superhuman self-control

CSGnet Archive CSG1997
1

*from Tracy Harms (970101.1055 MST)

Bill Powers (970101.0500 MST)

When the amplitude of the signal is only 5 times the noise level, we are
getting measurements that are at the lower end of the range considered
useful in the physical sciences and engineering. Yet if psychology were to
raise its standards only to that level, it would be transformed.

For some odd reason, however, I have yet to meet a life scientist who is
willing to submit to even the modest raising of standards that I propose.
The general response is, "But then I would never be able to publish
anything!" By superhuman self-control, I am usually able to avoid saying
"Splendid!"

Just curious, Bill: What are you perceiving in those situations involving
such extraordinary control?

(Although I ask this mostly to credit the enormous humor I see in your
passage, I actually do have interest in the answer...)

Tracy Bruce Harms tbh@tesser.com
Boulder, Colorado caveat lector!

2

[From Bill Power (970101.1300 MST)]

Tracy Harms (970101.1055 MST) --

By superhuman self-control, I am usually able to avoid saying
"Splendid!"

Just curious, Bill: What are you perceiving in those situations involving
such extraordinary control?

"Self-control," under the PCT interpretation and in my own experience, is an
indicator of internal conflict. One wishes mightly to behave in one way,
while practical (or in this case, humanitarian) goals demand behaving in
exactly NOT that way. The strength of the effort it takes not to do
something is a measure of how much one wants to do it.

Best,

Bill P.