Citation

Barmack JE. J. Exp. Psychol. 1939; 25(6): 634-642.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1939, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/h0060574

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

S's rested for one-half hr., during which time three measures of blood pressure and heart rate were obtained. They then operated a pursuitmeter for eight 15-min. periods, at the end of each of which they filled out a subjective rating sheet containing scales of feelings or attitudes. Vascular measures during work were taken twice during each 15-min. period. The procedure was followed when the temperature averaged 24.7° C. and when it averaged 15.6° C. The lowered temperature resulted in the following: (1) a slight increase in systolic pressure; (2) a slight decrease in heart rate; (3) a report of increased alertness; (4) an insignificant effect on the attitude toward pursuit work. In a second experiment, at the end of the first half of the two hours of pursuit work the S's were promised a quarter for each of the subsequent four periods in which they equaled or exceeded their best previous score. The incentive resulted in: (1) a marked improvement in pursuit accuracy and report of increased interest and attentiveness; (2) a relatively small increase in systolic pressure and heart rate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)