scholarly journals Investigating the Role of Brain Lateralization and Gender in Paranormal Beliefs

Author(s):  
Abdolvahed Narmashiri ◽  
Ahmad Sohrabi ◽  
Javad Hatami ◽  
Azita Amirfakhraei ◽  
Shaniya Haghighat

Introduction: Brain lateralization is associated with human behavior. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of brain lateralization on the scores of paranormal beliefs. Methods: The study population included 180 students of Sanandaj universities, Sanandaj City, Iran who were selected with convenience sampling method (100 left-brained males, 6 left-brained females, 56 both left- and right-brained males and 22 both left- and right-brained females). The research tools were the paranormal belief scale developed by Blackmore (1994), as well as the brain lateralization questionnaire (1985). Results: The obtained findings suggested a significant difference between the left-brain and right-brained people in terms of paranormal beliefs. A significant difference was also found between the left-brained males and both left- and right-brained females in terms of paranormal beliefs. Conclusion: The paranormal beliefs of the left-brained cases were different from both left- and right-brained subjects, which can be seen between the left-brained males and both left- and right-brained females.

Author(s):  
Abdolvahed Narmashiri ◽  
◽  
Javad Hatami ◽  
Reza Khosrowabadi ◽  
Ahmad Sohrabi ◽  
...  

Cognitive control plays a role in human behavior and mental processes, and paranormal beliefs seem to be affected. This study aimed to investigate the role of cognitive control in Paranormal Beliefs using the Go/No-Go Task. Ninety-two people were selected based on low, middle, and high scores in the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale(R-PBS) (Tobacyk, 2004) and were classified into three groups. This produced 30 Severe Paranormal Believers (13 females, mean age 25.3 years), 31 Mild Paranormal Believers (14 females, mean age 26.4 years), and 31 Skeptics (16 females, mean age 25.8 years). All participants were tested on the Go/No Go Task. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted with the group (Severe Paranormal Believers, Mild Paranormal Believers, and Skeptics) as the independent variable and the Go/No Go subscales scores as dependent variables. The findings show that there is a significant difference between the mean scores in Errors( Go) (F2,89=7.20, p=0.01) , Errors(No- Go) (F2,89=11. 81, p=0.01) and Reaction Time (F2,89=21.46, p=0.01) between the groups. The Severe Paranormal Believers and Mild Paranormal Believers had lower accuracy and slower RT than the Skeptics group. Therefore, Severe Paranormal Believers and Mild Paranormal Believers had a weakness in all Go/No-Go subscale scores. This finding suggests that paranormal beliefs may related to poor cognitive control.


Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 829
Author(s):  
Yana Kogan ◽  
Edmond Sabo ◽  
Majed Odeh

Objectives: The role of serum C-reactive protein (CRPs) and pleural fluid CRP (CRPpf) in discriminating uncomplicated parapneumonic effusion (UCPPE) from complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) is yet to be validated since most of the previous studies were on small cohorts and with variable results. The role of CRPs and CRPpf gradient (CRPg) and of their ratio (CRPr) in this discrimination has not been previously reported. The study aims to assess the diagnostic efficacy of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPr, and CRPg in discriminating UCPPE from CPPE in a relatively large cohort. Methods: The study population included 146 patients with PPE, 86 with UCPPE and 60 with CPPE. Levels of CRPs and CRPpf were measured, and the CRPg and CRPr were calculated. The values are presented as mean ± SD. Results: Mean levels of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPg, and CRPr of the UCPPE group were 145.3 ± 67.6 mg/L, 58.5 ± 38.5 mg/L, 86.8 ± 37.3 mg/L, and 0.39 ± 0.11, respectively, and for the CPPE group were 302.2 ± 75.6 mg/L, 112 ± 65 mg/L, 188.3 ± 62.3 mg/L, and 0.36 ± 0.19, respectively. Levels of CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg were significantly higher in the CPPE than in the UCPPE group (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the two groups for levels of CRPr (p = 0.26). The best cut-off value calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for discriminating UCPPE from CPPE was for CRPs, 211.5 mg/L with area under the curve (AUC) = 94% and p < 0.0001, for CRPpf, 90.5 mg/L with AUC = 76.3% and p < 0.0001, and for CRPg, 142 mg/L with AUC = 91% and p < 0.0001. Conclusions: CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg are strong markers for discrimination between UCPPE and CPPE, while CRPr has no role in this discrimination.


