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The aim of this investigation was to compare the effects of three different degrees of expectancy on the perception of relative length. It was assumed that expectancy would be (a) maximal when erroneous information about the relative length of two equal lines was deduced fallaciously by the subjects, (b) intermediate when the same information was presented by the experimenter, and (c) zero when no such information was presented. It was predicted that the subsequent perception of length would vary in accordance with the degree of expectancy induced, i.e. (a) > (b) > (c). The prediction was confirmed at a high confidence level for the frequency of perceptual judgements, but the amount of perceptual distortion did not differ significantly although the means were in the predicted order. The results are discussed in relation to theories of perception and cognition.

An intensive study of heroin use in an English provincial town was conducted by field survey. Data were collected, largely by interview, from 37 heroin users living there. The approach adopted enabled insight into the social factors surrounding heroin use to be gained. Details are given of the users' family and social backgrounds, of their past and present social functioning, their use of drugs and their general medical and psychiatric history. 54% of the users came from families in the higher social classes, 37% were in fulltime employment and 19% were students. There was a high rate of " dropping out " of school or college courses before heroin use began. The 37 users were found to differ from other samples studied and differences within the sample were equally marked. It is concluded that any notion of a " typical " heroin user must finally be abandoned and instead typologies of heroin users must be sought.