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This study examined how attitudes about the elderly are influenced by the procedural context in which attitude expression is assessed. The Tuckman-Lorge Attitudes Toward Old People Questionnaire was modified so that all items reflected evaluative attitude statements; then it was administered to 263 adults in two judgmental contexts. One group was induced to make comparative judgments by rating how much the tuckman-lorge items described “old” people and “young” people, whereas a second group made isolated judgments by rating the items for “old” people only. Analyses revealed that adults in the comparative context expressed more extreme negative attitudes about the elderly than adults in the isolated context. Correlational analyses revealed consistent but generally weak relationships between attitudes toward the elderly and various demographic characteristics. The findings indicate that conflicting results from studies of attitudes about the elderly may be partially explained by procedural differences in the kind of judgmental context used. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was an investigation of age preferences of older adults (ages 61 to 89 years) for individuals with whom a relationship may potentially affect life satisfaction. Initially, nine older persons sorted photographs into categories by age and attractiveness. Photographs of young, middle-aged, and old adults (ages from early 20s to early 70s) controlled for sex and attractiveness were then rated by 33 additional older persons in relationships based on factors important to quality of life. The older adults in this study showed preferences for old and middle-aged individuals. These preferences were more pronounced for independent (coping) as opposed to interdependent (expressive) relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although it has commonly been asserted that cartoon images of aging convey deep psychological significance, the relationship between attitudes and cartoon appreciation has received little systematic attention. The present study examined the relationship between responses to cartoons and attitudes toward aging among college students. Subjects rated the funniness of 60 cartoons and completed the Attitudes Toward Aging Inventory, Tuckman-Lorge, and Semantic Differential. Factor analysis revealed four categories of cartoons on aging: Disparagement, Ineffectually, Obsolescence, and Isolation. No significant relationships were found between attitudes and humor appreciation, although age and education were inversely related to several cartoon themes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Peripheral processing, as defined by Turvey (1973), was investigated in a study of binocular backward masking involving random visual noise. For young (mean age 20.3 years) and old (mean age 55.4 years) adults, processing time (represented by stimulus onset asynchrony, SOA) was characterized as a power function of target energy (TE) (i.e., TE × SOA = K). Over a wide range of target energy levels, processing time showed a similar rate of decline (similar exponent, b) for both age groups with increasing target energy. However, old subjects processed targets more slowly at all target energy levels (different constant, K), and this age difference was constant across all target energy levels. Results were independent of variables such as sex, education, response criterion, unmasked threshold, and method of determining stimulus onset asynchrony. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Matching accuracy and strategy utilization in young, middle-aged, and elderly adults was examined in a series of intramodal, haptic match-to-standard problems. Subjects were presented with 2-, 3-, and 4-comparison stimulus arrays and asked to locate by touch alone the comparison stimulus that exactly matched the standard. Results indicated that elderly adults, in comparison to young and middleaged adults, were less successful in solving the haptic problems. Furthermore, they also displayed less systematic and logical haptic search strategies. Discussion of the results focused on the competenceperformance distinction and the relation of selectivity and performance during the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Age differences in visual sensory memory were studied using the direct measure procedure of haber and standing (1969) — the longest interstimulus interval at which subjects reported a single stimulus as continuous was measured. The visual storage of the young (mean age 24 years) was found to persist for 289 msec compared to 248 for the old (mean age 67 years). Similar estimates of sensory memory duration were obtained when either monoptic or dichoptic stimulus presentations were employed, supporting the idea that visual storage is centrally mediated for both age groups. The relevance of these findings for age differences in the registration of information into primary and secondary memory and their implications for the stimulus persistence hypothesis are considered. The appropriateness and validity of the persistence of form task for studies of sensory memory and aging are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Twenty-two young (age 17-21) and 22 old (age 60-74) men and women participated in an investigation designed to determine the extent to which age differences in omission errors and performance in a serial learning task are accounted for by cautiousness. Age differences were found on the measures of cautiousness, and verbal learning, with young adults making more correct responses and proportionately fewer omission errors on the learning task and taking greater risks on the risk-taking tasks. The results indicated that cautiousness measures accounted for age differences in omission errors but not in performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Visual identification performance of sequentially presented corresponding word-halves was studied in 12 young (mean 18.9 years, range 18-21) and 12 old (mean 68.0 years, range 59-78) male and female subjects. Corresponding word-halves were composed of straight horizontal and vertical line segments and when superimposed tachistoscopically formed clear, fully closed 3-letter words. Stimulus duration and interstimulus interval (ISI) were systematically varied. Correct word recognition was found to be an inverse function of ISI and stimulus duration for both young and old subjects. An interaction was found between age, sex, and stimulus duration. Recognition scores were significantly higher among older subjects, an effect which was particularly prominent at greater ISIs. The data offer strong support for the stimulus-persistence model as applied to age differences in the sequential integration of form. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Serial rote learning was examined as a function of sex, verbal ability (average and high), and stimulus presentation rate (4 and 10 sec.) among 64 individuals aged 60-79 years. At the fast pacing speed, the men with average verbal skills produced fewer responses and performed less well than their female counterparts whose performance was similar to that of the high verbal men and women. The average men benefited the most from the slower pacing speed. No sex difference was found at the 10-sec. presentation speed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In order to explore the underlying dimensionality of beliefs about aging, two sets of opinion statements (one dealing with general attitudes toward aging and the other with programmatic issues) were factor analyzed for two age groups: persons under 60 (N = 290) and persons 60 and older (N = 181). For the first set of social-psychological belief statements, a common factor structure was found for the two age groups. For the second set of programmatic statements, there was some communality between age groups, but most of the items loading on the factors tended to be age-specific. The belief structure of the older group was generally more complex and variegated than was the case with the younger group. Except where the items were of personal relevance, positive and negative items tended to load on separate, unipolar factors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Within the literature, a negative stereotype of “old” has been emphasized which, it has been argued, is important for self-concept in late life. This paper questions the validity of this argument and presents an alternative model more congruent with extant data. Forty-seven reports of research on stereotypes of old age were analyzed. It was found that 21 studies utilized older persons in the sample, and half of these were based on institutionalized or indigent aged. A positive stereotype of old age was reported in several studies. Thus, the assumption that the aged accept a negative stereotype of old age may not be valid. An alternative theoretical model is presented. From the framework of cognitive dissonance theory, it is argued that the acceptance of a negative or positive stereotype by the aged is related to objective indicators of old age, the subjective definition of self, and self-concept. