scholarly journals An Autocatalytic Network Model of Conceptual Change

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liane Gabora ◽  
Nicole Beckage
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Change ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
Pretend Play ◽  
Conceptual Structure ◽  
Earth Model ◽  
Order Effects ◽  
Abstract Thought ◽  
New Information ◽  
The Impact

Reflexively Autocatalytic Foodset-generated (RAF) networks have been used to model the origins of evolutionary processes, both biological (the origin of life) and cultural (the origin of cumulative innovation). The RAF approach tags conceptual shifts with their source, making it uniquely suited to modelling how new ideas grow out of currently available knowledge, studying order effects, and tracking conceptual trajectories within (and across) individuals. Using RAF networks, we develop a step-by-step process model of conceptual change (i.e., the process by which a child becomes an active participant in cultural evolution), focusing on childrens’ mental models of the shape of the earth. Using results from (Vosniadou & Brewer, 1992), we model different trajectories from the flat earth model to the spherical earth model, as well as the impact of other factors, such as pretend play, on cognitive development. As RAFs increase in size and number, they begin to merge and form a maxRAF that bridges previously compartmentalized knowledge. The expanding maxRAF constrains and enables the scaffolding of new conceptual structure. Once most conceptual structure is subsumed by the maxRAF, the child can reliably frame new knowledge and experiences in terms of previous knowledge and experiences, and engage in recursive representational redescription, or abstract thought, at which point the conceptual network becomes a self-organizing structure. The approach distinguishes between mental representations acquired through social learning or individual learning (of existing information), and mental representations obtained through abstract thought (resulting in the generation of new information). We suggest that individual differences in reliance on these information sources culminates in different kinds of conceptual networks and concomitant learning trajectories. These differences may be amplified by differences in the proclivity to spontaneously tailor one’s mode of thought to the situation one is in by modulating the degree of divergence (versus convergence), abstractness (versus concreteness), and context-specificity. We discuss a potential role for the approach in the development of an overarching framework that integrates evolutionary and developmental approaches to cognition.

The Impact of Visual Stereotypes on Judgments about Rape

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
Robert Busching ◽  
Johannes Lutz
Keyword(s):  
Mental Representations ◽  
Irrelevant Information ◽  
Clear Distinction ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Facial Features ◽  
Reverse Correlation ◽  
Correlation Technique ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Legal Judgments ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Legally irrelevant information like facial features is used to form judgments about rape cases. Using a reverse-correlation technique, it is possible to visualize criminal stereotypes and test whether these representations influence judgments. In the first step, images of the stereotypical faces of a rapist, a thief, and a lifesaver were generated. These images showed a clear distinction between the lifesaver and the two criminal representations, but the criminal representations were rather similar. In the next step, the images were presented together with rape scenarios, and participants (N = 153) indicated the defendant’s level of liability. Participants with high rape myth acceptance scores attributed a lower level of liability to a defendant who resembled a stereotypical lifesaver. However, no specific effects of the image of the stereotypical rapist compared to the stereotypical thief were found. We discuss the findings with respect to the influence of visual stereotypes on legal judgments and the nature of these mental representations.

scholarly journals Neither mindful nor mindless, but minded: habits, ecological psychology, and skilled performance

Synthese ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Segundo-Ortin ◽  
Manuel Heras-Escribano
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
Ecological Psychology ◽  
Context Sensitive ◽  
Skilled Performance ◽  
New Information ◽  
Skilled Action ◽  
Conscious Attention ◽  
Computational Processes

AbstractA widely shared assumption in the literature about skilled motor behavior is that any action that is not blindly automatic and mechanical must be the product of computational processes upon mental representations. To counter this assumption, in this paper we offer a radical embodied (non-representational) account of skilled action that combines ecological psychology and the Deweyan theory of habits. According to our proposal, skilful performance can be understood as composed of sequences of mutually coherent, task-specific perceptual-motor habits. Such habits play a crucial role in simplifying both our exploration of the perceptual environment and our decision-making. However, we argue that what keeps habits situated, precluding them from becoming rote and automatic, are not mental representations but the agent's conscious attention to the affordances of the environment. It is because the agent is not acting on autopilot but constantly searching for new information for affordances that she can control her behavior, adapting previously learned habits to the current circumstances. We defend that our account provides the resources needed to understand how skilled action can be intelligent (flexible, adaptive, context-sensitive) without having any representational cognitive processes built into them.

