The role of inferences in reading comprehension: A critical analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 095935432110438
Author(s):  
Gilberto Gauche ◽  
Eileen Pfeiffer Flores
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Interpersonal Processes ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
Construction Integration

The central role attributed to inferences in reading comprehension can be traced back to the Construction-Integration (CI) model, and many of its theoretical assumptions are still shared by current models. This article analyses recent research in terms of how inferences have been conceived, how they relate to comprehension, and how the CI model’s theoretical legacy has been articulated. The main issues found are that the way inferences are currently conceived doesn’t satisfactorily distinguish them from ordinary comprehension and that a series of assumptions which plausibly apply to computational models have been often mistakenly attributed to interpersonal processes. This, added to the widespread usage of lab-created texts in experiments, hinders the faithful capturing of personal comprehension processes. Finally, we propose recommendations for future research based on conceptual clarity, metatheoretical awareness, and a meaning-based approach on language, so as to improve interresearcher communication, theoretical consistency, and ecological validity.

The Role of Vertebral Body Tethering in Treating Skeletally Immature Scoliosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 155633162110088
Author(s):  
Blake C. Meza ◽  
Andre M. Samuel ◽  
Todd J. Albert
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Posterior Spinal Fusion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Skeletally Immature ◽  
Postoperative Results ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Novel Technology

This is a critical analysis of a study by Hoernschemeyer et al, “Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering for Adolescent Scoliosis with Growth Remaining: A Retrospective Review of 2 to 5-Year Postoperative Results” ( J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2020;102[13]:1169–1176), that assessed the clinical and radiographic outcomes of vertebral body tethering (VBT) in the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. The authors demonstrated successful treatment in 74% of patients, based on radiographic outcomes and avoidance of subsequent posterior spinal fusion. Nearly a quarter of patients required revision surgery. Almost half suffered a broken tether, although the effects of such complications are not fully understood. The study provided valuable information for determining which patients are reasonable candidates for VBT and emphasizes several questions surrounding this novel technology that remain unanswered. This analysis discusses the study’s strengths and weaknesses, suggests potential directions of future research, and examines the potential indications for VBT.

scholarly journals Computer Modeling in Philosophy of Religion

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. LeRon Shults
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Computer Modeling ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Philosophy Of Religion ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Traditional Philosophy ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
The Reformation ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis

AbstractHow might philosophy of religion be impacted by developments in computational modeling and social simulation? After briefly describing some of the content and context biases that have shaped traditional philosophy of religion, this article provides examples of computational models that illustrate the explanatory power of conceptually clear and empirically validated causal architectures informed by the bio-cultural sciences. It also outlines some of the material implications of these developments for broader metaphysical and metaethical discussions in philosophy. Computer modeling and simulation can contribute to the reformation of the philosophy of religion in at least three ways: by facilitating conceptual clarity about the role of biases in the emergence and maintenance of phenomena commonly deemed “religious,” by supplying tools that enhance our capacity to link philosophical analysis and synthesis to empirical data in the psychological and social sciences, and by providing material insights for metaphysical hypotheses and metaethical proposals that rely solely on immanent resources.

scholarly journals The role of career shocks in contemporary career development: key challenges and ways forward

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-466
Author(s):  
Jos Akkermans ◽  
Ricardo Rodrigues ◽  
Stefan T. Mol ◽  
Scott E. Seibert ◽  
Svetlana N. Khapova
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Current State ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis article aims to introduce the special issue entitled “the role of career shocks in contemporary career development,” synthesize key contributions and formulate a future research agenda.Design/methodology/approachThe authors provide an introduction of the current state-of-the-art in career shocks research, offer an overview of the key lessons learned from the special issue and present several important avenues for future research.FindingsThe authors discuss how the special issue articles contribute to a better understanding of career shocks' role in contemporary career development, focusing on (1) conceptual clarity of the notion of career shocks, (2) career outcomes of career shocks, (3) mechanisms that can explain the impact of career shocks and (4) interdisciplinary connectivity.Originality/valueThis article offers a synthesis of the critical contributions made within this special issue, thereby formulating key ways to bring the field of career shocks research forward. It also provides new avenues for research.

scholarly journals Memory patterns for choice adaptation in dynamic environments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanouil Konstantinidis ◽  
Jason L. Harman ◽  
Cleotilde Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Computational Models ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Individual Memory ◽  
Learning And Adaptation ◽  
Decision Environments ◽  
Optimal Adaptation ◽  
Over Time

An important aspect of making good decisions is the ability to adapt to changes in the values of available options. Research suggests that we are poor at changing behavior and adapting our choices successfully. This work contributes to clarifying the role of memory on learning and successful adaptation to changing decision environments. We test the effects of the direction of change and the type of feedback using a decisions from experience binary choice task, where individuals learn the outcomes and their associated probabilities from feedback received after selecting between available choice options. The results revealed a robust effect of the direction of change: risk that becomes more rewarding over time is harder to detect than risk that becomes less rewarding over time; and even with full information about the outcomes of choice options people showed sub-optimal adaptation to change. We rely on three distinct computational models to interpret the role of memory on learning and adaptation. The distributions of individual model parameters were analyzed in relation to participants' ability to successfully adapt to the changing conditions of the various decision environments. Consistent across the three models and two distinct data sets (our experimental data and other researchers' data), results revealed the value of recency as an individual memory component for choice adaptation. Individuals relying more on recent experiences were more successful at adapting to change, regardless of the direction of change. We explain the value and limitations of these findings as well as opportunities for future research.

