scholarly journals Naming unrelated words reliably predicts creativity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay A. Olson ◽  
Johnny Nahas ◽  
Denis Chmoulevitch ◽  
Margaret E Webb
Keyword(s):  
Computational Algorithm ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Semantic Distance ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Association Task ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Semantic Distances

Several theories posit that creative people are able to generate more divergent ideas. If this is correct, the simple act of naming unrelated words and then measuring the semantic distance between them could serve as an objective measure of creativity. To test this hypothesis, we asked 8,892 participants to name 10 words that are as different from each other as possible. A computational algorithm then estimated the average semantic distance between the words; related words (e.g., “cat” and “dog”) have shorter distances than unrelated ones (e.g., “cat” and “thimble”). We predicted that people producing greater semantic distances would also score higher on traditional creativity measures. In Study 1, there were moderate to strong correlations between semantic distance and two other creativity measures (the Alternative Uses Task and the Bridge-the-Associative-Gap Task). In Study 2, with participants from 98 countries, semantic distances varied only slightly by demographic variables which suggests that the measure can be used without modification across diverse populations. There was also a positive correlation between semantic distance and performance on problem solving tasks known to predict creativity. Overall, semantic distance correlated at least as strongly with established creativity measures as those measures did with each other. Naming unrelated words in what we call the Divergent Association Task can thus serve as a brief, reliable, and objective measure of creativity.

scholarly journals Naming unrelated words predicts creativity

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (25) ◽  
pp. e2022340118
Author(s):  
Jay A. Olson ◽  
Johnny Nahas ◽  
Denis Chmoulevitch ◽  
Simon J. Cropper ◽  
Margaret E. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Divergent Thinking ◽  
Computational Algorithm ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Semantic Distance ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Association Task ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Semantic Distances

Several theories posit that creative people are able to generate more divergent ideas. If this is correct, simply naming unrelated words and then measuring the semantic distance between them could serve as an objective measure of divergent thinking. To test this hypothesis, we asked 8,914 participants to name 10 words that are as different from each other as possible. A computational algorithm then estimated the average semantic distance between the words; related words (e.g., cat and dog) have shorter distances than unrelated ones (e.g., cat and thimble). We predicted that people producing greater semantic distances would also score higher on traditional creativity measures. In Study 1, we found moderate to strong correlations between semantic distance and two widely used creativity measures (the Alternative Uses Task and the Bridge-the-Associative-Gap Task). In Study 2, with participants from 98 countries, semantic distances varied only slightly by basic demographic variables. There was also a positive correlation between semantic distance and performance on a range of problems known to predict creativity. Overall, semantic distance correlated at least as strongly with established creativity measures as those measures did with each other. Naming unrelated words in what we call the Divergent Association Task can thus serve as a brief, reliable, and objective measure of divergent thinking.

scholarly journals Impact of social influence in English proficiency and performance in English examinations of mathematics students from a Sino-US undergraduate education program

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 938-957
Author(s):  
Hong Zhang ◽  
Wilson Osafo Apeanti ◽  
Liqiong Ma ◽  
Dianchen Lu ◽  
Xizhong Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Undergraduate Education ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Applied Mathematics ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Bachelor's Degree ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Mathematical Model

This study examines the influence of certain academic and demographic variables upon the academic performance of Chinese students enrolled in a cooperative Bachelor’s degree program in Pure and Applied Mathematics. The program is English taught and jointly organised by Jiangsu University, China and Arcadia University, USA. Data from a sample of 166 students is processed using inferential and path analysis, as well as mathematical modelling. As evidenced by the inferential and path analysis, no steady improvement in the English proficiency of students has been observed, while the latter has been found to be influenced by gender and to strongly influence academic performance in Mathematics courses. The effects of negative social influences are assessed via a qualitative analysis of the mathematical model. Threshold quantities similar to the basic reproduction number of mathematical epidemiology have been found to be stability triggers. Possible interventional measures are discussed based on these findings.

scholarly journals T55. DETECTING SEMANTIC DISTANCE ABNORMALITIES IN PSYCHOSIS: QUANTIFICATION OF WORD ASSOCIATIONS USING SEMANTIC SPACE MODELING

