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Beyond non-utilization: Irrelevant cues can gate learning in probabilistic categorization
- Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception & Performance
, 2009
"... In probabilistic categorization, also known as multiple cue probability learning (MCPL), people learn to predict a discrete outcome on the basis of imperfectly valid cues. In MCPL, normatively irrelevant cues are usually ignored, which stands in apparent conflict with recent research in deterministi ..."
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Cited by 8 (2 self)
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In probabilistic categorization, also known as multiple cue probability learning (MCPL), people learn to predict a discrete outcome on the basis of imperfectly valid cues. In MCPL, normatively irrelevant cues are usually ignored, which stands in apparent conflict with recent research in deterministic categorization that has shown that people sometimes use irrelevant cues to gate access to partial knowledge encapsu-lated in independent partitions. The authors report 2 experiments that sought support for the existence of such knowledge partitioning in probabilistic categorization. The results indicate that, as in other areas of concept acquisition (such as function learning and deterministic categorization), a significant proportion of participants partitioned their knowledge on the basis of an irrelevant cue. The authors show by computational modeling that knowledge partitioning cannot be accommodated by 2 exemplar models (Generalized Context Model and Rapid Attention Shifts ‘N Learning), whereas a rule-based model (General Recognition Theory) can capture partitioned performance. The authors conclude by pointing to the necessity of a mixture-of-experts approach to capture performance in MCPL and by identifying reduction of complexity as a possible explanation for partitioning.
IF-THEN PLANS BENEFIT EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN WITH ADHD
"... Children with ADHD encounter multiple academic and interpersonal problems presumably due to insufficient executive functions. In two studies we measured executive functions (i.e., shifting, resistance to distraction) and assessed whether children with ADHD can empower these functions by forming impl ..."
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Cited by 7 (4 self)
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Children with ADHD encounter multiple academic and interpersonal problems presumably due to insufficient executive functions. In two studies we measured executive functions (i.e., shifting, resistance to distraction) and assessed whether children with ADHD can empower these functions by forming implementation intentions (i.e., if-then plans; Gollwitzer, 1999). Children with ADHD made fewer perseverative errors on a shifting task (Study 1) when instructed to make if-then plans. They also benefited from if-then plans in solving math problems that required both working memory and the inhibition of distractions (Study 2). Results concerning implications for research on if-then planning in children with ADHD are discussed. 1. For ease of exposition in this paper, the term ADHD is used constantly as an abbreviation for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder according to the DSM-IV
Improvement in working memory is not related to increased intelligence scores
"... The acknowledged high relationship between working memory and intelligence suggests common underlying cognitive mechanisms and, perhaps, shared biological substrates. If this is the case, improvement in working memory by repeated exposure to challenging span tasks might be reflected in increased in ..."
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The acknowledged high relationship between working memory and intelligence suggests common underlying cognitive mechanisms and, perhaps, shared biological substrates. If this is the case, improvement in working memory by repeated exposure to challenging span tasks might be reflected in increased intelligence scores. Here we report a study in which 288 university undergraduates completed the odd numbered items of four intelligence tests on time 1 and the even numbered items of the same tests one month later (time 2). In between, 173 participants completed three sessions, separated by exactly one week, comprising verbal, numerical, and spatial short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WMC) tasks imposing high processing demands (STM-WMC group). 115 participants also completed three sessions, separated by exactly one week, but comprising verbal, numerical, and spatial simple speed tasks (processing speed, PS, and attention, ATT) with very low processing demands (PS-ATT group). The main finding reveals increased scores from the pre-test to the post-test intelligence session (more than half a standard deviation on average). However, there was no differential improvement on intelligence between the STM-WMC and PS-ATT groups.
WATERHOUSE MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES Multiple Intelligences, the Mozart Effect, and Emotional Intelligence: A Critical Review
"... This article reviews evidence for multiple intelligences theory, the Mozart effect theory, and emotional intelligence theory and argues that despite their wide currency in education these theories lack adequate empirical support and should not be the basis for educational practice. Each theory is c ..."
