scholarly journals Isolated Sandbox Environment Architecture for Running Cognitive Psychological Experiments in Web Platforms

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Evgeny Nikulchev ◽  
Dmitry Ilin ◽  
Pavel Kolyasnikov ◽  
Shamil Magomedov ◽  
Anna Alexeenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Operating Systems ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Web Surveys ◽  
Web Browser ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Psychological Experiments

Web surveys are an integral part of the feedback of Internet services, a research tool for respondents, including in the field of health and psychology. Web technologies allow conducting research on large samples. For mental health, an important metric is reaction time in cognitive tests and in answering questions. The use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets has increased markedly in web surveys, so the impact of device types and operating systems needs to be investigated. This article proposes an architectural solution aimed at reducing the effect of device variability on the results of cognitive psychological experiments. An experiment was carried out to formulate the requirements for software and hardware. Three groups of 1000 respondents were considered, corresponding to three types of computers and operating systems: Mobile Device, Legacy PC, and Modern PC. The results obtained showed a slight bias in the estimates for each group. It is noticed that the error for a group of devices differs both upward and downward for various tasks in a psychological experiment. Thus, for cognitive tests, in which the reaction time is critical, an architectural solution was synthesized for conducting psychological research in a web browser. The proposed architectural solution considers the characteristics of the device used by participants to undergo research in the web platform and allows to restrict access from devices that do not meet the specified criteria.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Structured Exercise Programme upon Cognitive Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paweł Zalewski ◽  
Sławomir Kujawski ◽  
Malwina Tudorowska ◽  
Karl Morten ◽  
Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Visual Attention ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Background: Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this study, the effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined. Methods: Out of the 53 ME/CFS patients initiating SEP 34 (64%) completed the 16 week programme. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery test consisting of a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) (repeated three times) and Choice Reaction Time (CRT) measurements, a Visual Attention Test (VAT) and a Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) assessment. Results: Statistically significant improvement was noted in the third attempt to SRT in reaction time for correct answers, p = 0.045, r = 0.24. Moreover, significant improvement was noted in VAT reaction time, number of correct answers and errors committed, p = 0.02, omega = 0.03, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively. Non-significant changes were noted in other cognitive tests. Conclusions: A substantial number of participants were unwilling or unable to complete the exercise programme. ME/CFS patients able to complete the SEP showed improved visual attention both in terms of reaction time and correctness of responses and processing speed of simple visual stimuli.

Interculturalism and the Acceptance of Minority Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maykel Verkuyten ◽  
Kumar Yogeeswaran
Keyword(s):  
Minority Groups ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Survey Experiment ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Social Psychological Research ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Situational Effect

Abstract. Multiculturalism has been criticized and rejected by an increasing number of politicians, and social psychological research has shown that it can lead to outgroup stereotyping, essentialist thinking, and negative attitudes. Interculturalism has been proposed as an alternative diversity ideology, but there is almost no systematic empirical evidence about the impact of interculturalism on the acceptance of migrants and minority groups. Using data from a survey experiment conducted in the Netherlands, we examined the situational effect of promoting interculturalism on acceptance. The results show that for liberals, but not for conservatives, interculturalism leads to more positive attitudes toward immigrant-origin groups and increased willingness to engage in contact, relative to multiculturalism.

History of Sexual Orientation and Mental Health

2020 ◽  
pp. 9-24
Author(s):  
Kristin A. Hancock ◽  
Douglas C. Haldeman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Movements ◽  
International Policy ◽  
Psychological Science ◽  
Aids Epidemic ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
The Impact

