scholarly journals Interference Can Affect Response Times to False Items in Category Verification

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M Gruenenfelder
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
Semantic Network ◽  
Inclusion Relation ◽  
Similarity Condition ◽  
Class Inclusion ◽  
False Response ◽  
Interference Hypothesis

Previous research has found faster response times in category verification tasks to false stimuli pairing highly similar coordinate concepts (“pea—bean”) than to false stimuli pairing less similar coordinate concepts (“pea—onion”). Such a finding indicates that knowledge of which concepts are coordinate to one another is represented within a semantic network. However, the finding has not been entirely consistent. One reason for that inconsistency may be that the faster retrieval of a coordinate association between highly related words is offset by hesitancy on the part of participants to make a “false” response to strongly related stimuli. To test this hypothesis, termed the relation-strength interference hypothesis, participants served in two conditions. In the Similarity condition, they judged whether pairs of words were semantically similar. In the Classification condition, they judged whether pairs of words exhibited a class-inclusion relation “pea—vegetable”) or a coordinate relation. Both conditions included both coordinate items and class-inclusion items. Latencies were longer in the Classification condition than in the Similarity condition. The increase in latency in the Classification condition relative to the Similarity condition, however, was the same for coordinate items as for class-inclusion items, a finding consistent with the relation-strength interference hypothesis.

scholarly journals Modelling the structure and dynamics of semantic processing

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armand S. Rotaru ◽  
Gabriella Vigliocco ◽  
Stefan L. Frank
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Processing ◽  
Lexical Processing ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Semantic Network ◽  
Semantic Networks ◽  
Semantic Activation ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Connectionist Modeling ◽  
Semantic Decision ◽  
Activation Profile

The contents and structure of semantic memory have been the focus of much recent research, with major advances in the development of distributional models, which use word co-occurrence information as a window into the semantics of language. In parallel, connectionist modeling has extended our knowledge of the processes engaged in semantic activation. However, these two lines of investigation have rarely been brought together. Here, we describe a processing model based on distributional semantics in which activation spreads throughout a semantic network, as dictated by the patterns of semantic similarity between words. We show that the activation profile of the network, measured at various time points, can successfully account for response times in lexical and semantic decision tasks, as well as for subjective concreteness and imageability ratings. We also show that the dynamics of the network is predictive of performance in relational semantic tasks, such as similarity/relatedness rating. Our results indicate that bringing together distributional semantic networks and spreading of activation provides a good fit to both automatic lexical processing (as indexed by lexical and semantic decisions) as well as more deliberate processing (as indexed by ratings), above and beyond what has been reported for previous models that take into account only similarity resulting from network structure.

Nanostructure of semiconductor quantum dots in a borosilicate glass matrix by complementary use of HREM and AEM

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 728-729
Author(s):  
M.J. Kim ◽  
L.C. Liu ◽  
S.H. Risbud ◽  
R.W. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Borosilicate Glass ◽  
Glass Matrix ◽  
Optical Switching ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Processing Technique ◽  
Internal Stresses ◽  
Electron Hole ◽  
Spatial Dimensions

When the size of a semiconductor is reduced by an appropriate materials processing technique to a dimension less than about twice the radius of an exciton in the bulk crystal, the band like structure of the semiconductor gives way to discrete molecular orbital electronic states. Clusters of semiconductors in a size regime lower than 2R {where R is the exciton Bohr radius; e.g. 3 nm for CdS and 7.3 nm for CdTe) are called Quantum Dots (QD) because they confine optically excited electron- hole pairs (excitons) in all three spatial dimensions. Structures based on QD are of great interest because of fast response times and non-linearity in optical switching applications.In this paper we report the first HREM analysis of the size and structure of CdTe and CdS QD formed by precipitation from a modified borosilicate glass matrix. The glass melts were quenched by pouring on brass plates, and then annealed to relieve internal stresses. QD precipitate particles were formed during subsequent "striking" heat treatments above the glass crystallization temperature, which was determined by differential thermal analysis.

Compact and efficient gas diffusion electrodes based on nanoporous alumina membranes for microfuel cells and gas sensors

The Analyst ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanda V. Fernandez ◽  
Rocío T. Tosello ◽  
José L. Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
Hydrogen Oxidation ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Limiting Current ◽  
Gas Diffusion Electrodes ◽  
Nanoporous Alumina ◽  
Alumina Membranes ◽  
Current Densities ◽  
Microfuel Cells

Gas diffusion electrodes based on nanoporous alumina membranes electrocatalyze hydrogen oxidation at high diffusion-limiting current densities with fast response times.

