Using Sequence Analysis to Identify Conversational Motifs in Supportive Interactions

This study demonstrates how sequence analysis, which is a method for identifying common patterns in categorical time series data, illuminates the nonlinear dynamics of dyadic conversations by describing chains of behavior that shift categorically, rather than incrementally. When applied to interpersonal interactions, sequence analysis supports the identification of conversational motifs, which can be used to test hypotheses linking patterns of interaction to conversational antecedents or outcomes. As an illustrative example, this study evaluated 285 conversations involving stranger, friend, and dating dyads in which one partner, the discloser, communicated about a source of stress to a partner in the role of listener. Using sequence analysis, we identified three five-turn supportive conversational motifs that had also emerged in a previous study of stranger dyads: discloser problem description, discloser problem processing, and listener-focused dialogue. We also observed a new, fourth motif: listener-focused, discloser questioning. Tests of hypotheses linking the prevalence and timing of particular motifs to the problem discloser’s emotional improvement and perceptions of support quality, as moderated by the discloser’s pre-interaction stress, offered a partial replication of previous findings. The discussion highlights the value of using sequence analysis to illuminate dynamic patterns in dyadic interactions.

“These pretzels are making me thirsty” so I’ll have water tomorrow: A partial replication and extension of adults’ induced-state episodic foresight

The ability to consider the future under the influence of an induced current state is known as induced-state episodic foresight. One study to date has examined adults’ induced episodic foresight and found that adults’ (like children’s) preferences for the future are related to their current state such that they predicted wanting water (vs. pretzels) in the future when experiencing a current state of thirst [1]. We attempted to replicate these findings in adults. In Study 1, adults (N = 198) in a laboratory selected pretzels for tomorrow at the same rate (around 20%) in an experimental condition (thirst induced) and a control condition (thirst not induced). In a lecture, 32% of adults preferred pretzels for tomorrow without thirst induction (Study 2, N = 63). Partially replicating Kramer et al. [1], we found that a minority of adults preferred pretzels (vs. water) when experiencing a current state of thirst. However, in contrast to their findings, our results showed that when thirst was not induced, a minority of adults also preferred pretzels for tomorrow. Thus, adults’ future preference was similar regardless of thirst induction. We also tested thirst as a mechanism for adults’ preference for the future and found that across conditions adults’ thirst predicted their choice of water (vs. pretzels) for the future. In sum, our results partially replicated Kramer et al. [1] by showing the current state, regardless of thirst induction, predicts adults’ choices for the future.

Utterance ambiguity in uncertainty contexts strengthens scalar implicature

N. Goodman and A. Stuhlmüller’s experiment provides empirical support for the Rational Speech Act (RSA) model that predicts the probability of implicature inference in uncertainty contexts. We present a partial replication of this experiment in English and Polish; we argue that the partial replication indicates a possible ambiguity in the experimental design concerning the ‘some’ quantifier term. We verify the ambiguity of the quantifier term hypothesis in a redesigned experiment and argue that our results support the idea that the RSA model encodes a robust theory of communication.

The influence of L1 translation familiarity on the acquisition of L2 Chinese antonyms

As a partial replication of Tagashira, Kida, and Hoshino (2010), the present study examined first language (L1) translation familiarity effect on second language (L2) antonym acquisition among English-speaking intermediate-level Chinese learners. Fifteen students learned 15 antonymous pairs with familiar or unfamiliar L1 translations and completed two multiple-choice posttests. Their learning strategies were also collected. Results showed (a) a delayed L1 familiarity effect, (b) better retention and lower interference of L2 pairs with familiar L1 translations, (c) low retention of L2 pairs with unfamiliar L1 translations for both words, and (d) more orthographic elaboration strategies employed. The findings suggest that L2 instructors present antonyms in pairs, avoid providing a single, unfamiliar L1 translation, and encourage the use of orthographic elaboration strategies.

COVID-19 myth-busting: an experimental study

BackgroundCOVID-19 misinformation is a danger to public health. A range of formats are used by health campaigns to correct beliefs but data on their effectiveness is limited. We aimed to identify A) whether three commonly used myth-busting formats are effective for COVID-19 myths, immediately and after a delay, and B) which is the most effective.MethodsWe tested whether three common correction formats could reduce beliefs in COVID-19 myths: (i) question-answer, ii) fact-only, (ii) fact-myth. n = 2215 participants (n=1291 after attrition), UK representative of age and gender, were randomly assigned to one of the three formats. n = 11 myths were acquired from fact-checker websites and piloted to ensure believability. Participants rated myth belief at baseline, were shown correction images (the intervention), and then rated myth beliefs immediately post-intervention and after a delay of at least 6 days. A partial replication, n = 2084 UK representative, was also completed with immediate myth rating only. Analysis used mixed models with participants and myths as random effects.ResultsMyth agreement ratings were significantly lower than baseline for all correction formats, both immediately and after the delay; all β’s > 0.30, p’s < .001. Thus all formats were effective at lowering beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation.Correction formats only differed where baseline myth agreement was high, with question-answer and fact-myth more effective than fact-only immediately; β=0.040, p=.022 (replication set: β = 0.053, p = .0075) and β = -0.051, p = .0059 (replication set: β=-0.061, p < .001), respectively. After the delay however, question-answer was more effective than fact-myth, β = 0.040, p =. 031, and fact-only marginally so, β = .025, p = 0.10.ConclusionOur results imply that COVID-19 myths can be effectively corrected using materials and formats typical of health campaigns. Campaign designers can use our results to choose between correction formats. When myth belief was high, question-answer format, in which the reader is invited to consider whether a myth is true, had a more lasting effect than a traditional fact-myth format.

