The Metaphysics of Causal Models

This paper presents an attempt to integrate theories of causal processes—of the kind developed by Wesley Salmon and Phil Dowe—into a theory of causal models using Bayesian networks. We suggest that arcs in causal models must correspond to possible causal processes. Moreover, we suggest that when processes are rendered physically impossible by what occurs on distinct paths, the original model must be restricted by removing the relevant arc. These two techniques suffice to explain cases of late pre?mption and other cases that have proved problematic for causal models.

Role of arms in somersaulting from compliant surfaces: a simulation study of springboard standing dives

The role of arms in compliant-surface jumping for maximizing backward somersault rotations is studied using multi-segment models and is applied to springboard diving. The surface (springboard) is modeled by a rigid bar with a rotational spring with a hinged end and point mass at the tip. Planar four- and five-segment human models are used (with the fifth segment representing the arms) and are driven by torque actuators at the ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder. Each joint torque is the product of maximum isometric torque and three variable functions depending on instantaneous joint angle, angular velocity, and activation level, respectively. Movement simulation starts from a balanced initial posture and ends at jump takeoff. The objective is to find joint torque activation patterns during board contact so that the number of backward rotations in flight is maximized. Kinematic differences in jumps with and without arms are mainly in smaller takeoff vertical velocity and more flexed knee and hip in the former. In both jumps, joint torque/activations are similar in their minor flexion-full extension patterns. Maximum hip torque is larger with arms but maximum knee torque is larger without arms. Except at the knee, more joint work can be done with arm swing. Total angular momentum is increased considerably by arm motion because of its remote contribution. Consequently segment remote contributions to total angular momentum are much larger in jumping with arms. Shoulder strength helps generate angular momentum only to a certain limit. If more work is used to generate horizontal velocity away from the board, the amount of total angular momentum is reduced.     

疼痛共情的神经机制

疼痛是一种多维度的体验。情感成分和感觉成分是疼痛体验的主要成分,二者有着不同的神经机制。疼痛共情是痛觉"共鸣"的情绪反应,其神经机制的研究也围绕疼痛的情感成分和感觉成分展开。疼痛共情的情感成分的相关脑区主要有前扣带皮层和脑岛等脑区,与自身疼痛时相比,它们的激活位点及所处的神经网络存在差异;疼痛共情的感觉成分主要与初级感觉皮层以及一些其它的躯体感觉皮层有关,对它们的激活情况的研究受技术手段和实验范式的影响较大。未来的研究应从技术手段、分析方法及实验操作上予以关注。     

Anchoring in time estimation

In two experiments, an anchoring account of the misestimation of future task duration was tested. This account states that such misestimation occurs because previous task duration serves as an anchor for predictions, leading to underestimation when a longer task follows a shorter one and overestimation when a shorter task follows a longer one. Before estimating the duration of a focal task, participants selected a figure (anchor) of a longer or shorter duration produced by other participants in previous research on the same task (Experiment 1) or a different task (Experiment 2). In both experiments, misestimation differed according to the relative duration of the anchor to the focal task. Underestimation occurred with the shorter anchor and overestimation occurred with the longer one, suggesting that estimates were distorted in the direction of the anchors. This finding is discussed in relation to the role of prior task experience in moderating this anchoring effect.     

作业时间和指导语导向对10-12岁儿童发散性思维的影响

研究者以239名10岁、11岁和12岁的儿童为实验对象,采用四种作业时间(2分钟、4分钟、6分钟和8分钟)和两种指导语导向(无导向、导向独特性)为实验条件,考察了这些条件对儿童发散性思维的影响.结果发现,作业时间和指导语导向对儿童发散性思维的流畅性,变通性和独特性均有明显的影响.在该实验条件下,发散性思维的三个指标随作业时间的增加而增加.有导向组儿童的发散性思维作业成绩显著高于无导向组.另外,在各实验条件下,儿童的作业成绩都有随着年龄的增长而上升的趋势.     

民营企业家的心理演变探析

随着民营经济的不断发展及其对经济社会发展贡献的日益突出、以及中国政府对非公有制经济发展的支持和重视,对民营企业决策者和管理者--即民营企业家的研究也日益受到关注和重视.在此背景下,文章探讨了民营企业家的心理演变阶段及其主要特点:民营企业家基本需求的改变.价值取向的改变,人格素养的改变,社会焦虑的改变,归因方式的改变,应对策略和利益表达方式的改变等;并进一步提出了促进民营企业家心理演变顺利进行的对策.     

学习惰性研究综述

学习惰性是一种普遍存在的消极心理现象,它对学生和成人的学习造成负面影响.相关的研究国外已有而国内尚无.本研究为帮助学习者克服惰性、更好地学习和发展,在文献检索和典籍查阅的基础上,界定了惰性和学习惰性的概念;探讨了学习惰性的危害、成因及其影响因素;从认知、情绪、行为和易发人群等方面辨析了学习惰性与学习倦怠的异同;建议对学习惰性与学习倦怠采取不同的评估、教育和心理干预措施;最后对如何拓宽与深化学习惰性的研究进行了思考.     

‘The Inner Citadels of the Color Line’: Mapping the Micro‐Ecology of Racial Segregation in Everyday Life Spaces

The role of racial segregation in perpetuating racial prejudice and inequality has been widely investigated by social scientists. Most research has concentrated on the macro‐sociological organization of institutions of residence, education and employment. In this paper, we suggest that such work may be usefully complemented by research that investigates the so‐called ‘micro‐ecology of segregation’ in everyday life spaces – the dynamic, largely informal network of social practices through which individuals maintain racial isolation within settings where members of other race groups are physically co‐present. Developing this argument, we discuss some historical examples of research on the micro‐ecological dimension of race segregation in the United States. We also draw examples from an ongoing program of work on everyday practices of contact and segregation in post‐apartheid South Africa. The paper concludes by exploring some conceptual and methodological implications of treating racial segregation as a micro‐ecological practice.     

Treatment readiness in violent offenders: The influence of cognitive factors on engagement in violence programs

Advances in offender rehabilitation theory have led to the development of a clear framework of the factors that need consideration for an offender to be ready for therapy and thus gain maximum benefits. Here, we examine in greater detail the role of cognition in readiness for rehabilitation in violent offenders. We assess how cognitive processes and distortions common in violent offenders may affect and hamper rehabilitation readiness. Methods for remediation of cognitive factors that diminish readiness, including motivational interviewing, are discussed. We conclude that cognitive factors are critical in the assessment of readiness in violent offenders and therapeutic efforts to enhance engagement.