The S-SH Confusion Test and the Effects of Frequency Lowering

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 1486-1505
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Nonlinear Frequency ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Frequency Compression ◽  
Negative Side ◽  
Minimal Word ◽  
Low Pass ◽  
Negative Side Effects

PurposeFrequency lowering in hearing aids can cause listeners to perceive [s] as [ʃ]. The S-SH Confusion Test, which consists of 66 minimal word pairs spoken by 6 female talkers, was designed to help clinicians and researchers document these negative side effects. This study's purpose was to use this new test to evaluate the hypothesis that these confusions will increase to the extent that low frequencies are altered.MethodTwenty-one listeners with normal hearing were each tested on 7 conditions. Three were control conditions that were low-pass filtered at 3.3, 5.0, and 9.1 kHz. Four conditions were processed with nonlinear frequency compression (NFC): 2 had a 3.3-kHz maximum audible output frequency (MAOF), with a start frequency (SF) of 1.6 or 2.2 kHz; 2 had a 5.0-kHz MAOF, with an SF of 1.6 or 4.0 kHz. Listeners' responses were analyzed using concepts from signal detection theory. Response times were also collected as a measure of cognitive processing.ResultsOverall, [s] for [ʃ] confusions were minimal. As predicted, [ʃ] for [s] confusions increased for NFC conditions with a lower versus higher MAOF and with a lower versus higher SF. Response times for trials with correct [s] responses were shortest for the 9.1-kHz control and increased for the 5.0- and 3.3-kHz controls. NFC response times were also significantly longer as MAOF and SF decreased. The NFC condition with the highest MAOF and SF had statistically shorter response times than its control condition, indicating that, under some circumstances, NFC may ease cognitive processing.ConclusionsLarge differences in the S-SH Confusion Test across frequency-lowering conditions show that it can be used to document a major negative side effect associated with frequency lowering. Smaller but significant differences in response times for correct [s] trials indicate that NFC can help or hinder cognitive processing, depending on its settings.

Causal attribution and counterfactual thinking - when does performing one facilitate performance of the other

2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-218
Author(s):  
A. N’gbala ◽  
N. R. Branscombe
Keyword(s):  
Response Times ◽  
Causal Attribution ◽  
Counterfactual Thinking ◽  
The Other

When do causal attribution and counterfactual thinking facilitate one another, and when do the two responses overlap? Undergraduates (N = 78) both explained and undid, in each of two orders, events that were described either with their potential causes or not. The time to perform either response was recorded. Overall, mutation response times were shorter when performed after an attribution was made than before, while attribution response times did not vary as a consequence of sequence. Depending on whether the causes of the target events were described in the scenario or not, respondents undid the actor and assigned causality to another antecedent, or pointed to the actor for both responses. These findings suggest that counterfactual mutation is most likely to be facilitated by attribution, and that mutation and attribution responses are most likely to overlap when no information about potential causes of the event is provided.

Psychophysiological Responses to Stress Related to Anxiety in Healthy Aging

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Adorni ◽  
Agostino Brugnera ◽  
Alessia Gatti ◽  
Giorgio A. Tasca ◽  
Kaoru Sakatani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Stressful Condition ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Situational Stress ◽  
Anxiety Response ◽  
Nirs Signal ◽  
Psychophysiological Correlates

Abstract. The aim of the study was to explore the effects of situational stress and anxiety in a group of healthy elderly, both in terms of psychophysiological correlates and cognitive performance. Eighteen participants ( Mage = 70 ± 6.3; range 60–85) were assessed for anxiety and were instructed to perform a computerized math task, under both a stressful and a control condition, while near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signal and electrocardiography (ECG) were recorded. NIRS results evidenced an increased activation of right PFC during the entire procedure, even if effect sizes between left and right channels were larger during the experimental condition. The amount of right activation during the stressful condition was positively correlated with anxiety. Response times (RTs) were slower in more anxious than in less anxious individuals, both during the control and stressful conditions. Accuracy was lower in more anxious than in less anxious individuals, only during the stressful condition. Moreover, heart rate (HR) was not modulated by situational stress, nor by anxiety. Overall, the present study suggests that in healthy elderly, anxiety level has a significant impact on cerebral responses, and both on the amount of cognitive resources and the quality of performance in stressful situations.

