Schizotypal personality traits and the social learning of fear

Schizotypy can be defined as a combination of traits qualitatively similar to those found in schizophrenia, but milder in their expression, that can be found in clinical and non-clinical populations. In this research, we explore, to our knowledge, for the first time, whether schizotypal personality traits may affect the acquisition of conditioned fear by social means only. Apart from being an essential capacity to ensure learning in safe environments, social fear learning shares important characteristics with direct fear acquisition, which also makes it a great candidate for developing successful extinction procedures. Undergraduate students (n = 72) performed a task of social fear learning. In this task, participants watched a video of a person that simulated to receive electric shocks (unconditioned stimulus; US) paired with a coloured square (conditioned stimulus plus; CS+), while another coloured square was never paired (conditioned stimulus minus; CS−) with the shock. After that, they were presented with a similar sequence of coloured screens. Their Skin Conductance Responses (SCRs) were registered during the whole process. Once they finished, they completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Our results revealed that participants with a low score in the Cognitive-Perceptual factor of the SPQ exhibited higher SCRs when they saw the US than when they saw the CS− (all ps < 0.01) during the learning phase. Nevertheless, those with higher scores did not present any difference in their SCRs toward both stimuli (all ps > 0.05), a pattern that has been similarly found in schizophrenia. During the final trials of the test phase, participants with the highest scores in the Disorganized factor were the only ones that maintained a higher SCR towards the CS+ than towards the CS− (p = 0.006), which could be associated with an impairment in their extinction processes.

Asymmetries in Accessing Vowel Representations Are Driven by Phonological and Acoustic Properties: Neural and Behavioral Evidence From Natural German Minimal Pairs

In vowel discrimination, commonly found discrimination patterns are directional asymmetries where discrimination is faster (or easier) if differing vowels are presented in a certain sequence compared to the reversed sequence. Different models of speech sound processing try to account for these asymmetries based on either phonetic or phonological properties. In this study, we tested and compared two of those often-discussed models, namely the Featurally Underspecified Lexicon (FUL) model (Lahiri and Reetz, 2002) and the Natural Referent Vowel (NRV) framework (Polka and Bohn, 2011). While most studies presented isolated vowels, we investigated a large stimulus set of German vowels in a more naturalistic setting within minimal pairs. We conducted an mismatch negativity (MMN) study in a passive and a reaction time study in an active oddball paradigm. In both data sets, we found directional asymmetries that can be explained by either phonological or phonetic theories. While behaviorally, the vowel discrimination was based on phonological properties, both tested models failed to explain the found neural patterns comprehensively. Therefore, we additionally examined the influence of a variety of articulatory, acoustical, and lexical factors (e.g., formant structure, intensity, duration, and frequency of occurrence) but also the influence of factors beyond the well-known (perceived loudness of vowels, degree of openness) in depth via multiple regression analyses. The analyses revealed that the perceptual factor of perceived loudness has a greater impact than considered in the literature and should be taken stronger into consideration when analyzing preattentive natural vowel processing.

A Neural Habituation Account of the Negative Compatibility Effect

The Negative Compatibility Effect (NCE) is slower reaction times (RTs) to report the direction of a target arrow that follows a matching prime arrow. The cause has been debated, with some studies indicating perception, while others indicate a response effect. We applied the neural habituation model of Huber and O’Reilly (2003) to the NCE, explaining the varied results as reflecting changes in the timing of events. We developed a novel variant of the NCE task, specifying the perceptual dynamics of orientation priming as measured with threshold accuracy. This revealed a transition from positive to negative priming as a function of prime duration, and a second experiment ruled out response priming. The perceptual dynamics of the neural habituation model were fit to these results and the parameter values were fixed in applying the model to the NCE literature. Application of the model to RTs necessitated a response representation that accumulates response information during the trial. Our results indicate that the NCE reflects rapid perceptual priming and slower response priming. Because the accumulation of response information is slow and does not suffer from habituation, the response factor of the prime is a positive effect (lingering response information). In contrast, because perceptual activation is fast and habituates, the perceptual factor can be positive or negative priming depending on the timing of the display sequence. These factors interact with the post-prime mask, which can prime the alternative direction when the mask is a related mask created by combining arrows pointing in both directions.

