpersonal conflicts. Unexpectedly, acculturation was not associated with support of war, likely because the data were collected during Gulf War II. Future research on Mennonites and acculturation should consider views on all types of violence, especially use of corporal punishment.

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A Look Into Forgiveness: The Roles of Intentionality, Severity, and Friendship
Kelly E. Early, Amy L. Holloway, and Gary L. Welton, Grove City College

ABSTRACT: Intentionality, severity, and relationship of the transgressor to the offended party are variables that might influence a person's willingness to forgive. In this experiment, participants were asked to respond to scenarios in which we manipulated these three variables. Results suggested that it was harder to forgive friends and acquaintances who committed offenses that were severe and intentional. Of the three variables, intentionality influenced participants' willingness to forgive more than severity and relationship. Furthermore, participants' perception of reality also influenced their decision to forgive over and above the objective manipulations.

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The Relationship Between Disordered Eating and Stress, Class Year, and Figure Dissatisfaction Among College Students
Niki James, University of Evansville; Mary Pritchard, Boise State University

ABSTRACT: Studies have suggested that factors such as gender, age, self-concept, body image, and figure dissatisfaction may be predictors for eating pathologies, particularly in the college environment (Brouwers, 1988; Cooley & Toray, 2001; Kinzl, Traweger, Trefalt, & Biebl, 1998). The current study examined the relationship between disordered eating and age, perceived stress, figure dissatisfaction, and self-concept to assess whether these factors contributed to increased rates of disordered eating in the college population. Results revealed no significant differences between class year and disordered eating. There were significant correlations between disordered eating and self- concept ratings and between disordered eating and figure dissatisfaction. These results may help counselors identify at-risk students more easily to allow for early intervention and prevention programs.

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The Influence of Perceived Role Models on College Students' Purchasing
Intention and Product-Related Behavior
Colleen J. Sullivan and Camille E. Buckner, Frostburg State University

ABSTRACT: The perceived influence of role models on purchasing intention and product-related behavior was examined in college students (22 men, 47 women). The first hypothesis was that perceived role models (parental, peer, and celebrity) would have a significant influence on participants' purchase intention and product-related behavior in comparison to the no role model control condition. An additional hypothesis was that direct role models (parental and peer) would have a greater influence on purchase intention and product-related behavior than indirect role models (celebrities). Participants were given a survey to measure the perceived influence of role models. Results demonstrated that parental role model prompts had a significantly greater influence on purchase intention and product-related behavior than the celebrity role model or no role model. In addition, direct association role model prompts (parental and peer) had a greater influence on purchase intention and product-related behavior than indirect association role model prompts (celebrities). The current findings could be applied to the marketing industry, which could increase advertisements that include parental figures endorsing products and decrease the amount of celebrity endorsements.

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Intergenerational Factors Related to Belief in Corporal Punishment
Adam Robert Smith, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

ABSTRACT: Previous research indicates that the degree to which people were punished as children by either parent was a very important determinant of their current approval of corporal punishment (Ringwalt, Browne, Rosenbloom, Evans, & Kotch, 1989).  This study was conducted to address people's child rearing attitudes early in their adult life and to determine if there are additional factors that affect approval of corporal punishment. Two hundred and nine undergraduate students were recruited to participate. Consistent with previous studies, participants raised by authoritarian parents had more favorable attitudes toward corporal punishment. The best predictor of a belief in corporal punishment was found to be lack of empathy for children's needs.