The Attenuation of Very Low Frequency Brain Oscillations in Transitions from a Rest State to Active Attention

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 191-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzannah K. Helps ◽  
Samantha J. Broyd ◽  
Christopher J. James ◽  
Anke Karl ◽  
Edmund J. S. Sonuga-Barke
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Very Low Frequency ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Interference Hypothesis ◽  
Mode Interference

Background: The default mode interference hypothesis ( Sonuga-Barke & Castellanos, 2007 ) predicts (1) the attenuation of very low frequency oscillations (VLFO; e.g., .05 Hz) in brain activity within the default mode network during the transition from rest to task, and (2) that failures to attenuate in this way will lead to an increased likelihood of periodic attention lapses that are synchronized to the VLFO pattern. Here, we tested these predictions using DC-EEG recordings within and outside of a previously identified network of electrode locations hypothesized to reflect DMN activity (i.e., S3 network; Helps et al., 2008 ). Method: 24 young adults (mean age 22.3 years; 8 male), sampled to include a wide range of ADHD symptoms, took part in a study of rest to task transitions. Two conditions were compared: 5 min of rest (eyes open) and a 10-min simple 2-choice RT task with a relatively high sampling rate (ISI 1 s). DC-EEG was recorded during both conditions, and the low-frequency spectrum was decomposed and measures of the power within specific bands extracted. Results: Shift from rest to task led to an attenuation of VLFO activity within the S3 network which was inversely associated with ADHD symptoms. RT during task also showed a VLFO signature. During task there was a small but significant degree of synchronization between EEG and RT in the VLFO band. Attenuators showed a lower degree of synchrony than nonattenuators. Discussion: The results provide some initial EEG-based support for the default mode interference hypothesis and suggest that failure to attenuate VLFO in the S3 network is associated with higher synchrony between low-frequency brain activity and RT fluctuations during a simple RT task. Although significant, the effects were small and future research should employ tasks with a higher sampling rate to increase the possibility of extracting robust and stable signals.

The Latin Square Task as a Measure of Relational Reasoning

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke J. Hearne ◽  
Damian P. Birney ◽  
Luca Cocchi ◽  
Jason B. Mattingley
Keyword(s):  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Functional Brain Imaging ◽  
Inspection Time ◽  
Relational Reasoning ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Abstract. The Latin Square Task (LST) is a relational reasoning paradigm developed by Birney, Halford, and Andrews (2006) . Previous work has shown that the LST elicits typical reasoning complexity effects, such that increases in complexity are associated with decrements in task accuracy and increases in response times. Here we modified the LST for use in functional brain imaging experiments, in which presentation durations must be strictly controlled, and assessed its validity and reliability. Modifications included presenting the components within each trial serially, such that the reasoning and response periods were separated. In addition, the inspection time for each LST problem was constrained to five seconds. We replicated previous findings of higher error rates and slower response times with increasing relational complexity and observed relatively large effect sizes (η2p > 0.70, r > .50). Moreover, measures of internal consistency and test-retest reliability confirmed the stability of the LST within and across separate testing sessions. Interestingly, we found that limiting the inspection time for individual problems in the LST had little effect on accuracy relative to the unconstrained times used in previous work, a finding that is important for future brain imaging experiments aimed at investigating the neural correlates of relational reasoning.

Disfluent, But Fast

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 346-354
Author(s):  
Štěpán Bahník
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Processing Fluency ◽  
Retrieval Fluency ◽  
Decision Times

Abstract. Processing fluency, a metacognitive feeling of ease of cognitive processing, serves as a cue in various types of judgments. Processing fluency is sometimes evaluated by response times, with shorter response times indicating higher fluency. The present study examined existence of the opposite association; that is, it tested whether disfluency may lead to faster decision times when it serves as a strong cue in judgment. Retrieval fluency was manipulated in an experiment using previous presentation and phonological fluency by varying pronounceability of pseudowords. Participants liked easy-to-pronounce and previously presented words more. Importantly, their decisions were faster for hard-to-pronounce and easy-to-pronounce pseudowords than for pseudowords moderate in pronounceability. The results thus showed an inverted-U shaped relationship between fluency and decision times. The findings suggest that disfluency can lead to faster decision times and thus demonstrate the importance of separating different processes comprising judgment when response times are used as a measure of processing fluency.

Individual Differences in Mental Rotation

2013 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Khooshabeh ◽  
Mary Hegarty ◽  
Thomas F. Shipley
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Mental Rotation ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Mental Rotation Task ◽  
Imagery Ability ◽  
Alternative Strategies

Two experiments tested the hypothesis that imagery ability and figural complexity interact to affect the choice of mental rotation strategies. Participants performed the Shepard and Metzler (1971) mental rotation task. On half of the trials, the 3-D figures were manipulated to create “fragmented” figures, with some cubes missing. Good imagers were less accurate and had longer response times on fragmented figures than on complete figures. Poor imagers performed similarly on fragmented and complete figures. These results suggest that good imagers use holistic mental rotation strategies by default, but switch to alternative strategies depending on task demands, whereas poor imagers are less flexible and use piecemeal strategies regardless of the task demands.

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