Virtual Reality Therapeutic Environments in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's

2019 ◽  
pp. 51-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Sime
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Treatment Analysis

This chapter is devoted to observing and analyzing the role of virtual reality environments in the therapeutic treatment, analysis, and ongoing treatment planning of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Alzheimer's, and dementia. Using live real-world examples of the above activities in action and a literature review, the chapter will examine the level of empirical data and pre-existing qualitative and quantitative research to support these ongoing approaches. Critical analysis will also be made of the current level of empirical research available highlighting areas that should be focused on for future research.

Virtual Reality Therapeutic Environments in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's

2021 ◽  
pp. 492-500
Author(s):  
David W. Sime
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Treatment Analysis

This chapter is devoted to observing and analyzing the role of virtual reality environments in the therapeutic treatment, analysis, and ongoing treatment planning of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Alzheimer's, and dementia. Using live real-world examples of the above activities in action and a literature review, the chapter will examine the level of empirical data and pre-existing qualitative and quantitative research to support these ongoing approaches. Critical analysis will also be made of the current level of empirical research available highlighting areas that should be focused on for future research.

Visual Attention in 3-D Space while Moving Forward

2013 ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Takahiko Kimura ◽  
Toshiaki Miura ◽  
Kazumitsu Shinohara ◽  
Shun’ichi Doi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Psychology ◽  
Visual Attention ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Essential Role ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Motion

One of our cognitive functions is attention, which plays an essential role in veridical behavior. In this chapter, the research on attention in 3-D space is reviewed. In particular, for ecological validity, the shift of attention in 3-D space when observers are in self-motion is discussed. Research in cognitive psychology indicates that elucidating the role of attention in 3-D space is important for understanding a driver’s behavior, in order to suitably design the interface of in-vehicle devices. Finally, future research on the connection between attention and safety in driving situations will be discussed.

scholarly journals DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER? A REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF STAKE AND PRIZE LEVELS IN RELATION TO GAMBLING-RELATED HARM

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 77-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Parke ◽  
Adrian Parke
Keyword(s):  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Harm Minimisation ◽  
Potential Implication ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Related Harm

Regulatory and industry decisions influencing commercial gambling activities require clear understanding of the role that stakes and prizes play in the development and facilitation of gambling-related harm. Although industry proponents argue for increases in stakes and prizes to meet market demands, regulators remain cautious about the potential implication for gambling-related harm, while industry opponents generally condemn relaxing aspects of gambling policies. To inform this debate, this paper provides a critical examination of the relevant literature. From the review, it is concluded that limitations of the existing literature restrict our ability to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of stake and prize variables. Most studies contain multiple, methodological limitations, the most significant of which are diluted risk and reward scenarios used in analogue research settings not reflective of real gambling situations. In addition, there is a lack of conceptual clarity regarding many constructs, particularly the parameters defining jackpots, and the interactive nature and effect of the differing configurations of game parameters and environments are often not taken into consideration when investigating changes to one or more variables. Notwithstanding these limitations, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that stake and prize levels merit consideration in relation to harm minimisation efforts. However, substantial knowledge gaps currently exist, particularly in relation to understanding staking and prize thresholds for risky behaviour, how the impact of stakes and prizes change depending on the configuration and interaction of other game characteristics, and the role of individual and situational determinants. Based on the potential risk factors and the implications for commercial appeal, a player-focussed harm minimisation response may hold the most promise for future research and evaluation in jurisdictions where gambling is a legal and legitimate leisure activity. 

scholarly journals Connectionism and the role of morphology in visual word recognition

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Rueckl
Keyword(s):  
Word Recognition ◽  
Visual Word Recognition ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Visual Word ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Past Tense ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Technical Challenges

This paper provides a review of the connectionist perspective on the role of morphology in visual word recognition. Several computational models of morphological effects in reading are described and relationships between these models, models of past tense production, and models of other aspects of word recognition are traced. Limitations of extant models are noted, as are some of the technical challenges that must be solved to develop the next generation of models. Finally, some directions for future research are identified.

scholarly journals Intensive Care Unit Built Environments: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2005–2020)

2021 ◽  
pp. 193758672110092
Author(s):  
Stephen Verderber ◽  
Seth Gray ◽  
Shivathmikha Suresh-Kumar ◽  
Damian Kercz ◽  
Christopher Parshuram
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Ecological Sustainability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Conceptual Clarity

Background: The intensive care environment in hospitals has been the subject of significant empirical and qualitative research in the 2005–2020 period. Particular attention has been devoted to the role of infection control, family engagement, staff performance, and the built environment ramifications of the recent COVID-19 global pandemic. A comprehensive review of this literature is reported summarizing recent advancements in this rapidly expanding body of knowledge. Purpose and Aim: This comprehensive review conceptually structures the recent medical intensive care literature to provide conceptual clarity and identify current priorities and future evidence-based research and design priorities. Method and Result: Each source reviewed was classified as one of the five types—opinion pieces/essays, cross-sectional empirical investigations, nonrandomized comparative investigations, randomized studies, and policy review essays—and into nine content categories: nature engagement and outdoor views; family accommodations; intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, and pediatric ICU spatial configuration and amenity; noise considerations; artificial and natural lighting; patient safety and infection control; portable critical care field hospitals and disaster mitigation facilities including COVID-19; ecological sustainability; and recent planning and design trends and prognostications. Conclusions: Among the findings embodied in the 135 literature sources reviewed, single-bed ICU rooms have increasingly become the norm; family engagement in the ICU experience has increased; acknowledgment of the therapeutic role of staff amenities; exposure to nature, view, and natural daylight has increased; the importance of ecological sustainability; and pandemic concerns have increased significantly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Discussion of the results of this comprehensive review includes topics noticeably overlooked or underinvestigated in the 2005–2020 period and priorities for future research.

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