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This article reviews evidence for multiple intelligences theory, the Mozart effect theory, and emotional intelligence theory and argues that despite their wide currency in education these theories lack adequate empirical support and should not be the basis for educational practice. Each theory is compared to theory counterparts in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience that have better empirical support. The article considers possible reasons for the appeal of these 3 theories and concludes with a brief rationale for examining theories of cognition in the light of cognitive neuroscience research findings. Multiple intelligences (MI) theory Although MI theory In addition to the increase in Web sites and articles outlined on Because these three theories have wide currency in education they should be soundly supported by empirical evidence. However, unfortunately, each theory has serious problems in empirical support. This article reviews evidence for each theory and concludes that MI theory has no validating data, that the ME theory has more negative than positive findings, and that EI theory lacks a unitary empirically supported construct. Each theory is compared to theory counterparts in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience that have better empirical support. The article considers possible reasons for the appeal of these three theories and closes with a brief rationale for examining theories of cognition in the light of cognitive neuroscience research findings. MI THEORY MI theory was first outlined by Gardner in 1983. He proposed the existence of seven distinct intelligences: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal sense of self, and interpersonal. In 1999 Gardner revised his model, combining intrapersonal and interpersonal into a single intelligence and adding another intelligence, naturalistic intelligence, the empathy for, and categorization of, natural things. Gardner (1999) also proposed a possible additional intelligence, called existential intelli- EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, 41(4), 207-225 Copyright © 2006, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Correspondence should be addressed to Lynn Waterhouse, Child Behavior Research, The College of New Jersey, 234 Bliss Hall, Ewing, NJ 08628. E-mail: lynwater@tcnj.edu gence, the ability to see oneself "with respect to the further reaches of the cosmos … or total immersion in a work of art" (p. 60). More recently Gardner Gardner (1999) posited that "each intelligence comprises constituent units" (p. 103) and stated that "there are several musical, linguistic, and spatial subintelligences" (p. 103). Similarly, Gardner The Lack of Empirical Evidence for MI Theory To date there have been no published studies that offer evidence of the validity of the MI. In 1994 Sternberg reported finding no empirical studies. In 2000 Allix reported finding no empirical validating studies, and at that time 208 WATERHOUSE Argument 2: Intelligence is not a tangible object. Chen (2004) asserted that "intelligence is not a tangible object that can be measured; it is a construct that psychologists define" (p. 22). Yes, MI, like general intelligence, memory, or attention, are defined constructs and not tangible objects. However, defined constructs can be measured if they have clearly specified testable components In addition, Allix Argument 4: MI theory has been validated by its classroom applications. Chen Argument 5: MI theory profiles cognitive skills better than do IQ subtests. Chen Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience Are Not Exploring MI Theory Gardner asserted that his intelligences were developed "from an evolutionary perspective" (2004, p. 214) and were supported by research (1999, p. 99) and that neuroscientists were "in the process of homing in on the nature of core operations for each of the intelligences" (2004, p. 217). However, there are no publications from cognitive psychologists, cognitive neuroscientists, or evolutionary psychologists to suggest that they have conducted research directed at defining or validating Gardner's intelligences. Research has explored the nature of human perceptual processes such as vision, hearing, smell, and taste, but these processes have not been determined to be a seeing intelligence, smelling intelligence, tactile intelligence, or the like The majority of recent cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology research programs on human mental abilities have focused on three core explanatory paradigms for human cognition. These are general intelligence, multiple information processing systems, and adapted cognition modules.
Shortened complex span tasks can reliably measure working memory capacity
"... Abstract Measures of working memory capacity (WMC), such as complex span tasks (e.g., operation span), have become some of the most frequently used tasks in cognitive psychology. However, due to the length of time it takes to complete these tasks many researchers trying to draw conclusions about WM ..."
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Abstract Measures of working memory capacity (WMC), such as complex span tasks (e.g., operation span), have become some of the most frequently used tasks in cognitive psychology. However, due to the length of time it takes to complete these tasks many researchers trying to draw conclusions about WMC forgo properly administering multiple tasks. But can the complex span tasks be shortened to take less administration time? We address this question by splitting the tasks into three blocks of trials, and analyzing each block's contribution to measuring WMC and predicting fluid intelligence (Gf). We found that all three blocks of trials contributed similarly to the tasks' ability to measure WMC and Gf, and the tasks can therefore be substantially shortened without changing what they measure. In addition, we found that cutting the number of trials by 67 % in a battery of these tasks still accounted for 90 % of the variance in their measurement of Gf. We discuss our findings in light of administering the complex span tasks in a method that can maximize their accuracy in measuring WMC, while minimizing the time taken to administer.
Correlation of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism with latitude and a hunter-gather lifestyle suggests culture-gene coevolution and selective pressure on cognition genes due to climate
, 2013
"... Abstract Dual-inheritance theory posits that the genotype has an impact on the evolution of human behavior and that cultural traits can be constrained by genetic imperatives. A large body of studies provides evidence that the functional catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is ..."
