scholarly journals Raising the Bar: Improving Methodological Rigour in Cognitive Alcohol Research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Rebecca Pennington ◽  
Andrew Jones ◽  
James Edward Bartlett ◽  
Amber Copeland ◽  
Daniel Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Attentional Bias ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Open Science ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Stimulus Selection ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Broad Domain

Background & Aims: A range of experimental paradigms claim to measure the cognitive processes underpinning alcohol use, suggesting that heightened attentional bias, greater approach tendencies and reduced cue-specific inhibitory control are important drivers of consumption. This paper identifies substantial methodological shortcomings within this broad domain of research, however, and exemplifies them in studies focused specifically on alcohol-related attentional bias. Argument/Analysis: We highlight five main methodological issues: (i) the use of inappropriately matched control stimuli; (ii) opacity of stimulus selection and validation procedures; (iii) a credence in noisy measures; (iv) a reliance on unreliable tasks; and (v) variability in design and analysis. This is evidenced through a review of alcohol-related attentional bias (64 empirical articles, 68 tasks), which reveals the following: only 53% of tasks utilise appropriately matched control stimuli; as few as 38% report their stimulus selection and 19% their validation procedures; less than 28% used indices capable of disambiguating attentional processes; 22% assess reliability; and under 2% of studies were preregistered. Conclusions: Substantial improvements are required to improve the methodological rigour of cognitive alcohol research. To facilitate this, we provide a practical guide for future research: we advocate the use of well-matched and validated experimental stimuli, the development of reliable cognitive tasks and explicit assessment of their psychometric properties, and careful consideration of behavioural indices and their analysis. Further, we discuss open science principles that can facilitate replication and reproducibility in alcohol research, thereby enhancing trust in a field that has significant implications for public health and policy.

scholarly journals A Theory of Guilt Appeals: A Review Showing the Importance of Investigating Cognitive Processes as Mediators between Emotion and Behavior

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Aurélien Graton ◽  
Melody Mailliez
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Social Behaviors ◽  
Prosocial Behaviors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Attentional Biases ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
And Behavior

Guilt appeals in the field of persuasion are quite common. However, the effectiveness of these messages is sometimes ambivalent. It is widely acknowledged that guilt leads people to engage into prosocial behaviors, but the effects of guilt can also be counter-productive (e.g., reactance-like effects). We argue that the explanations for these contradictions remain unsatisfactory and suggest that taking into account the implications of underlying cognitive—especially attentional—mechanisms would provide a better understanding of these paradoxical outcomes. This article provides a brief review of the literature on the link between guilt and pro-social behaviors and its classical interpretations. We propose a reinterpretation of this link by taking into account specific attentional processes triggered by the emotion of guilt. Attentional biases are, in our opinion, better predictors of the effectiveness of a message than the amount of emotion induced by the same message. This consideration should guide future research in the field of guilt appeals and pro-social behaviors. Implications, in terms of a broader comprehension of the emotion–behavior association in decision making processes, are discussed.

And One More for the Road: Commentary on the Special Issue on Alcohol and Eyewitness Memory

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve M. J. Janssen ◽  
Michele Anne
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Alcohol Intoxication ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Eyewitness Memory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
The Road ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Insight Into

Studies examining the influences of alcohol intoxication have reported mixed findings on whether it impairs eyewitness memory. Although the studies in this Special Issue investigated different questions and tested different variables, the findings of these studies collectively provide insight into mechanisms and methodological issues that may explain the ambiguous findings of alcohol intoxication and eyewitness memory. In this commentary, we first describe the experimental studies of this Special Issue. We then discuss four mechanisms that could underlie those mixed findings (alcohol myopia, disinhibition, hypervigilance, meta-cognitive processes at retrieval). Last, we address methodological issues that may have contributed to those ambiguous findings (i.e., alcohol intoxication levels, automatic processing of stimuli, sensitivity of dependent variables, and possible interactions with arousal), and provide suggestions for future research to address these issues.

