Segmentation of semantic and perceptual boundaries affects associative memory and risk of false memories

Temporally structured sequences of experiences, such as narratives or life events, are segmented in memory into discrete situational models. In segmentation, contextual shifts are processed as situational boundaries that temporally cluster items according to the perceived contexts. As such, segmentation enhances associative binding of items within a situational model. One side effect of enhanced associative processing is increased risk of false recollections for not-presented, semantically related items. If so, do boundaries facilitate false recollections, or does segmentation protect against them? In two experiments, we introduced situational shifts in word sequences in the form of semantic and perceptual boundaries, with semantic relatedness between words or the frame color around a word changing on a regular basis. After encoding, we tested participants’ associative memory performance and false recollection rates. In Experiment 1, color boundaries occurred synchronously or asynchronously to semantic boundaries. We found better associative recognition, but also more false recollections, for synchronous than asynchronous boundaries. In Experiment 2, color boundaries occurred synchronous to semantic boundaries or were absent entirely. We found that false recollection rates elicited by semantic boundaries increased when color boundaries were absent. We also tested associative memory performance using a non-semantic, temporal memory task. We found better temporal memory performance for semantic boundaries, as well as a negative correlation between increased false recollection rates and better temporal memory performance for semantic lists, but not for random lists. We discuss implications for false memory theories and segmentation of narrative materials in false memory research.

The role of situational, system-situational, model approaches to the psychological training of law enforcement officers for extreme situations of professional activity

The problem of psychological training of employees of law enforcement agencies remains relevant at the present time. The problem of professional training for extreme situations is of particular importance, as the choice of a methodological approach to the implementation of professional and psychological training of law enforcement officers. The most effective is the system-situational approach in combination with the model approach, which are based on the system approach. The authors consider the role of situational, system-situational, model approaches to the psychological training of law enforcement officers in extreme situations of professional activity. In the course of the theoretical analysis and empirical research, the conclusion is formulated about the significance and effectiveness of the system-situational approach, the use of which contributes to the formation of effective psychodiagnostic procedures. In the course of the study, the features of the psychological and managerial potential of employees of law enforcement agencies were identified. In modern conditions, a systematic approach is developing most intensively, which carries out a gradual study of the subject: from the general to the particular, taking into account the significance of the goal, its achievability. The article considers the system-situational approach as one of the most promising, especially in the aspect of empirical research of crisis and anti-crisis situations of operational and service activities. Within the framework of system-situational analysis, professionally significant activity is studied as a dynamic system.

Extracting Semantic Information from Graphic Schemes

The problem of extracting semantic information from an electronic document specified in the vector graphics format and containing a graphic model (diagram) built using a graphic editor is considered. The problem is to program retrieving certain structural properties and parametric circuit and entering them into a database for later use. Based on the analysis of the capabilities of graphic editors, a conclusion has made about the relevance of this task for universal editors that are not tied to specific graphic notations and use open graphic document formats, which allows program processing. The proposed approach considers graphic documents at three levels of abstraction: conceptual (semantic properties of a schema), logical (presentation of semantic properties at the internal level of the document) and physical (internal organization of a graphic document). The solution to the problem is based on the construction of a conceptual-logical mapping, i.e., mapping a conceptual model of a circuit to a logical model of a graphic document, according to its physical model. Within the framework of the approach, an algorithm for constructing the indicated mapping is developed, presented in the form of an object-oriented pseudocode. The study of internal markup in open graphic formats made it possible to build models for identifying circuit elements and their connections to each other, which is necessary for a specific application of the algorithm. Expressions for addressing schema elements and accessing their properties are obtained. The proposed approach is implemented on the base of a situation-oriented paradigm, within which the extraction process is driven by a hierarchical situational model. The processed data is specified in the situational model in the form of virtual documents displayed on heterogeneous external data sources. For the problem being solved, we consider the mapping to two variants of vector graphics formats: to a "flat" markup file and to a set of such files in an electronic archive. The practical use of the results is illustrated by the example of extracting semantic information from graphical models developed at various stages of database design.

