Something Overlooked? How experts in change detection use visual saliency

How does expertise in the analysis of particular images influence the effects of visual saliency upon attention? Expert analysts of aerial photographs and untrained viewers undertook change‐detection and location memory tasks using aerial photographs with eye movements recorded throughout. Experts were more accurate in both tasks. Significant differences were also seen in the scanpaths: Untrained viewers fixated preferentially upon salient features throughout stimulus presentation whereas experts did not. However, both groups showed a strong influence of saliency in change detection and memory tasks. We interpret this apparent contradiction by: (i) assuming that the use of saliency in visual search is discretionary, and experts can use semantic information to prioritise where to fixate next; whereas, (ii) in tasks requiring spatial memory, analysis of visual saliency delivers easily acquired landmarks to reference the location of items in an image; a previously overlooked function used by expert and untrained viewers alike. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Is God Beyond Reason?

Classical thinkers such as St Anselm of Canterbury and St Thomas Aquinas insist that God is beyond reason because he is incomprehensible. More recent authors, including Søren Kierkegaard, Karl Barth and Colin Gunton have argued that God is beyond reason since natural theology is an inherently suspect notion. In this article, I first note ways in which all the authors just mentioned may be thought of as agreeing with each other. I then proceed to argue against the critique of natural theology coming from Kierkegaard, Barth and Gunton. My conclusion is that, in one sense, it may be premature to conclude that God is beyond reason.     

Interpersonal Neurobiology and Couple Relationship Quality: A Longitudinal Model

Interpersonal neurobiology is an interdisciplinary theory that is being used by couple and family therapists. However, more investigation is needed to determine if this theory can accurately explain family relationships over time. In this study, we used the nationally representative National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) dataset to examine key elements of interpersonal neurobiology theory. Using structural equation modeling, we explored how maternal and paternal support and self-acceptance during adolescence are related to emotional stability and adult couple relationship satisfaction 13 years later (N = 7864). Results indicate that self-acceptance and emotional stability are factors that contribute to couple relationship satisfaction. We conclude with clinical implications of this study, including how to use mindfulness practices to promote healthy relationships.