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| The Functional Impact of Erroneous Verbal Behavior |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 1:30 PM–2:20 PM |
| Beacon B |
| Area: CSE |
| Chair: W. Scott Wood (Drake University) |
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| Misbeliefs of Problem Gamblers |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| W. SCOTT WOOD (Drake University), Maria Clapham (Drake University) |
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| Abstract: Gambling outcomes in casino games are determined randomly, yet many gamblers talk and act as if there are betting systems, player skills and luck that can increase their likelihood of winning. It is possible, though not demonstrated, that erroneous verbal self-statements regarding gambling outcomes could function as rules of action that misdirect players in regard to the actual probabilities involved in casino games. In an attempt to assess the extent to which there are characteristic erroneous beliefs about gambling, Wood and Clapham developed the “The Drake Beliefs about Chance” scale, a 26-item questionnaire that quantifies the extent to which respondents display two categories of erroneous beliefs, an illusion of control and superstition about winning. Previous research by these authors has demonstrated that these verbal repertoires are positively correlated with several measures of gambling behavior when adult populations are randomly sampled (Wood & Clapham, 2003). The current study, also using the Drake Beliefs about Chance scale, reports the correlational nature of these relationships within a subject population of in-treatment problem gamblers. |
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| A Functional Contextual Analysis of Symptom Reporting in Mold Litigation |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| FRANCISCO I. PEREZ (Baylor College of Medicine) |
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| Abstract: Mold litigation is a growing societal concern. Litigants claim that mold exposure produces physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms leading to various diseases that are permanent and irreversible. The scientific evidence does not support this claim. However, the verbal community in the context of litigation continues to reinforce this belief. A functional contextual methodology has been applied successfully in the defense of such claims. Case studies will be presented. Symptom reporting is a behavior. The objective of a functional analysis is to identify the contingencies responsible for symptom reporting in context. Psychological theory provides little guidance in solving the problem of knowing the past. Historical records provide a unique opportunity to evaluate and identify the variables influencing current symptom reporting in context and to discover the past. A functional contextual methodology identifies variables that influence current behavior in context, given the past history and predicts future behavior. The jury in each case considered the functional contextual data in reaching their decisions. |
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