Increasing set size breaks down sequential congruency: Evidence for an associative locus of cognitive control

In recent years, a number of studies have revealed that cognitive control is strongly context-dependent (e.g., Crump et al., 2006). Inspired by this, computational models have been formulated based on the idea that cognitive control processes are based on associative learning (Blais et al., 2007; Verguts & Notebaert, 2008). Here, we test a natural consequence of this idea, namely, that sequential congruency effects (Gratton et al., 1992) should gradually decrease with an increasing number of task-relevant features (e.g., stimuli). The effect is empirically observed and simulated in a computational model. Implications of our findings are discussed.     

Workplace mavericks: How personality and risk‐taking propensity predicts maverickism

We examine the relationship between lateral preference, the Five‐Factor Model of personality, risk‐taking propensity, and maverickism. We take an original approach by narrowing our research focus to only functional aspects of maverickism. Results with 458 full‐time workers identify lateral preference as a moderator of the neuroticism–maverickism relationship. Extraversion, openness to experience, and low agreeableness were also each found to predict maverickism. The propensity of individuals high in maverickism to take risks was also found to be unaffected by task feedback. Our results highlight the multifaceted nature of maverickism, identifying both personality and task conditions as determinants of this construct.     

Implementation intentions for physical activity in supportive and unsupportive environmental conditions: An experimental examination of intention–behavior consistency

The primary objective of this investigation was to examine the joint influences of intention strength, executive control resources (ECRs) and implementation intentions on physical activity performance in differentially supportive environmental conditions. In two studies, participants were randomly assigned to implementation intentions or control conditions. Individual differences in ECRs, intention strength and physical activity behavior were measured at baseline in the laboratory; follow-up physical activity was measured via an online questionnaire 7 days after the baseline laboratory session. Study 1 was conducted under activity-supportive environmental conditions (i.e., warm weather, little precipitation), whereas Study 2 was conducted under non-supportive environmental conditions (i.e., cold weather, moderate precipitation). In Study 1, a two-way interaction between ECR and intention strength was observed, such that those with relatively stronger ECR demonstrated stronger intention–behavior relationships than those with relatively weaker ECR; this effect was invariant across experimental conditions. In Study 2, a significant 3-way interaction was observed, such that those with lower ECRs showed greater intention–behavior correspondence in the experimental group compared to the control. Together these findings suggest that the beneficial effects of implementation intentions on intention–behavior correspondence for physical activity may be more potent under challenging environmental conditions, and that they may be of special benefit for those with initially low ECRs.     

Role and group identity and adjustment to the possibility of running group disbandment

Role and group identities are distinct yet related constructs. Both identities may be relevant to exercise yet exercise identity research has focused mostly on exercise role identity.ObjectiveWe examined the relationship between role and group identity among runners. Further, the relationship of runner role and running group identity were examined relative to social cognitive and behavioural outcomes relative to running and the possibility of running group disbandment.DesignAn observational design was used.MethodRunning group members completed measures of runner role and running group identity, self-efficacy for running, and aspects of recent exercise and anticipated reactions to running group disbandment.ResultsRunner role and running group identity showed a small, positive correlation. Runner role identity was associated with self-efficacy for running, vigorous exercise, less group running and adaptive reactions to the possibility of group disbandment. Running group identity was associated with negative self-efficacy, greater percentage of runs being conducted with the group and maladaptive reactions to group disbandment. Runner role and running group identity did not interact in their relationship to exercise-related outcomes.ConclusionsIn the context of running, role and group identities are related but unique variables. Identification as a runner may not only be associated with exercise in the context of the group but may also have protective effects against disruptions to group running. Identification with the running group may compromise exercise in the face of group disbandment.     

Motion as manipulation: implementation of force–motion analogies by event-file binding and action planning

Tool-improvisation analogies are structure-mapping inferences implemented, in many species, by event-file binding and pre-motor action planning. These processes act on multi-modal representations of currently perceived situations and eventuate in motor acts that can be directly evaluated for success or failure; they employ implicit representations of force-motion relations encoded by the pre-motor system and do not depend on explicit, language-like representations of relational concepts. A detailed reconstruction of the analogical reasoning steps involved in Rutherford's and Bohr's development of the first quantized-orbit model of atomic structure is used to show that human force-motion analogies can in general be implemented by these mechanisms. This event-file manipulation model of the implementation of force-motion analogies is distinguished from the standard view that structure-mapping analogies require the manipulation of explicit, language-like representations of relational concepts.     

