Lomonosov Psychology Journal, 2008, 3, 144.

From chief editor

This article claims: the nature of consciousness is mysterious, the definitions are contradictory, and its theory is non=existent. The article presents the results of studies that cannot be explained within the recognized models. Specifically, we describe the phenomenon of negative choice. We introduce an idealized brain that does not have limitations in either volume, or speed of processing the information, nor does it have the limits of the storage capacity. Under this view, we answer the question: what does an ideal brain needs consciousness for? We propose that consciousness is the imitator of the acts of cognition.

The paper deals with the main categories used in psychology for explanation of the nature of Psychics. The role of a hypothesis in the development of scientific knowledge is considered as well as the most widely spread schemes and types of explanation: the explanation of the unknown through the known; the genetic, structural and the functional explanation; the model and the probability explanation, «the explanatory sketches». The author gives especial attention to the history of the development of the principle of determinism in psychology. Besides perspectives of solution of the problem of determination of Psychics on the basis of Marxist methodology and Spinoza’s philosophical ideas are observed.

The contribution of gamma and beta-rhythms in working (WM), dynamics of retaining traces of memory on a delay interval and definition of brain structures involved in processes of (WM) was studied by the new method of the micro structural analysis for event=related oscillatory brain activity. Research is carried out on 8 subjects who has to retain four different double-digit in five seconds delay for the subsequent comparison with target and no=target stimuli and the performing of motor reaction. Retaining traces of memory has intermittent character and on a delay interval is presented by periodic flashes in activity of frequency=selective gamma and beta generators in prefrontal, associative, visual cortex and cerebellum with the leading role of prefrontal cortex. Joint activity of local brain structures is provided with the frequency-selective generators working both on different frequencies, and on the common frequency.

The present paper discusses a role of attentional shifts in perception of simultaneity. Errors in perception of simultaneity were studied in an experiment, which has demonstrated that such errors can be caused by necessity of attentional switching not only between spatial locations but also between target objects. The data suggests a specific function of object-based attention in perception of simultaneity.

The article discusses development of writing in three subgroups of schoolchildren with different profiles of neurocognitive development, distinguished on the basis of neuropsychological characteristics. Precise registration of hand movements together with neuropsychological assessment allowed establishing the dependence of characteristics of writing and their dynamics on the strengths and weaknesses of components forming the functional system of writing. It may be concluded that each subgroup of schoolchildren demonstrates a specific pattern of writing quality, timing and errors, and that this pattern emerges due to the primary weak component of a child’s functional system of writing as well as to compensatory reorganizations.

Assessment of higher psychical functions in children with partial epilepsy is related to the important problem of accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Different types of higher function disorders as a result of various epileptogenic foci are described. Age-related distinctive features and left=right lateralization specificity of observed neuropsychological syndromes are discussed. The primary interest is put on the verbal and visual memory.

The paper presents the method of assessment of personal autonomy and self-determination through the construct of causality orientations (E. Deci, R. Ryan) and the experience of elaboration of its Russian language version. Theoretical background is presented, as well as the proofs of impossibility to adapt the direct translation of the original English test and the psychometric properties and other results of adaptation of the newly elaborated original Russian language inventory.

The paper analyzes influence of different forms of test interpretation on the decision-making among HR specialists. The empirical results did not confirm most of the “simple” hypotheses initially formulated by the authors, and some more complicated patterns were derived. The main factors influencing perception and use of test results were as follows: the conditions and circumstances of the decision making process, the value of test results for the decision making, and the individual differences between HR specialists who analyzed test results. On the basis of acquired empirical results some new experimental hypotheses and ideas of prospective studies were formulated.

8th International congress of clinical psychologists.

International conference «Mental recovery after traumatic brain injury: A multidisciplinary approach».

Russian conference «Traditions and modern life in the Northern Caucasus: personality as a subject of life—span organization».

In the memory of Victor Vasilievich Lebedinsky.