Psychology’s understanding of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people has evolved, become more refined, and impacted the lives of LGB people in profound ways. This chapter traces the history of LGB psychology from the nineteenth century to the present and focuses on major events and the intersections of theory, psychological science, politics, and activism in the history of this field. It explores various facets of cultural and psychological history that include the pathologizing of homosexuality, the rise of psychological science and the political movements in the mid-twentieth century, and the major shifts in policy that ensued. The toll of the AIDS epidemic on the field is discussed as is the impact of psychological research on national and international policy and legislation.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Daily Rapid-Eye Movement Sleep and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 159-159
Author(s):  
Tiana Broen ◽  
Tomiko Yoneda ◽  
Jonathan Rush ◽  
Jamie Knight ◽  
Nathan Lewis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Eye Movement ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Rapid Eye Movement ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Previous cross-sectional research suggests that age-related decreases in Rapid-Eye Movement (REM) sleep may contribute to poorer cognitive functioning (CF); however, few studies have examined the relationship at the intraindividual level by measuring habitual sleep over multiple days. Applying a 14-day daily diary design, the current study examines the dynamic relationship between REM sleep and CF in 69 healthy older adults (M age=70.8 years, SD=3.37; 73.9% female; 66.6% completed at least an undergraduate degree). A Fitbit device provided actigraphy indices of REM sleep (minutes and percentage of total sleep time), while CF was measured four times daily on a smartphone via ambulatory cognitive tests that captured processing speed and working memory. This research addressed the following questions: At the within-person level, are fluctuations in quantity of REM sleep associated with fluctuations in next day cognitive measures across days? Do individuals who spend more time in REM sleep on average, perform better on cognitive tests than adults who spend less time in REM sleep? A series of multilevel models were fit to examine the extent to which each index of sleep accounted for daily fluctuations in performance on next day cognitive tests. Results indicated that during nights when individuals had more REM sleep minutes than was typical, they performed better on the working memory task the next morning (estimate = -.003, SE = .002, p = .02). These results highlight the impact of REM sleep on CF, and further research may allow for targeted interventions for earlier treatment of sleep-related cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals Considerations on Conducting Research on Wellness in the Context of the Learning Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 216495612198970
Author(s):  
Larry D Gruppen ◽  
Miklos C Fogarasi
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Multidimensional Model ◽  
Technical Factors ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Meaningful Research ◽  
Psychosocial Dimension ◽  
Theoretical Conceptualization

The learning environment (LE) provides a context for many educational phenomena, of which wellness and burnout are particularly important. The LE can be thought of as consisting of a psychosocial dimension of personal, social, and organizational factors and a sociomaterial dimension that consists of spatial and technical factors. The interplay between elements of the LE and wellness of the participants is complex and only partially understood, requiring further research. Using this multidimensional model to describe and to plan to deliberately modify the learning environment can foster more rigorous and meaningful research evidence about the interaction of wellness and the LE. This article highlights four key considerations that scholars of wellness should consider when exploring the impact of the LE or designing interventions to modify the environment. These include 1) a thoughtful definition and theoretical conceptualization of the LE, 2) clarity about the study variables that are essential to the study question(s), 3) thoughtful and appropriate measurement of those variables, and 4) a study design that balances quality with feasibility. We provide a practical illustration of how these considerations can be applied in studies exploring the intersection of wellness and the LE.

Military Serving at What Cost? The Effects of Parental Service on the Well-Being Our Youngest Military Members

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Gill Rossiter ◽  
Rita D'Aoust ◽  
Michaela R. Shafer
Keyword(s):  
Military Service ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Veterans Administration ◽  
Military Children ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Military Members ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Multiple Deployments ◽  
The Impact

Since the onset of war in Iraq and Afghanistan in April 2002, much attention has been given to the effect of war on servicemen and servicewomen who have now been serving in combat for over thirteen years, the longest sustained war in American history. Many service members have served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and suffered from the visible and invisible wounds of war. Much work has been done in the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, and the civilian sector after observing the effects of multiple deployments and overall military service on the service member. A survey of the literature revealed that the ethics of conducting research on programs to assist these brave men and women is fraught with ethical concerns based on a military culture that often precludes autonomy and privacy. While strides have been made in developing strategies to assist service members deal with their military service issues, a serious lack of information exists on the impact of a parent's service on the health and well-being of military children. A discussion of current research on services for children is presented with an analysis of the ethical problems that have precluded adequate study of those who need society's help the most.

On Designing, Composing and Performing Networked Collective Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-339
Author(s):  
Frederic Bevilacqua ◽  
Benjamin Matuszewski ◽  
Garth Paine ◽  
Norbert Schnell
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Web Browser ◽  
Space Groups ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
The People ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Concert Works ◽  
Collective Interactions

In this article, we discuss some of our research with Local Area Networks (LAN) in the context of sound installations or musical performances. Our systems, built on top of Web technologies, enable novel possibilities of collective and collaborative interaction, in particular by simplifying public access to the artwork by presenting the work through the web browser of their smartphone/tablet. Additionally, such a technical framework can be extended with so-called nano-computers, microprocessors and sensors. The infrastructure is completely agnostic as to how many clients are attached, or how they connect, which means that if the work is available in a public space, groups of friends, or even informally organised flash mobs, may engage with the work and perform the contents of the work at any time, and if available over the Internet, at any place. More than the technical details, the specific artistic directions or the supposed autonomy of the agents of our systems, this article focuses on how such ‘networks of devices’ interleave with the ‘network of humans’ composed of the people visiting the installation or participating in the concert. Indeed, we postulate that an important point in understanding and describing such proposals is to consider the relation between these two networks, the way they co-exist and entangle themselves through perception and action. To exemplify these ideas, we present a number of case studies, sound installations and concert works, very different in scope and artistic goal, and examine how this interaction is materialised from several standpoints.