Individual strategies and release site features determine the extent of deviation in clock-shifted pigeons at familiar sites

When homing from familiar areas, homing pigeons are able to exploit previously acquired topographical information, but the mechanisms behind this ability are still poorly understood. One possibility is that they recall the familiar release site topographical features in association with the home direction (site-specific compass orientation strategy), another that the spatial relationships among landmarks guide their route home (piloting strategy), without relying on the compass mechanism. The two strategies can be put in conflict by releasing clock-shifted birds at familiar locations, in order to highlight which is preferred. We analysed GPS tracks of clock-shifted pigeons, with familiarity controlled at each of three different release sites, and we observed that pigeons can display individual preferences for one of the two orientation strategies and that some characteristic features of the release site have an important role in determining the level of landmark-based homeward orientation.     

The Art Therapy Practice Research Network: Hurdles,pitfalls and achievements

Aim: This article gives an overview of the setting up of the Art Therapy Practice Research Network (ATPRN) in 2000, amidst a culture resistant to research. The authors discuss their experiences in changing this culture and encouraging art therapists to become practitioner/researchers. They identify learning points that may be helpful for other professionals who want to form new practice research networks (PRNs). Context: The research and practice context contemporary to the ATPRN foundation is outlined and identified as a significant influence on its inception and development. Key events in the 14 years of the PRN's life and articles on art therapy and psychotherapy research published at the time of the ATPRN foundation are used to illuminate the historical context. ATPRN newsletters and symposium reports were consulted to identify themes and issues across 14 years of development and growth. Learning points: Several learning points are identified and listed as useful factors to address when setting up and maintaining a PRN and include: shape the culture from the start; review and revise; get practical together; encourage members' presentations; build synergy with professional body; embed the ATPRN around all aspects of research publication. Conclusions: Successful PRNs depend on making practitioners feel included from the start by acknowledging fear and anxiety about research. Providing practical projects helped practitioners to feel less isolated by being part of a meaningful and productive network. Maintaining and developing PRNs is an iterative process that demands constant reviewing and revising.     

Social normalisation: Using marketing to make green normal

This paper proposes a novel environmental marketing approach in which the adoption of greener consumer behaviours is encouraged by repositioning them as normal. The research was undertaken in order to help explain the disappointing performance of green marketing initiatives. The methodology was qualitative, with focus groups and a wide range of stimulus materials. The study illuminates the ways in which consumers conceptualise and adopt pro‐environmental behaviours and highlights the importance of consumer ideas about what is normal. The research indicates that consumers are more likely to adopt behaviour and products that they think are normal and that what is regarded as normal changes over time. New activities and products that are initially seen as different, and as outside normal behaviour, can eventually become mainstream and accepted as normal, in a process of ‘social normalisation’. As part of this process, other behaviours, which have been mainstream everyday ways of doing things, can become marginalised over time. The research suggests that companies and policy makers tend to position green marketing initiatives as targeting a green niche and that this inhibits social normalisation and mainstream adoption. Green marketing can potentially play an important role in the social normalisation of green practices and products by portraying these as normal and everyday instead of emphasizing their greenness. The study contributes to understanding of consumer behaviour and the adoption of more sustainable products and practices and identifies practical ways to improve green initiatives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Personality and the response to predation risk: effects of information quantity and quality

Within aquatic ecosystems, chemosensory cues provide valuable public information regarding the form and degree of risk, allowing prey to make informed behavioural decisions. Such cues, however, may vary in both relative concentration detected (i.e. ‘quantity’) and reliability of the information available (i.e. ‘quality’), leading to varying response patterns. Moreover, prey species are also known to exhibit consistent behavioural tactics towards managing risk (i.e. personality), possibly shaping their use of public information. Here, we present two experiments examining the potential interacting effects of personality and the quantity (Experiment 1) or quality (Experiment 2) of public information on the short-term predator avoidance responses of wild-caught Trinidadian guppies under semi-natural conditions. Our first experiment demonstrated that personality shaped responses to a high concentration of alarm cues (high risk), with shyer guppies exhibiting stronger antipredator responses than bolder guppies. When exposed to either low risk or stream water controls, personality had no effect on the intensity of response. Our second experiment demonstrated that personality again shaped the response to high concentrations of alarm cues (a known risk) but not to a novel chemosensory cue (tilapia odour). When exposed to the unknown novel cue, guppies exhibited a relatively high intensity antipredator response, regardless of personality. Combined, our results suggest that individual risk-taking tactics shape the use of public information in a context-dependent fashion.