The CEFR-J Hierarchy and its Relationship with TOEIC Listening and Reading

Runnels (2016) investigated the CEFR-J self-assessment sublevel hierarchy and its relationship with TOEIC Listening and Reading (TOEIC L&R). Runnels (a) found learners did not distinguish between adjacent sublevels, and (b) observed mostly small-to-negligible Pearson’s r correlations between CEFR-J and TOEIC L&R, with slightly stronger correlations for listening. In the current study, participants (N = 53) completed a questionnaire (k = 36) with statements representing CEFR-J sublevels A1.1 to B2.2. Groups (i.e., A>B) and levels (i.e., A1>A2≧B1>B2) performed as predicted; however, participants mostly did not differentiate between adjacent sublevel items. Small-to-moderate Kendall’s τ correlations between CEFR-J and TOEIC L&R were observed, with stronger correlations for reading. Despite the lack of clarity regarding sublevels, learners might interpret the levels as coherent sets (Negishi, 2020). More experiences with reading likely resulted in more robust reading correlations (Ross, 1998). One contribution of this paper is its partial replication of Runnels, with potentially improved methodological tools. Runnels（2016）は、学習者が隣接するCEFR-Jサブレベルを区別しなかったことを発見し、CEFR-JとTOEIC L&Rの間のピアソンの相関係数がほとんど無視できる程度であり、リスニングではわずかに強くなることを見いだした。本論において、参加者（N = 53）はCEFR-Jサブレベル（A1.1～B2.2）を表すアンケート（k = 36）に回答した。 CEFR-Jのグループ（AとB）とレベル（A1, A2, B1, B2）は予測どおりに実行されたが、 参加者は隣接するサブレベルをほとんど区別しなかった。 CEFR-JとTOEIC L&Rの間には、小から中程度のケンドールのτ相関係数が見られ、リーディングではやや強い相関が見られた。 サブレベルに関する明確さの欠如にもかかわらず、学習者はレベルを一貫したセットとして解釈する可能性があり（Negishi,2020）、読書の経験が多いほど、相関がより強固になると考えられる（Ross,1998）。 本論の学術的な貢献は、、Runnelsの研究の一部を方法論的に改善した形で再現したところにある。

Rethinking Moving beyond Deterrence: A Partial Replication Study

We assess Dugan and Chenoweth’s Rational Choice-based argument regarding moderating effects of indiscriminate conciliatory state actions on levels of terrorist attacks in Israel-Palestine, utilizing data drawn primarily from declassified security records on Israeli state actions during the First Intifada (1987–1992). This type of data source, we argue, contains a more accurate ratio of conciliatory to repressive actions than Dugan and Chenoweth’s media-based data, given state authorities’ attempts at concealing repressive actions while publicizing conciliatory actions during times of intense conflict. We discuss differences in results—including, most centrally, no support for the hypothesized effect of conciliatory state actions—highlighting the theoretical payoffs of examining the Political Process–related factor of varying levels of state control over the political environment.

Binge-Watching, Self-Determination, and Well-Being: A Partially Successful Direct Replication and Extension of Granow et al. (2018)

Binge-watching is a highly relevant new media phenomenon. An increasing number of people watch multiple episodes of their favorite series online, a process often spanning several hours. Granow et al. (2018) showed that binge-watching is accompanied by both positive as well as negative psychological experiences. Because it is one of the most important studies on the topic, we conducted a direct replication of Granow et al. (2018). We also extended the original study by including additional variables derived from self-determination theory. We conducted an online questionnaire with 668 respondents. Results showed that we could not reproduce the exact model that was reported. We also needed to adapt several of the originally tested measures to achieve satisfactory model fit. After introducing these changes, results showed that we replicated 67 percent of all effects in terms of significance (i.e., originally significant effects were also significant in the replication, and vice versa). When looking at effect size (i.e., originally reported effects fell into the replication’s 95% confidence interval), we replicated 42 percent. Together, our study represents a partial replication of Granow et al. (2018). In our extension, we found two further positive links between binge-watching and well-being: Binge-watching was associated not only with greater autonomy, but also with increased feelings of competence and relatedness. Competence and relatedness were related to increased well-being, which included vitality, recovery experience, and media enjoyment. In line with Granow et al. (2018), we find that binge-watching is related to self-determined media use and improved psychological well-being.