scholarly journals The impact of cognitive performance on quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maira Rozenfeld Olchik ◽  
Annelise Ayres ◽  
Marcieli Ghisi ◽  
Artur Francisco Schumacher Schuh ◽  
Carlos Roberto Mello Rieder
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Cognitive Tests ◽  
Patient Consent ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Background: Evidence points to the occurrence of cognitive impairment in all stages of PD, constituting a frequent and debilitating symptom, due to high impact on quality of life and mortality of patients. Objective: To correlate cognitive performance with quality of life in PD. Methods: The sample was drawn from a Movement Disorders Clinic of a reference hospital in Porto Alegre. Inclusion criteria were: PD diagnosis, according to the United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank criteria for idiopathic PD (Hughes et al. 1992) and patient consent to participate. Patients with other neurological pathologies and those submitted to deep brain stimulation were excluded. The evaluation consisted of a cognitive testing battery (composed of eight tests for assessing cognitive performance), and a questionnaire on quality of life (PDQ-39) and depression (BDI). Results: The sample comprised 85 individuals with PD, with a mean age of 62.9 years (±10.7), mean disease duration of 10.4 years (±5.7), and mean educational level of four years (±4.3). There was a significant relationship between total score on the PDQ and all cognitive tests, showing that poor cognitive performance was correlated with poor quality of life. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between cognitive tests and depression, H&Y, education level, and age. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the individuals with PD in this sample showed a correlation between poorer quality of life and worse cognitive performance. Poor performance was also correlated with more advanced stage, older age, low level of education and depression.

scholarly journals Effects of Musically-Induced Emotions on Choice Reaction Time Performance

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. Bishop ◽  
Costas I. Karageorghis ◽  
Noel P. Kinrade
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
White Noise ◽  
Choice Reaction Time ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Time Performance ◽  
Reaction Time Performance ◽  
Subsequent Choice ◽  
The Impact

The main objective of the current study was to examine the impact of musically induced emotions on athletes’ subsequent choice reaction time (CRT) performance. A random sample of 54 tennis players listened to researcher-selected music whose tempo and intensity were modified to yield six different music excerpts (three tempi × two intensities) before completing a CRT task. Affective responses, heart rate (HR), and RTs for each condition were contrasted with white noise and silence conditions. As predicted, faster music tempi elicited more pleasant and aroused emotional states; and higher music intensity yielded both higher arousal (p < .001) and faster subsequent CRT performance (p < .001). White noise was judged significantly less pleasant than all experimental conditions (p < .001); and silence was significantly less arousing than all but one experimental condition (p < .001). The implications for athletes’ use of music as part of a preevent routine when preparing for reactive tasks are discussed.

scholarly journals Assistive tools for disability arts: collaborative experiences in working with disabled artists and stakeholders

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Creed
Keyword(s):  
Special Needs ◽  
Research Impact ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Visual Artists ◽  
Content Type ◽  
British Council ◽  
Artistic Work ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the experiences in working collaboratively with physically impaired visual artists and other stakeholders (e.g. disability arts organisations, charities, personal assistants, special needs colleges, assistive technologists, etc.) to explore the potential of digital assistive tools to support and transform practice. Design/methodology/approach – The authors strategically identified key organisations as project partners including Disability Arts Shropshire, Arts Council England, the British Council, SCOPE, and National Star College (a large special needs college). This multi-disciplinary team worked together to develop relationships with disabled artists and to collaboratively influence the research focus around investigating the current practice of physically impaired artists and the impact of digital technologies on artistic work. Findings – The collaborations with disabled artists and stakeholders throughout the research process have enriched the project, broadened and deepened research impact, and enabled a firsthand understanding of the issues around using assistive technology for artistic work. Artists and stakeholders have become pro-active collaborators and advocates for the project as opposed to being used only for evaluation purposes. A flexible research approach was crucial in helping to facilitate research studies and enhance impact of the work. Originality/value – This paper is the first to discuss experiences in working with physically impaired visual artists – including the benefits of a collaborative approach and the considerations that must be made when conducting research in this area. The observations are also relevant to researchers working with disabled participants in other fields.

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