Computer workstations: Explorations in human and machine cognition

Professional and scientific work will increasingly be conducted at computer workstations. An expert-system adaptive interface is one method for supporting learning and raising productivity of workstation activities. A prototype application for an adaptive interface is described in terms of machine intelligence, needs, design philosophy, and cognitive research. The intelligent interface prototype includes the operator’s psychometric profile, prior performance history, and a current keystroke performance stack within a conventional expert system. Productions in the form of conditionals between the operator’s keystrokes and three types of commands to the underlying software are described and illustrated. Commands entered, syntax errors, excessive repetition of keystrokes, and skill level are used to detect the user’s intentions and accordingly modify the display and command structure of the underlying software. Determining human intentions to produce machine adaptation to individual users is not a trivial task. Efforts to develop a powerful and general adaptive interface pose significant problems, and success cannot be assured without intensive cognitive research.     

Frontal-Lobe Involvement in Spatial Memory: Evidence from PET,fMRI, and Lesion Studies

Many studies have identified the prefrontal cortex as the brain area that is critical for spatial memory, both in humans and in other primates. Other studies, however, have failed to establish this relation. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to review the literature regarding the role of the human prefrontal lobe in spatial memory. This was done by examining the evidence obtained from neuropsychological patients and from studies using brain-imaging techniques (PET and fMRI). Evidence supporting the notion that the prefrontal cortex is extensively involved in spatial working memory was found. The majority of these studies, however, suggests that frontal-lobe involvement is not related to the type of material that is being processed (e.g., spatial vs. nonspatial), but to process-specific functions, such as encoding and retrieval. Theoretically, these functions could be linked to the central executive within Baddeley's working-memory model, or to recent theories that emphasize the various processes that play a role in working memory. Also, methodological issues were discussed. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the precise interaction of domain-specific and general processes.     

Issues in exercise,fitness, and subjective perceptions of fitness of physical education teachers

Several issues arise on reading the paper by Netz and Raviv. Their role in interpretation of the data and stimulating questions for further study is mentioned.