Phonological and perceptual factor symbiosis in loanword adaptation

This paper examines the two-way interaction of perceptual and production factors in the light of resolving French and English loan structures in Kirundi. The investigation is framed within the view that loanword adaptation results from attempts to match the non-native perception of the L2 input, within the confines of the L1 grammar. Neither a purely perceptual nor a purely grammatical account can explain the facts. Based on 239 French and 44 English corpora of loans, this study examines loanword adaptation at both the phonemic and the phonotactic levels. We prove how the constraint-ranking Optimality Theory (OT) can account for the phonological adaptations of loans but with limitations. The adaptation cannot be fully understood unless perceptual similarity and auditory factors are integrated in the grammar. This study enriches our understanding of the role of perceptual similarity and perceptual salience in phonology and their relationship to constraint ranking.

DIFFERENCES IN THE STRUCTURE OF COGNITIVE ABILITIES BETWEEN FEMALE AND MALE STUDENTS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL IN ARILJE

Cognitive (intellectual) processes are, on the basis of Plato's psychological trinoma (cognition - affection - connection), the most intensively studied processes in psychology. Intelligence, as the center of these processes, despite serious efforts, remained insufficiently known. The proof of this statement is the existence of numerous conceptions about the types of cognitive functioning.Cognitive abilities were measured in the first lessons,the presence of psychologists, subject teachers and authors of this research. All of the administered tests are essentially speed tests, so respondents do not have time to contact and communicate with other respondents. A battery of KOG-3 tests was used to assess cognitive ability (Wolf, Momirović, and Džamonja 1992).The KOG-3 battery is the minimum battery for evaluating the performance of a perceptual, serial, and parallel processor. The version of that battery was used to achieve the basic goal, ie. to determine the level of general cognitive ability. The battery consists of three tests:Image Comparison Test (IT1), the basic version was designed by Thurstone. The test is designed as a test of the general perceptual factor, which is in fact a synthesis of primary factors of perceptual identification, perceptual analysis and perceptual structuring. The completiontime is limited to 4 minutes.Synonym test (AL4), the basic version was designed by Wels. The test is constructed as a test of verbal comprehension. The completiontime is limited to 2 minutes andVisual Specialization Test(S1), the basic version was designed by Reuchlin and Valin. The test is designed as a classical multiple choice special test. The completiontime is limited to 8 minutes.The aim of this research is to identify and determine the specificity of the cognitive abilities of latent dimensions, as well as their differences, between female and male students in relation to gender.On the basis of the formulated problem, the subject matter and the established general and partial goals, the basic alternative hypothesis was put forward:H2. The structure of female and male students' cognitive abilities will provide unambiguous evidence thatis of hierarchical type, with thegeneral cognitive factor at the top, below which are the three primary cognitive factors, defined as:efficiency of perceptual processor (perceptual reasoning), IT-1; parallel processor efficiency (ability to spot, relate, and correlate), SI-1, and serial processor efficiency (symbolic reasoning). AL-4.H5 - No statistically significant differences in the analyzed cognitive abilities are expected between students of different gender and age.

Effects of symmetry and familiarity on the attractiveness of human faces

The effects of both symmetry (perceptual factor) and familiarity (cognitive factor) on facial attractiveness were investigated. From the photographs of original slightly asymmetric faces, symmetric left-left (LL) and right-right (RR) versions were generated. Familiarity was induced in the learning block using the repetitive presentation of original faces. In the test block participants rated the attractiveness of original, previously seen (familiar) faces, original, not previously seen faces, and both LL and RR versions of all faces. The analysis of variance showed main effects of symmetry. Post hoc tests revealed that asymmetric original faces were rated as more attractive than both LL and RR symmetric versions. Familiarity doesn?t have a significant main effect, but the symmetry-familiarity interaction was obtained. Additional post hoc tests indicated that facial attractiveness is positively associated with natural slight asymmetry rather than with perfect symmetry. Also, unfamiliar LL symmetric versions were rated as more attractive than familiar LL versions, whereas familiar RR versions were rated as more attractive than RR unfamiliar faces. These results suggested that symmetry (perceptual factor) and familiarity (cognitive or memorial factor) play differential roles in facial attractiveness, and indicate a relatively stronger effect of the perceptual compared to the cognitive factor. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. ON179018 i br. ON179033] <br><br><font color="red"><b> This article has been corrected. Link to the correction <u><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/PSI1701101E">10.2298/PSI1701101E</a><u></b></font>

Moderating effect of schizotypy on the relationship between smoking and neurocognition

PurposeSmoking rates in schizotypic individuals are shown to be elevated, as in patients with schizophrenia, although findings on the association of smoking with different symptomatology of schizotypy have been mixed. Moreover, possible moderating effects of schizotypy on the relationship between smoking and cognition have not been well documented.Subjects and methodsThe Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the full version of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered to 501 healthy adults. Subjects were divided into smokers (n = 85) and non-smokers (n = 416) based on the presence/absence of current smoking.ResultsThe analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the three factor scores as well as the total score of the SPQ, controlling for age and gender, revealed that cognitive-perceptual factor was significantly associated with an increased rate of smoking (P = 0.048). The ANCOVA on the WMS-R indices, with smoking group as a fixed factor and age, gender and total SPQ score as covariates, revealed that the schizotypy-by-smoking interaction was significant for attention/working memory (P = 0.029).Discussion and conclusionPositive schizotypy may be associated with more smoking. Schizotypy and smoking could interact with each other to negatively affect attention/working memory.