scholarly journals Evaluating interventions with victims of intimate partner violence: a community psychology approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cinzia Albanesi ◽  
Carlo Tomasetto ◽  
Veronica Guardabassi
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of domestic violence, with profound implication for women's physical and psychological health. In this text we adopted the Empowerment Process Model (EPM) by Cattaneo and Goodman (Psychol Violence 5(1):84–94) to analyse interventions provided to victims of IPV by a Support Centre for Women (SCW) in Italy, and understand its contribution to women’s empowerment. Method We conducted semi-structured interviews with ten women who had been enrolled in a program for IPV survivors at a SCW in the past three years. The interviews focused on the programs’ aims, actions undertaken to reach them, and the impact on the women’s lives, and were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. Results Results showed that the interventions provided by the SWC were adapted according to women's needs. In the early phases, women’s primary aim was ending violence, and the intervention by the SCW was deemed as helpful to the extent it provided psychological support, protection and safe housing. Women’s aims subsequently moved to self-actualisation and economic and personal independence which required professional training, internships, and social support. Although satisfying the majority of the women’s expectations, other important needs (e.g., economic support or legal services) were poorly addressed, and cooperation with other services (e.g., police or social services) was sometimes deemed as critical. Conclusions By evaluating a program offered by a SCW to IPV survivors through the lens of the EPM model, we found that women deemed the program as effective when both individual resources and empowerment processes were promoted. Strengths, limitations and implications are discussed.

scholarly journals A Hybrid Energy System Workflow for Energy Portfolio Optimization

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4392
Author(s):  
Jia Zhou ◽  
Hany Abdel-Khalik ◽  
Paul Talbot ◽  
Cristian Rabiti
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Gaussian Process ◽  
Electricity Market ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Historical Data ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Initial Guess ◽  
Reduced Order ◽  
The Impact

This manuscript develops a workflow, driven by data analytics algorithms, to support the optimization of the economic performance of an Integrated Energy System. The goal is to determine the optimum mix of capacities from a set of different energy producers (e.g., nuclear, gas, wind and solar). A stochastic-based optimizer is employed, based on Gaussian Process Modeling, which requires numerous samples for its training. Each sample represents a time series describing the demand, load, or other operational and economic profiles for various types of energy producers. These samples are synthetically generated using a reduced order modeling algorithm that reads a limited set of historical data, such as demand and load data from past years. Numerous data analysis methods are employed to construct the reduced order models, including, for example, the Auto Regressive Moving Average, Fourier series decomposition, and the peak detection algorithm. All these algorithms are designed to detrend the data and extract features that can be employed to generate synthetic time histories that preserve the statistical properties of the original limited historical data. The optimization cost function is based on an economic model that assesses the effective cost of energy based on two figures of merit: the specific cash flow stream for each energy producer and the total Net Present Value. An initial guess for the optimal capacities is obtained using the screening curve method. The results of the Gaussian Process model-based optimization are assessed using an exhaustive Monte Carlo search, with the results indicating reasonable optimization results. The workflow has been implemented inside the Idaho National Laboratory’s Risk Analysis and Virtual Environment (RAVEN) framework. The main contribution of this study addresses several challenges in the current optimization methods of the energy portfolios in IES: First, the feasibility of generating the synthetic time series of the periodic peak data; Second, the computational burden of the conventional stochastic optimization of the energy portfolio, associated with the need for repeated executions of system models; Third, the inadequacies of previous studies in terms of the comparisons of the impact of the economic parameters. The proposed workflow can provide a scientifically defendable strategy to support decision-making in the electricity market and to help energy distributors develop a better understanding of the performance of integrated energy systems.