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Male and female undergraduates and older community volunteers were asked their opinions as to the age of onset of young man- and womanhood, middle-age man- and womanhood, and old man- and womanhood. Data indicated that older respondents generally judged onsets of both middle and old age to occur significantly later than did young respondents and that women retarded middle- and old-age onsets, compared with men respondents. Men were generally seen as reaching transition points at a somewhat later age than women. Both sex and age of perceiver, as well as sex of the perceived, are variables in the perception of onsets of middle and old age, with onset of young adulthood a relatively fixed age for all respondents. The results were not considered compatible with an interpretation of sex differences in stage onsets based upon sex-related occupational-role discontinuities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study utilized an experimental format to examine the influence of age designations upon differential ratings of a stimulus person. Two experiments were conducted—one in a college-age population (N = 280); the other in a grouping of older, retired adults (N = 96). In both settings, subjects heard a recorded discussion by a SP described as being either 25 or 65 years of age. Ratings were made on the 32-item aging semantic differential of Rosencranz & McNevin. The data reveal a slight but nonsignificant tendency for younger subjects to rate an older SP more positively on the scales in question than do the older subjects. In the case of actual age judgments, however, all subjects, regardless of age, reflect a tendency (again, not statistically significant) to rate the younger SP more positively than the older individual. In and of itself, chronological age appeared insufficient to control strongly a pattern of judgment relative to a SP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock, published by Stanford University Press, Stanford, California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. In so far as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references are indicated by number at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given Abbreviations for journals are those used in For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Research Center, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore 24, Maryland. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock, published by Stanford University Press, Stanford, California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. In so far as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references areindicated by number at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given (). Abbreviations for journals are those used in A World List of Scientific Periodicals Published in the years 1900-1933, 2nd Edition. For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Branch, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore 24, Maryland. The assistance of the Forest Park Foundation, Peoria, Illinois, in the preparation of these materials is gratefully acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock, published by Stanford University Press, Stanford. California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. In so far as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references are indicated by number at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given (B. A.—, P. A.—Psychological Abstracts, and P. I.—Population Index). Abbreviations for journals are those used in 1900-1933, For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Branch, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore 24, Maryland. The assistance of the Forest Park Foundation, Peoria, Illinois, in the preparation of these materials is gratefully acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock, published by Stanford University Press, Stanford, California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. In so far as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references are indicated by number at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given (). Abbreviations for journals are those used in , 2nd Edition. For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Branch, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore 24, Maryland. The assistance of the Forest Park Foundation, Peoria, Illinois, in the preparation of these materials is gratefully acknowledged. Numbering of references begins with 1 in this issue, since all previously listed references published through December 1961 have been assembled for publication of Supplement II of the Classified Bibliography of Gerontology and Geriatrics to be published by. Stanford University Press under the sponsorship of the Forest Park Foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock published by Stanford University Press, Stanford, California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. In so far as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references are indicated by number at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given (). Abbreviations for journals are those used in , 2nd Edition. For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised according to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Branch, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore 24, Maryland. The assistance of the Forest Park Foundation, Peoria, Illinois, in the preparation of these materials is gratefully acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Subject categories are those in by Nathan W. Shock, published by Stanford University Press, Stanford, California (1951). Only major headings are used and the Roman numerals correspond to those given in the bibliography. In so far as possible, references are classified according to organ systems. Thus, most of the material on Geriatrics will be found under the organ system involved in the disease. Cross references are indicated by number at the end of each section. When available, abstract references are given (B. A.—). Abbreviations for journals are those used in . For journals not listed, abbreviations were devised to the general rules used in the above source. It is impossible to cover all journals and list all papers concerned with aging and the aged. Authors and publishers are requested to call attention to publications or to send reprints to the Gerontology Branch, Baltimore City Hospitals, Baltimore 24, Maryland. The assistance of the Forest Park Foundation. Peoria, Illinois, in the preparation of these materials is gratefully acknowledged. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Spatial acuity of the skin of the fingertip deteriorates markedly with age, as assessed by 2-point thresholds measured with a forced-choice method in 80 subjects between the ages of 18 and 91 years. This loss of “minimum separable” acuity appears to be pervasive, demonstrably affecting many middle-aged and a great majority of the elderly persons tested. Mean threshold was 1.95 mm for young (18–33 years), 2.68 mm for middle-age (41–63 years), and 5.03 mm for elderly (66–91 years) subjects. Over half of the variance in 2-point threshold was attributable to age (r = .74). Threshold on the arm, measured in subsets of 15 young and 15 elderly, was also age-dependent, but (reckoned as a percentage) the difference is minor compared to the finger. Analysis implies that the perception of tactile patterns, in general, and tactile reading (braille, optacon) by the sensory handicapped, in particular, could run into age-related difficulty by reason of impairment of spatial acuity at the most basic level [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]