Estructura De Las Percepciones De Riesgo En Torno A La Escasez Y El Desabasto De Agua Global Y Local

Resumen Los estudios psicológicos de la sustentabilidad hí­drica han demostrado que las situaciones especí­ficas de desabasto de agua influyen en las acciones de ahorro. Si el desabasto es percibido como temporal o momentáneo, la percepción de riesgo tiende a disminuir influyendo en la inacción de los usuarios del servicio de agua potable. En tal contexto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue construir un instrumento para medir las dimensiones de la percepción de riesgo frente a situaciones extremas de disponibilidad hí­drica. Para tal propósito, se revisaron los estudios perceptuales y se seleccionaron reactivos para su evaluación por jueces. La aplicación del instrumento se llevó a cabo con una muestra de 100 estudiantes. Los resultados muestran que la escala es confiable (alfa de .75) ya que es una evidencia de consistencia interna entre los reactivos y la escala. La validez se estableció con pesos factoriales superiores a .300 entre los indicadores y el factor perceptual. Los análisis de covarianza entre los indicadores perceptuales muestran la incidencia de otros factores cognitivos y el modelo reflectivo indicó un ajuste entre las relaciones hipotéticas y las relaciones observadas (X2 = 17.645; 23 grados de libertad; p = .000). A partir de los hallazgos se infiere que la percepción de riesgos es multidimensional ya que la heterogeneidad de expectativas corresponde con la diversidad de riesgos en torno a la escasez y desabasto. Palabras claves: Escasez, Desabasto, Percepción, Riesgo y Multidimensionalidad Abstract Psychological studies of water sustainability have shown that the specific situations of water shortage affecting saving actions. If the shortage is perceived as temporary or momentary perception of risk tends to decrease inaction influencing users' water service. In this context, the objective of this study was to construct an instrument to measure the dimensions of perceived risk from extremes of water availability. For this purpose, we reviewed and selected perceptual reagents for evaluation by judges. The application of the instrument was carried out on a sample of 100 students. The results show that the scale is reliable (alpha .75) as it is an evidence of internal consistency between the reactants and scale. Validity was established with factor loadings above .300 between indicators and the perceptual factor. Analyses of covariance between perceptual indicators show the incidence of cognitive and other factors indicated a reflective model fit between the hypothesized relationships and the relationships observed (X2 = 17 645, 23 degrees of freedom, p = .000). From the findings it appears that the perception of risk is multidimensional and that heterogeneity of expectations match the diversity of risks around scarcity and shortage. Keywords: Scarcity, shortage, Perception, Risk and Multidimensionality

Internal encoding style and schizotypy in a sub-clinical sample

IntroductionThis study examined the relation between schizotypy and the encoding style in a sub-clinical sample. We evaluated, first, the level of schizotypy with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQB) (Raine and al, 1995). Three factors are evaluated a)cognitive-perceptual factor,b)b) interpersonal factor and disorganisation. For the encoding style, we use the Encoding Style Questionnaire (ESQ) (Lewicki, 2005). Two type of encoding process exist, the “hasty” (or internal, based on internal encoding schemata) versus conservative (or external, base on data from external stimuli) (Lewicki, 2005). Internal encoding style may contribute to the development of different psychopathological symptoms, like Paranoia, Anxiety disorders and Depression (Hill, Lewiski and Neubauer, 1991), because of the self-perpetuation of dysfunctional schemata.Participants and procedureA total of 184 students (113 women and 71 men) participated at this study. The mean age of the sample was 22,58 years (SD = 1,96). They were test using a French version of the ESQ, the brief SPQB, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale.ResultsThe results demonstrated that we have a positive correlation between internal encoding style, schizotypy, depression and anxiety. Secondly, a high level of internal encoding style means a high level of congnitivo-perceptual and for interpersonal factors with an impact of depression and anxiety.ConclusionAn internal encoding style is link with a high score in schizotypy.