Focused Tasks, Mental Actions and Second Language Learning. Cognitive and Connectionist Accounts of Task Effectiveness

2006 ◽  
Vol 152 ◽  
pp. 35-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Machteld Moonen ◽  
Rick de Graaff ◽  
Gerard Westhoff
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Depth Of Processing ◽  
Mental Actions ◽  
Involvement Load Hypothesis

Abstract This paper presents a theoretical framework to estimate the effectiveness of second language tasks in which the focus is on the acquisition of new linguistic items, such as vocabulary or grammar, the so-called focused tasks (R. Ellis, 2003). What accounts for the learning impact offocused tasks? We shall argue that the task-based approach (e.g. Skehan, 1998, Robinson, 2001) does not provide an in-depth account of how cognitive processes, elicited by a task, foster the acquisition of new linguistic elements. We shall then review the typologies of cognitive processes derived from research on learning strategies (Chamot & O'Malley, 1994), from the involvement load hypothesis (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001), from the depth of processing hypothesis (Craik & Lockhart, 1972) and from connectionism (e.g Broeder & Plunkett, 1997; N. Ellis, 2003). The combined insights of these typologies form the basis of the multi-feature hypothesis, which predicts that retention and ease of activation of new linguistic items are improved by mental actions which involve a wide variety of different features, simultaneously and frequently. A number of implications for future research shall be discussed.

International Archival Auditing and Assurance Research: Trends, Methodological Issues, and Opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Simnett ◽  
Elizabeth Carson ◽  
Ann Vanstraelen
Keyword(s):  
Audit Quality ◽  
Research Trends ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Support Evidence

SUMMARY We present a comprehensive review of the 130 international archival auditing and assurance research articles that were published in eight leading accounting and auditing journals for 1995–2014. In order to support evidence-based international standard setting and regulation, and to identify what has been learned to date, we map this research to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board's (IAASB) Framework for Audit Quality. For the areas that have been well researched, we provide a summary of the findings and outline how they can inform standard setters and regulators. We also observe a significant evolution in international archival research over the 20 years of our study, as evidenced by the measures of audit quality, data sources used, and approaches used to address endogeneity concerns. Finally, we identify some challenges in undertaking international archival auditing and assurance research and identify opportunities for future research. Our review is of interest to researchers, practitioners, and standard setters/regulators involved in international auditing and assurance activities.

If Eyes are the Window to Our Soul, What Role does Eye-Tracking Play in Accounting Research?

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward J. Lynch ◽  
Lindsay M. Andiola
Keyword(s):  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Research Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behavioral Accounting ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Instructional Resource ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Research Domains

ABSTRACT Recent advances in technology have increased the accessibility and ease in using eye-tracking as a research tool. These advances have the potential to benefit behavioral accounting researchers' understanding of the cognitive processes underlying individuals' judgments, decisions, and behaviors. However, despite its potential and wide use in other disciplines, few behavioral accounting studies use eye-tracking. The purpose of this paper is to familiarize accounting researchers with eye-tracking, including its advantages and limitations as a research tool. We start by providing an overview of eye-tracking and discussing essential terms and useful metrics, as well as the psychological constructs they proxy. We then summarize eye-tracking research across research domains, review accounting studies that use eye-tracking, and identify future research directions across accounting topics. Finally, we provide an instructional resource to guide those researchers interested in using eye-tracking, including important considerations at each stage of the study. JEL Classifications: M41; C91.

scholarly journals Circulating miRNA-202-3p is a potential novel biomarker for diagnosis of type 1 gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dou Dou ◽  
Xiao-kou Li ◽  
Qi-sheng Xia ◽  
Ying-ying Chen ◽  
Yuan-liang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Matched Control ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neuroendocrine Neoplasms ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarkers ◽  
Standard Curve ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Background Currently, there are no circulating diagnostic biomarkers for gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (g-NENs). In previous studies, we found that miRNA-202-3p is overexpressed in the tumour tissue of type 1 g-NEN. We speculated that miRNA-202-3p is also likely to be highly expressed in circulating blood. Methods A total of 27 patients with type 1 g-NEN and 27 age- and sex-matched control participants were enrolled in this study. The miRNA-202-3p levels in serum obtained from the participants were measured by qRT‐PCR. The expression level of miRNA-202-3p in the samples was calculated by comparison with a standard curve. Results The clinical characteristics of the patients were similar to those of the patient samples in previous reports. Expression of miRNA-202-3p was significantly higher in the patient group (3.84 × 107 copies/nl) than in the control group (0.635 × 107 copies/nl). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.788–0.968), and the optimal cut-off point was approximately 1.12 × 107 copies/nl. The sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 77.8%, respectively. Conclusion This study suggests that miRNA-202-3p is potentially useful as a biomarker of type 1 g-NEN; further investigation and verification should be performed in future research.