Using of Peer Assisted Learning to Conduct Pre-Training Situational Analysis for Nurse Intern

<strong>Background:</strong> Clinical placement is the main site for interns’ training, however clinical placement is an uncomfortable and inconvenient environment for learning. Trainees need intelligent conversation with self and others to advance in their careers. In this regard, Peers informally teach each other through discussion. Nowadays, there is an international need and interest in formal peer-assisted learning. Hence, Situational model for curriculum development is a suitable model for training as it is culturally driven and emphasizes context. The research objectives are to apply a situational curricular model, using a peer-assisted learning. In addition, to explore the students’ perception towards peer-assisted learning. <strong>Methods:</strong> A mixed method quantitative and qualitative design single group post-test design was applied in this study, where all the nursing interns in the current year were selected. Peers conducted orientation sessions to make situational analysis. After that, each intern, with his educational supervisor, develops personal objectives and a development plan. Selection of contents and learning opportunities is the responsibility of interns guided by the general outcomes and list of required competencies during the training year. The last step is assessment and evaluation of performance. Furthermore, interns’ perceptions towards using peers-assisted learning were measured through distribution of self-administered questionnaire, and conduction of focus group with interns. <strong>Results:</strong> Overall students’ perceptions toward this reform were positive, all means were above four, especially their perception towards Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) as a relaxed and comfortable environment and as a new learning opportunity. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Interns found that reform of their training through conducting situational model for training is an effective method, especially when using Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) in its conduction, which, they recommended its implementation to all units’ orientation.

Application of Models of Probabilistic Situations regarding Railways

The article describes application of models of information probabilistic situations for solving problems of traffic control on the railway. The content of situational control is revealed. The difference between a visual and a «blind» situation during vehicle’s movement is shown.The information situation around a moving object can be deterministic and stochastic. The concept of a stochastic information control situation is introduced. The choice of alternatives in stochastic control situations is characterized by organizational, technological, and informational uncertainties.This motivates development of control methods and algorithms that consider uncertainty and multicriteria in control of moving objects in such situations. Situational control can be used in automated, cyber-physical and intelligent control.The article proposes a model for controlling mobile objects based on a probabilistic approach in a stochastic situation and on the consideration of a number of stochastic factors. The model is based on calculating the probability of existence of an obstacle in the path of a vehicle. Such a model can be used under the conditions of poor visibility and a probability of receiving erroneous information from sensors. The article gives a systematics of the probabilistic characteristics of a stochastic information situation accompanying a moving object. The application of dichotomous and oppositional analysis in studying obstacles on the route has been substantiated. The model for detecting a foreign object on a traffic route is based on the assumption of the presence of reliable and erroneous information. The analysis is based on Dempster–Schafer theory. The stochastic information situation model uses the probabilistic characteristics of the presence of an obstacle on the track. The probability of an object’s existence is estimated using Bayes’ theorem. The proposed model considers three factors of the stochastic situation: informational uncertainty in the signal; false signals, sensor measurement error. The field of application of this situational model comprises digital railway, intelligent transport systems, transport cyber-physical systems.

Lewin’s Democratic Style of Situational Leadership: A Fresh Look at a Powerful OD Model

Kurt Lewin’s (1890-1947) democratic style of leadership was infused into his methods and research. Lewin’s democratic style combines degrees of leadership and freedom as an effective situational model. Applying democratic principles throughout his career, he documented reliable results such as increases in industrial performance and successful implementation of change. This article reintroduces Lewin’s “leadership as a triangle” concept and explores those implications with explanations from Lewin’s own action research and illustrations from the author’s OD practice. It should be noted that Lewin’s social science was a system, and that the democratic leadership style should be understood within the broader framework of Lewin’s field theory and other constructs, an exploration beyond the current scope. Nonetheless, Lewin’s leadership model holds clear implications for research and practice regarding leadership, change, engagement, and other contemporary concerns.