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S252-S252
Author(s):  
Andrea Pintos ◽  
Charlton Cheung ◽  
Simon De Deyne ◽  
Christy L M Hui ◽  
Eric Y H Chen
Keyword(s):  
Word Association ◽  
Semantic Distance ◽  
Semantic Space ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Symptom Change ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Association Task ◽  
Cue Words ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Language Disorganisation is central to the conceptualization of psychosis. Disruptions in semantic processing have been observed both as a “state”, and a “trait” phenomena in psychotic disorders. Quantification of semantic abnormalities have been improved with recent advances in semantic modeling. The current study applied such computational methods on a word association task, using immediate response to cue words to explore semantic associations. We employed a longitudinal design to investigate semantic relationships during a psychotic episode compared with the same patients after remission six months later, in order to clarify the state-trait status of the semantic variables, and their relationships with clinical symptoms. We hypothesized that semantic distance would be significantly greater in patients than controls at baseline, and would decrease upon follow-up. Methods A continued word association task (WAT) was employed to elicit three associations per cue from a set of 200 cue-words. The set of cues were previously established as being representative of words in general speech, in terms of valence, concreteness and part-of-speech composition. The task was administered to 47 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 44 matched healthy control participants. Data was collected at two time points, at baseline when patients were actively psychotic and then at 6-months follow-up. In addition, extensive clinical and cognitive measures were collected at both time points. Patterns of word associations were explored using vector representations, derived from Word2Vec, that encompass semantic meaning. Semantic distance of each cue-response pairing is defined using the cosine angle of their vectors. Changes in semantic distance were further examined on their correlation with symptom change over time. Results There was a significant interaction between group and time point on semantic distance (F = 6.865, p = 0.009), where measures of the semantic distance of patients’ responses were significantly greater than healthy controls at both time-points (p < 0.001).There is a significant time effect: the semantic distance reduced significantly over time (p < 0.001). Within the patient group, a change in semantic distance was correlated with symptom change over time, specifically with general psychopathology (p =0.024), depressive (p = 0.046) and manic symptoms (p < 0.01). Discussion Measures of semantic distance were significantly greater in patients both at baseline during a psychotic episode, and at follow-up upon clinical remission. There is a significant but not full normalization of semantic distance upon remission. Increase in semantic distance is therefore both a state and a trait marker in psychosis. We have employed a novel technique to quantify semantic distance of a word association task using Word2Vec to generate vector representations of responses in a high-dimensional semantic space. The findings illustrate the feasibility of applying Word2Vec to a word association task to detect subtle changes in language. Subsequent research possibilities using this approach includes exploration of the semantic content of responses, by grouping similar meaning responses into conceptual clusters, and its correlation with symptom change.

Theatre in Second Life® Holds the VR Mirror up to Nature

2011 ◽  
pp. 376-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen A. Schrum
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Physical Presence ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of

As creative people inhabit virtual worlds, they bring their ideas for art and performance with them into these brave new worlds. While at first glance, virtual performance may have the outward trappings of theatre, some believe they don’t adhere to the basic traditional definition of theatre: the interaction between an actor and an audience. Detractors suggest that physical presence is required for such an interaction to take place. However, studies have shown that computer mediated communication (CMC) can be as real as face-to-face communication, where emotional response is concerned. Armed with this information, the author can examine how performance in a virtual world such as Second Life may indeed be like “real” theatre, what the possibilities for future virtual performance are, and may require that we redefine theatre for online performance venues.

Correlates of Local Union Officers' Satisfaction

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 459-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian P. Heshizer ◽  
Harry J. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
National Union ◽  
Local Union ◽  
Quality Of Worklife ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Theoretical Conceptualization

Three models of satisfaction with the national union were tested by regression analysis on a sample of 139 elected local union officers. The first model ( expectations-performance) hypothesized satisfaction to be a function of expectations of union performance and perceived performance on three dimensions, wages and benefits, quality of worklife, and member-union relations. The second model ( discrepancy) considered satisfaction to be a function of the difference between expectations and performance on these three dimensions. The third model ( instrumentality) hypothesized satisfaction as a function of union beliefs and demographic variables in addition to the expectations and perceived performance measures. The expectations-performance and discrepancy models accounted for less variance in satisfaction than the instrumentality model. Satisfaction with the national union was related to union strength and quality of leadership. These findings indicate that the theoretical conceptualization and correlates of satisfaction with the national union differ from models of satisfaction with the local union.

Spectacles of Ethnicities

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Phillips
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
Arts Festivals ◽  
Production Values ◽  
And Performance ◽  
American Cities

Performing arts festivals featuring artists representing distinct world dance traditions have proliferated in American cities since the 1980s. Often arranged in a potpourri format, these performances demonstrate a city’s multicultural make-up and proclaim dance to show unity between diverse populations. However, what happens when these dances each with distinct production and performance standards get placed with other dances onto a stage dominated by Western theatrical aesthetics? How do culturally specific production values become skewed and how do power relations play out when people outside the cultures represented produce the performances? Using one of America’s more prominent festivals, The San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival as a case study, this chapter explores issues around the politics of representation and highlights some misconceptions about diversity that are presumed in these types of multicultural spectacles. The chapter also considers possible methods to create more culturally appropriate world dance events.