The Effect of Changes to Question Order on the Prevalence of ‘Sufficient’ Physical Activity in an Australian Population Survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-396
Author(s):  
Christine Hanley ◽  
Mitch J. Duncan ◽  
W. Kerry Mummery
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Order Effects ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Question Order ◽  
Recreational Walking ◽  
Cati Survey ◽  
The Impact

Background:Population surveys are frequently used to assess prevalence, correlates and health benefits of physical activity. However, nonsampling errors, such as question order effects, in surveys may lead to imprecision in self reported physical activity. This study examined the impact of modified question order in a commonly used physical activity questionnaire on the prevalence of sufficient physical activity.Methods:Data were obtained from a telephone survey of adults living in Queensland, Australia. A total of 1243 adults participated in the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) survey conducted in July 2008 which included the Active Australia Questionnaire (AAQ) presented in traditional or modified order. Binary logistic regression analyses was used to examine relationships between question order and physical activity outcomes.Results:Significant relationships were found between question order and sufficient activity, recreational walking, moderate activity, vigorous activity, and total activity. Respondents who received the AAQ in modified order were more likely to be categorized as sufficiently active (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01−1.60).Conclusions:This study highlights the importance of question order on estimates of self reported physical activity. This study has shown that changes in question order can lead to an increase in the proportion of participants classified as sufficiently active.

Copyright & Art

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 1762-1776
Author(s):  
Eberhard Ortland ◽  
Reinold Schmücker
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Structure ◽  
Artistic Production ◽  
Works Of Art ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Aesthetic Concepts ◽  
Neighbouring Rights

What is the impact of copyright(and neighbouring rights)on art— on the conditions for artistic production as well as on other art-related practices in modern societies like trading, conserving, exhibiting, performing, reproducing and distributing works of art or reproductions thereof in various media? And what is the particular relevance of art (and of aesthetic concepts, or theories of art) for copyright? Why should the dogmatics of copyright be concerned with aesthetics at all, and what function do aesthetic concepts fulfil in the conceptual structure of copyright and in the context of its legitimization?

scholarly journals Wild Goat style ceramics at Troy and the impact of Archaic period colonisation on the Troad

2013 ◽  
Vol 63 ◽  
pp. 35-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn C. Aslan ◽  
Ernst Pernicka
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Activation Analysis ◽  
Activation Analysis ◽  
Material Culture ◽  
Archaic Period ◽  
Seventh Century ◽  
Ceramic Production ◽  
Historical Texts ◽  
New Information ◽  
Gallipoli Peninsula ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe establishment of colonies along the Hellespont by inhabitants of Ionia, Athens and Lesbos is well-known from historical texts. Recently, stratified contexts at Troy as well as other surveys and excavations have yielded new information about the chronology and material markers of Archaic period settlements in the Troad and the Gallipoli peninsula. The archaeological evidence for colonisation in this region is not clearly seen until the late seventh to early sixth century BC when there is a dramatic change in the material culture. Destruction evidence from Troy indicates that the new settlers probably entered a weakened and depopulated region in the second half of the seventh century BC. The Ionian colonists transplanted their pottery traditions and started production of East Greek style ceramics in the Troad. Neutron Activation Analysis of Wild Goat style ceramics found at Troy offers further confirmation for the existence of Hellespontine Wild Goat style ceramic production centres. The Wild Goat style examples from Troy help to define the characteristics of the Hellespontine group, as well as the chronology and impact of colonisation in this area.