2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (02) ◽  
pp. 200-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iuliia Zhuravlova ◽  
Maryna Kornieieva ◽  
Erik Rodrigues

Objectives The defining of the normal parameters of spacious relations and symmetry of the ventricular system of the brain depending on the gender and age is currently one of the topical research problems of clinical anatomy. The present research aims to identify the correlation between the morphometric parameters of the fourth ventricle of the brain and the shape of the skull in middle aged people. Design This is a prospective cohort study. Setting This study was set at the Trinity School of Medicine. Participants A total of 118 normal computed tomography scans of the head of people aged from 21 to 86 years (mean age—48.6 years ± 17.57) were selected for the study. Main Outcome Measures The anteroposterior, transverse diameters, and height of the fourth ventricle were measured and compared in dolichocranial, mesocranial, and brachycranial individuals. Results The study has shown the presence of a statistically significant difference between morphometric parameters of the fourth ventricle of the brain in dolichocranial, mesocranial, and brachycranial individuals. Conclusion The morphometric parameters of the fourth ventricle of the brain, such as height, anteroposterior, and transverse diameters, depend on the individual anatomic variability of the skull shape and gender.


Author(s):  
Anna Maria Kuzio

Online dating is becoming an increasingly used method for meeting significant others. As the research of lying behavior has advanced so has the technique of detecting the act of lying, especially in the online environment where deception is more likely to happen. The aim of this chapter is to simplify the perception of lying behavior to the general population and examine gender differences of lying behavior, namely, to verify whether one can observe a statistically significant difference in the speech behavior and exploitation of lying cues among men and women. The study shows correlation between gender and deception in online environment.


2014 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham N. Safer ◽  
Peter Homel ◽  
David D. Chung

ABSTRACT Objective:  To assess lateral differences between ossification events and stages of bone development in the hands and wrists utilizing Fishman's skeletal maturation indicators (SMIs). Materials and Methods:  The skeletal ages of 125 subjects, aged 8 to 20 years, were determined with left and right hand-wrist radiographs using Fishman's SMI assessment. Each subject was also given the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire to assess handedness. The skeletal ages of both hand-wrist radiographs were analyzed against each other, handedness, chronologic age, and gender. Results:  There were no significant differences overall in right and left SMI scores (P  =  .70); 79% of all patients showed no difference in right and left SMI scores, regardless of handedness, gender, or age. However, when patients were categorized based on clinical levels of SMI score for the right hand-wrist, there was a significant difference (P  =  .01) between the SMI 1-3 group and the SMI 11 group. Subjects in the SMI 1-3 group were more likely to show a left &gt; right SMI score, while subjects in the SMI 11 group were likely to show a right &gt; left SMI score. Conclusion:  Although no significant overall lateral differences in SMI scores were noted, it may be advisable to obtain a left hand-wrist radiograph and/or additional diagnostic information to estimate completion of growth in young surgical patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S638-S638
Author(s):  
T. Schwitzer ◽  
R. Schwan ◽  
A. Giersch ◽  
E. Albuisson ◽  
K. Angioi-Duprez ◽  
...  

IntroductionAlthough cannabis is very widespread worldwide, its brain toxicity is poorly understood. The neuroretina is an accessible extension of the brain and could be a relevant site for investigating neurotransmission abnormalities in neuropsychiatric disorders. The retina has a functional endocannabinoid system involved in the regulation of retinal neurotransmission. In animals, the modulation of this system led to retinal dysfunctions measured with the electroretinogram (ERG).ObjectivesTo assess whether the regular cannabis use could affect the neuroretinal function.AimsAssessments of the neuroretinal function in cannabis users compared with controls.MethodsRecordings of pattern, flash and on-off ERG were performed in 55 cannabis users and 29 controls. The amplitude and implicit time of the following waves were evaluated: N95 (pattern); a – and b – (flash); a –, b- and d1 – (on-off).ResultsCannabis users showed a significant increase in implicit time of the waves N95 (P = 0.0001), a- (P = 0.029) and b – (P = 0.002) for the flash ERG and b – (P = 0.016) and d1 – (P = 0.027) for the on-off ERG, compared with controls. No significant difference was found between groups in terms of wave's amplitudes.ConclusionsThese results show a delay in the response of cones, bipolar and ganglion cells of the on and off pathways to constitute a delay of ≈ 6 ms in the transmission of information from the retina to the brain in cannabis users. Cannabis could disrupt the regulatory role of the cannabinoid system and impair retinal glutamatergic neurotransmission. The consequences on visual perception should be explored in future studies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Anita Sharma