Relationships between attention to emotion and anxiety among a community sample of adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Benjamin C. Mullin ◽  
Jacob B. W. Holzman ◽  
Laura Pyle ◽  
Emmaly L. Perks ◽  
Yaswanth Chintaluru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Eye Tracking ◽  
Attentional Bias ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Anxious Youth ◽  
Case Control Analysis

Abstract Background Attentional bias to threat has been implicated as a cognitive mechanism in anxiety disorders for youth. Yet, prior studies documenting this bias have largely relied on a method with questionable reliability (i.e. dot-probe task) and small samples, few of which included adolescents. The current study sought to address such limitations by examining relations between anxiety – both clinically diagnosed and dimensionally rated – and attentional bias to threat. Methods The study included a community sample of adolescents and employed eye-tracking methodology intended to capture possible biases across the full range of both automatic (i.e. vigilance bias) and controlled attentional processes (i.e. avoidance bias, maintenance bias). We examined both dimensional anxiety (across the full sample; n = 215) and categorical anxiety in a subset case-control analysis (n = 100) as predictors of biases. Results Findings indicated that participants with an anxiety disorder oriented more slowly to angry faces than matched controls. Results did not suggest a greater likelihood of initial orienting to angry faces among our participants with anxiety disorders or those with higher dimensional ratings of anxiety. Greater anxiety severity was associated with greater dwell time to neutral faces. Conclusions This is the largest study to date examining eye-tracking metrics of attention to threat among healthy and anxious youth. Findings did not support the notion that anxiety is characterized by heightened vigilance or avoidance/maintenance of attention to threat. All effects detected were extremely small. Links between attention to threat and anxiety among adolescents may be subtle and highly dependent on experimental task dimensions.

Methodological Issues Regarding Cross-Cultural Studies of Judgments of Facial Expressions

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Matsumoto ◽  
Hyisung C. Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Studies ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Methodological Errors ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Facial Expressions Of Emotion ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Cross Cultural Studies

We discuss four methodological issues regarding cross-cultural judgment studies of facial expressions of emotion involving design, sampling, stimuli, and dependent variables. We use examples of relatively recent studies in this area to highlight and discuss these issues. We contend that careful consideration of these, and other, cross-cultural methodological issues can help researchers minimize methodological errors, and can guide the field to address new and different research questions that can continue to facilitate an evolution in the field’s thinking about the nature of culture, emotion, and facial expressions.

scholarly journals Cognition and the evolution of camouflage

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1825) ◽  
pp. 20152890 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Skelhorn ◽  
Candy Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Selective Pressure ◽  
Animal Cognition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ecological Context ◽  
The Past ◽  
Camouflage Patterns ◽  
Predator Defence

Camouflage is one of the most widespread forms of anti-predator defence and prevents prey individuals from being detected or correctly recognized by would-be predators. Over the past decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in both the evolution of prey camouflage patterns, and in understanding animal cognition in a more ecological context. However, these fields rarely collide, and the role of cognition in the evolution of camouflage is poorly understood. Here, we review what we currently know about the role of both predator and prey cognition in the evolution of prey camouflage, outline why cognition may be an important selective pressure driving the evolution of camouflage and consider how studying the cognitive processes of animals may prove to be a useful tool to study the evolution of camouflage, and vice versa. In doing so, we highlight that we still have a lot to learn about the role of cognition in the evolution of camouflage and identify a number of avenues for future research.

Priors and Prejudice: How prior knowledge shapes intergroup perception

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh McGovern ◽  
Marte Otten
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Social Neuroscience ◽  
Intergroup Bias ◽  
Predictive Processing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intergroup Perception ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Processing Framework

Bayesian processing has become a popular framework by which to understand cognitive processes. However, relatively little has been done to understand how Bayesian processing in the brain can be applied to understanding intergroup cognition. We assess how categorization and evaluation processes unfold based on priors about the ethnic outgroup being perceived. We then consider how the precision of prior knowledge about groups differentially influence perception depending on how the information about that group was learned affects the way in which it is recalled. Finally, we evaluate the mechanisms of how humans learn information about other ethnic groups and assess how the method of learning influences future intergroup perception. We suggest that a predictive processing framework for assessing prejudice could help accounting for seemingly disparate findings on intergroup bias from social neuroscience, social psychology, and evolutionary psychology. Such an integration has important implications for future research on prejudice at the interpersonal, intergroup, and societal levels.

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