Adaptive Predictive Based on Equal-Dimension and New Information for the Hydraulic Mechanism of Wave Motion Compensating Platform

2010 ◽  
Vol 20-23 ◽  
pp. 236-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Gang Zeng ◽  
Guo Hua Chen
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Control ◽  
Wave Motion ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Problem Solution ◽  
New Information ◽  
Hydraulic Mechanism ◽  
Heave Motion ◽  
Adaptive Predictive Control ◽  
The Impact

A wave motion compensating platform has the function of compensating the ship’s generalized heave motion (a coupling result of roll, pitch and heave). It can decrease the impact of ship motion on some sea works and equipments. The hydraulic mechanism of platform system has the characteristics of nonlinear and big inertia. In order to compensate generalized heave motion effectively, an adaptive predictive control policy is used for controlling the hydraulic mechanism. Based on equal-dimension and new information, an automation regressive model can get adaptive multi-step prediction. The model parameter estimation based on the least square algorithm is easy to blow up and be unstable when the system has random noise. To improve the problem solution, a damped recursive least square algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters on line. For the short regulation time, strong anti-disturbance ability and great robustness, a nonlinear PID controller whose gain parameters vary with errors is suitable for controlling the hydraulic mechanism. Using the collected experimental data, the simulations suggest that adopting the above adaptive predictive control policy to control hydraulic mechanism is able to decrease the generalized heave amplitude of wave motion compensating platform.

Reply to T.M. Simbirtseva and S.V. Volkov: Facts Against Fantasies

2021 ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Bella Pak
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Russian Government ◽  
New Information ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Specific Contribution

This article provides an analysis of scientific research on the life and activities of the first Russian charge d’ affaires and consul general in Korea Karl I. Waeber, shows the specific contribution of scholars to the study of the professional biography of this outstanding diplomat. Despite the fact that the activity of K.I. Weber in Korea is partially reflected in the works of Boris D. Pak and Bella B. Pak on the history of Russo-Korean relations, as well as in several separate articles, the first special monographic work on this topic belongs to the pen of the author of this article. The monographic research focuses on a detailed coverage of the tasks, goals facing Waeber in Korea, the specific forms and conditions for their implementation, the impact he exerts on the course of the Russian government towards Korea; analysis of the most complex international circumstances, against the background of which he made certain decisions.   This article contains answers to T.M. Simbirtseva and S.V. Volkov’s critical remarks regarding some of the information and photographic documents given in the work concerning K.I. Waeber and the accusations against the author of the article in connection with the publication in Germany in the summer of 2021 of Dr. S. Braezel's photobook "Pictures of the life of a diplomat between Europe and East Asia: Karl von Waeber (1841-1910)". The author of the article drew attention to some erroneous judgments in the article by T.M. Simbirtseva and S.V. Volkov, formed due to ignorance and bias, analyzed and refuted the most unfounded accusations, clarified the position regarding new information about K.I. Waeber.

An investigation of time varying market efficiency: evidence from STOXX Europe Christian index

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 631-643
Author(s):  
Tayyaba Yousaf ◽  
Sadia Farooq ◽  
Ahmed Muneeb Mehta
Keyword(s):  
Price Index ◽  
Abnormal Returns ◽  
Weak Form ◽  
Efficient Market Hypothesis ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Data ◽  
New Information ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the STOXX Europe Christian price index (SECI) follows the premise of efficient market hypothesis (EMH). Design/methodology/approach The study used daily data of SECI for the period of 15 years as its launch date i.e. 31 December 2004 to 31 December 2019. Data are analyzed by taking a full-length sample and fixed-length subsample. For subsample, the data are divided into five subsamples of three years each. Subsample analysis is important for analyzing time varying efficiency of the series, as the market is said to follow EMH if it is being efficient throughout the sample. Both type of samples is examined through linear tests including autocorrelations test and variance ratio (VR) test. Findings Tests applied conclude that SECI is weak-form efficient, which means that the prices of the index include all the relevant past information and immediately react to new information. Hence, the investors cannot earn abnormal returns. Originality/value Religion-based indices grasped the attention of investors, policymakers and academic researchers because of increased concern over ethics in business. Though the impact of religion on the economy have been studied in many ways but the efficiency of religion-based indices have been less explored. The current study is primary in its nature as it analysis the efficiency of SECI. This index is important to explore because Christianity is the world’s top religion with 2.3 billion followers around the globe.

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