The main objective of the present study was to examine and compare the level of job involvement and job satisfaction of public and private bank officers. A 2X2 Factorial design was used to study the role of organization and gender on job involvement and job satisfaction The sample of the study comprised of forty bank officers who were divided into two groups of organization i.e. private banks (n=20) and government banks (n=20), these subjects were further divided into two sub-groups based on genders, males (n-10) and females (n=10) included in equal number. Results revealed significant differences between public and private bank officers and males and females and were in line with all the hypotheses on all the variables. The main findings were: (1) the public and private sector bank officers differed significantly on the variable of job involvement as the mean value of private sector bank officers was significantly higher as compared to public sector bank officers. (2) There was a significant difference for gender on the variable of job involvement. The female officers reported higher level of job involvement as compared to their counterparts viz. males of both the sectors irrespective of their organizations. (3) There was a significant difference for groups on the variable of job satisfaction. The job satisfaction of private sector bank officers was significantly higher as compared to public sector bank officers. (4) There was a significant difference for gender on the variable of job satisfaction. The female officers of both the sectors reported significantly higher level of job satisfaction to that of males.


2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Mentes ◽  
Julide Atukeren

The aim of the study was to evaluate toothbrushing management and ability of children in relation to age and gender. The study population consisted of 75 children and were divided into three equal groups as 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11 years of age.The grip type during toothbrushing was recorded on videotape.The most preferred grip types were distal (73%) followed by power (43%) and oblique grips (29%). There were a statistically significant differences between age groups and the grip types (p&lt;0.001) but no significant difference was seen between boys and girls in grip preferences (p&gt;0.05).The mean duration of toothbrushing was shorter in 3-5 years of age group (28 seconds) than the 6-8 and 9-11 age groups (35 and 47 seconds respectively).


2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Hage ◽  
Jace Pillay

The aim of this study was to describe the gendered experiences of African male learners living in child- and youth-headed households. The participants included seven male learners, identified through a non-profit organisation in the Soweto area. Data were collected through individual interviews, collages, and essays and analysed using qualitative content and thematic analysis. The theoretical framework included the works of Erikson and Nsamenang. The findings indicated that cultural practices and gender roles of boys were important aspects for the participants. Also, the presence of an older male figure in their lives was crucial. The social support from family and friends made a significant difference for them. Their resilience was seen in their desire to be educated so that they could have a better future, as well as in their ability to not engage in community violence. Based on the findings, relevant recommendations are provided with emphasis on the role of psychologists.


Author(s):  
Harish B. R. ◽  
Bharath J.

Background: Nomophobia (no mobile phobia), is the fear an individual gets if he is out of mobile phone contact due to no network, has run out of balance or run out of battery; the persons gets anxious, which adversely affects the concentration level of the person. Since the younger generation is the latest consumer of the mobile phones and the under 25 year age group in professional colleges like medical colleges use mobile phones quite frequently this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of nomophobia in the undergraduate students of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences during May 2018 to June 2018. All undergraduate students were included i.e. same as study population (n=450). Data collection was done during June 2018 using structured questionnaire.Results: Mean age of the study participants was 20.1±1.3 years. Majority of the study population were hostelites. Approximate amount of money spent on last recharge/last postpaid bill was INR 354.1±185.0. Main reasons for using smartphones were ‘to call family members’, ‘using internet for academics’ and ‘for social networking’. Prevalence of moderate to severe nomophobia among the study population was 99.0%. No statistical significant difference was observed between gender and nomophobia.Conclusions: Prevalence of nomophobia among undergraduate medical student was 99.0% and majority had moderate level of nomophobia. There was no association between nomophobia and gender, place of present residence, amount of money spent on last recharge. 


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