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Abstract Dual-inheritance theory posits that the genotype has an impact on the evolution of human behavior and that cultural traits can be constrained by genetic imperatives. A large body of studies provides evidence that the functional catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is associated with executive function, working memory (WM), and intelligence. A survey of the population genetics database provides evidence that COMT gene frequencies vary across populations. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the COMT gene has an impact on cultural evolution, specifically on the adoption of an agricultural vs. a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Statistically significant differences in COMT allele frequencies between hunter-gatherer and agricultural societies were found. Ethnic groups whose economy is based on farming have higher frequencies of the Met allele (symbol: A), whereas societies based on a hunter-gatherer economy have very low frequencies of the Met allele and a disproportionate predominance of the Val allele. Moreover, the frequency of the Met allele was positively correlated to the populations' IQ (r = 0.57). The FNBP1L gene (rs236330) is associated with childhood and adult intelligence and it varies in frequency across populations. Frequency of rs236330 was also significantly correlated with the populations' IQ (r = 0.81). COMT and FNBP1L had fairly similar geographical distributions (r = 0.44) although the result did not reach statistical significance. The results suggest that the genotype of a population influences its cultural development in fairly specific and predictable ways. Met allele frequency was positively correlated with latitude (r = 0.56), suggesting selective pressure due to climate.
Clinical research Human intelligence and brain networks
"... measurement, and structure Intelligence can be defined as a general mental ability for reasoning, problem solving, and learning. Because of its general nature, intelligence integrates cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, language, or planning. On the basis of this definition, i ..."
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measurement, and structure Intelligence can be defined as a general mental ability for reasoning, problem solving, and learning. Because of its general nature, intelligence integrates cognitive functions such as perception, attention, memory, language, or planning. On the basis of this definition, intelligence can be reliably measured by standardized tests with obtained scores predicting several broad social outcomes such as educational achievement, job performance, health, and longevity. A detailed understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying this general mental ability could provide significant individual and societal benefits. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies have generally supported a frontoparietal network relevant for intelligence. This same network has also been found to underlie cognitive
Title Student, major; Mentor, department
"... Humans are a very vision-dependent species. Visual cognition, the processes inherent in making meaning of what we see, is crucial to everyday life. Humans gather visual information through the eye movement system, a complex feature of visual cognition that controls where we look and what information ..."
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Humans are a very vision-dependent species. Visual cognition, the processes inherent in making meaning of what we see, is crucial to everyday life. Humans gather visual information through the eye movement system, a complex feature of visual cognition that controls where we look and what information about the world we process. Project Goals and Objectives: This study of how fixations are related to visual working memory (VWM) capacity will further the understanding of how eye movements are related to cognitive processes. This study will use eyetracking data to determine if a correlation exists between individual differences in fixation durations and VWM capacity. Background Information: Eye movements can be broken down into two main components, the fixation, where the fovea (the place of greatest acuity) focuses on a certain point in the visual field to acquire information, and the saccade, a rapid eye movement to another fixation point in which no visual information is acquired. Recently, individual differences have been found in people’s eye movement behavior. Individuals with longer fixation durations for one visual task have longer fixations across all other visual tasks. The average fixation duration is approximately 200 milliseconds (ms), but people with long fixations can have durations up to 240 ms and those with shorter fixations can have durations as short as 140 ms. This phenomenon persists across visual tasks, including viewing simple texture patterns, a blank screen and complex natural scenes1. These differences are found cross-culturally, specifically for both English and
doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00076 Sensitivity of fNIRS to cognitive state and load
, 2014
"... Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging low-cost noninvasive neuroimaging technique that measures cortical bloodflow. While fNIRS has gained interest as a potential alternative to fMRI for use with clinical and pediatric populations, it remains unclear whether fNIRS has the nece ..."
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Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging low-cost noninvasive neuroimaging technique that measures cortical bloodflow. While fNIRS has gained interest as a potential alternative to fMRI for use with clinical and pediatric populations, it remains unclear whether fNIRS has the necessary sensitivity to serve as a replacement for fMRI. The present study set out to examine whether fNIRS has the sensitivity to detect linear changes in activation and functional connectivity in response to cognitive load, and functional connectivity changes when transitioning from a task-free resting state to a task. Sixteen young adult subjects were scanned with a continuous-wave fNIRS system during a 10-min resting-state scan followed by a letter n-back task with three load conditions. Five optical probes were placed over frontal and parietal cortices, covering bilateral dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC), bilateral ventrolateral PFC (vlPFC), frontopolar cortex (FP), and bilateral parietal cortex. Activation was found to scale linearly with working memory load in bilateral prefrontal cortex. Functional connectivity increased with increasing n-back loads for fronto-parietal, interhemispheric dlPFC, and local connections. Functional connectivity differed between the resting state scan and the n-back scan,