Measuring semantic distances using linked open data and its application on music recommender systems

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Chang Yang ◽  
Chung-Hong Lee ◽  
Wen-Sheng Liao
Keyword(s):  
Open Data ◽  
Semantic Distance ◽  
Linked Open Data ◽  
Experimental Result ◽  
Music Recommendation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Measurement Methodology ◽  
Semantic Distances ◽  
Available Information

PurposeMeasuring the similarity between two resources is considered difficult due to a lack of reliable information and a wide variety of available information regarding the resources. Many approaches have been devised to tackle such difficulty. Although content-based approaches, which adopted resource-related data in comparing resources, played a major role in similarity measurement methodology, the lack of semantic insight on the data may leave these approaches imperfect. The purpose of this paper is to incorporate data semantics into the measuring process.Design/methodology/approachThe emerged linked open data (LOD) provide a practical solution to tackle such difficulty. Common methodologies consuming LOD mainly focused on using link attributes that provide some sort of semantic relations between data. In this work, methods for measuring semantic distances between resources using information gathered from LOD were proposed. Such distances were then applied to music recommendation, focusing on the effect of various weight and level settings.FindingsThis work conducted experiments using the MusicBrainz dataset and evaluated the proposed schemes for the plausibility of LOD on music recommendation. The experimental result shows that the proposed methods electively improved classic approaches for both linked data semantic distance (LDSD) and PathSim methods by 47 and 9.7%, respectively.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this work is to develop novel schemes for incorporating knowledge from LOD. Two types of knowledge, namely attribute and path, were derived and incorporated into similarity measurements. Such knowledge may reflect the relationships between resources in a semantic manner since the links in LOD carry much semantic information regarding connecting resources.

Reading Fluency Estimates of Current Intellectual Function: Demographic Factors and Effects of Type of Stimuli

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis G. Simos ◽  
Georgios D. Sideridis ◽  
Dimitrios Kasselimis ◽  
Angeliki Mouzaki
Keyword(s):  
Reading Fluency ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Intellectual Capacity ◽  
Reading Measures ◽  
And Performance

AbstractThe study explores the potential clinical value of reading fluency measures in complementing demographic variables as indices of current intellectual capacity. IQ estimates (based on the PPVT-R, WASI Vocabulary and Block Design subtests) were obtained from a representative, non-clinical sample of 386 Greek adults aged 48–87 years along with two measures of reading efficiency (one involving relatively high-frequency words—WRE—and the second comprised of phonotactically matched pseudowords—PsWRE). Both reading measures (number of items read correctly in 45 s) accounted for significant portions of variability in demographically adjusted verbal and performance IQ indices. Reading measures provided IQ estimates which were significantly closer to those predicted by demographic variables alone in up to 22% of individuals with fewer than 7 (across all ages) or 13 years of formal education (in the 70–87 year age range). PsWRE scores slightly outperformed WRE scores in predicting a person's estimated verbal or performance IQ. Results are discussed in the context of previous findings using reading accuracy measures for low-frequency words with exceptional spellings in less transparent orthographic systems such as English. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–7)

scholarly journals Measuring Disability Progression with the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Kristen M Krysko ◽  
Paul W O Connor ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Objective Measure ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Functional Composite ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite ◽  
Continuous Scale ◽  
Primary Disability ◽  
Disability Outcome ◽  
Serial Addition

The multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) is a three-part quantitative objective measure of neurologic function, measuring leg (Timed 25-foot Walk [25FTW]), arm (Nine-hole Peg Test [9HPT]) and cognitive (Three-second Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test [PASAT3]) function. The MSFC was developed to be a more sensitive measure of disability than the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and has excellent reliability. Validity is supported by moderately strong correlations with EDSS, brain atrophy and quality of life. Advantages of the MSFC include its continuous scale and inclusion of several disease dimensions. Limitations include practice effects, the lack of a visual function component, variations in reference populations and limited understanding of clinically relevant MSFC z-score changes. MSFC z-score change has been used as a secondary end-point in MS trials, but EDSS progression remains the primary disability outcome. A new approach to MSFC data involves defining MSFC progression as worsening in an MSFC component by 15–20% over three months. With further study, this could be used as a primary disability outcome in future clinical trials.

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