Quantity discrimination in a spontaneous task in a poison frog

Animal Cognition - The use of quantitative information underlies a range of animal behaviors. There are thought to be two parallel systems for judging quantity: a precise representation of small...     

Ecological Representations

Abstract

Representations feature heavily in cognitive science theories about our behavioral repertoire. Their critical feature is its ability to designate (stand in for) spatially or temporally distant properties, so that organizing our behavior with respect to mental/neural representations means organizing our behavior with respect to the otherwise unavailable property they designate. Representations are a powerful tool, but serious problems (grounding, system-detectable error) remain unsolved. Ecological explanations reject representations. However, this has left us without a straightforward vocabulary to engage with “representation-hungry” problems involving spatial or temporal distance, nor the role of the nervous system in cognition. To develop such a vocabulary, here we show that ecological information functions to designate the ecologically scaled dynamical world to an organism. We then show that this designation analysis of information leads to an ecological conceptualization of the neural activity caused by information, and finally we argue these together can support intentional behavior with respect to spatially and temporally distal properties. The way they do so (via designation) does mean information and the related neural activity can be conceptualized as representations; but they do so in a grounded way that remains true to key ecological ontological commitments. We advocate this path for expanding the ecological approach.     

Integrating predictive frameworks and cognitive models of face perception

The idea of a “predictive brain”—that is, the interpretation of internal and external information based on prior expectations—has been elaborated intensely over the past decade. Several domains in cognitive neuroscience have embraced this idea, including studies in perception, motor control, language, and affective, social, and clinical neuroscience. Despite the various studies that have used face stimuli to address questions related to predictive processing, there has been surprisingly little connection between this work and established cognitive models of face recognition. Here we suggest that the predictive framework can serve as an important complement of established cognitive face models. Conversely, the link to cognitive face models has the potential to shed light on issues that remain open in predictive frameworks.     

On pacing trials while scanning brain hemodynamics: The case of the SNARC effect

Psychonomic Bulletin & Review - Experimental designs used to describe psychological effects on overt human behavior are seldom suited to localize their corresponding neural substrates based on...     

Building Schools’ Readiness to Implement a Comprehensive Approach to School Safety

Research consistently finds that a comprehensive approach to school safety, which integrates the best scientific evidence and solid implementation strategies, offers the greatest potential for preventing youth violence and promoting mental and behavioral health. However, schools and communities encounter enormous challenges in articulating, synthesizing, and implementing all the complex aspects of a comprehensive approach to school safety. This paper aims to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and the application of that evidence in schools and communities by defining the key components of a comprehensive approach to school safety and describing how schools can assess their readiness to implement a comprehensive approach. We use readiness and implementation data from the Safe Communities Safe Schools project to illustrate these challenges and solutions. Our findings suggest that (1) readiness assessment can be combined with feasibility meetings to inform school selection for implementation of a comprehensive approach to school safety and (2) intentionally addressing readiness barriers as part of a comprehensive approach may lead to improvements in readiness (motivation and capacity) to effectively implement a comprehensive approach to school safety.     

Beziehungs- oder Mentalisierungsfähigkeit

This paper investigates the predictive value of the psychological mindedness assessment procedure (PMAP) with respect to differential group therapy outcome using outpatient group therapies with patients suffering from somatoform disorders. Within the contextual framework of the mentalization theory the possible predictive power of the PMAP prior to indications for therapy is reflected. As the results of 50 patients from 6 therapy groups show high PMAP ratings prior to treatment onset predict group suitability of patients. This in turn is predictive for an emotional attunement of such patients during treatment, which is in itself a qualification for an emotional involvement with the group interactive process and therefore highly predictive. In contrast patients with a lower PMAP rating should be referred to groups where another treatment concept or technical attitude on the part of the group leader is realized. The shorter the therapy groups last the more homogeneous group composition should be regarding psychological functioning of patients prior to treatment onset (level of mentalization).     

'Religion and the Politics of Identity in Kosovo' by Ger Duijzings

Nicholas Charnetsky, CSsR, Bishop‐Confessor by Stephen Joseph Bachtalowsky, CSsR (translated by George J. Pereira, CSsR). Yorkton, Saskatchewan: Redeemers Voice Press, n.d., 272 pp.

Tchèques et slovaques: témoins de la foi by Didier Rance. Mareil‐Marty, Paris: Aide à l'église en détresse, Bibliothèque AED, 1993, 352 pp. Paperback.

Roumanie: Courage et fidélité: l'église gréco‐catholique unie by Didier Ranee. Mareil‐Marky, Paris: Aide à l'église en détresse, Bibliothèque AED, 1994, 332 pp. Paperback.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: a Tradition Betrayed by Robert J. Donia and John V.A. Fine, Jr. London: C. Hurst, 1994, 318 pp. £9.50.     

Extending the Nomological Network of Assessment Center Construct Validity: Prediction of Cross-Situationally Consistent and Specific Aspects of Assessment Center Performance

The purpose of this study was to expand the nomological validity of assessment centers (ACs) by investigating predictors of cross-situationally consistent versus specific aspects of AC performance. Consistent with hypotheses, (a) Big Five personality factors predicted AC performance as it related to a cross-situationally consistent general performance factor but not as it related to exercise (i.e., situationally specific) factors, and (b) job knowledge predicted performance as it related to both the general performance factor and exercise-specific factors. Results are interpreted as they relate to the growing literature on AC construct validity.     

Collaboration Technologies Improve Performance and Communication in Air Battle Management

Team communication is critical for Air Battle Management (ABM). In this study, two communication tools (text chat and electronic whiteboard) and two team resource aids (tabular and graphical displays) were introduced during simulated ABM to supplement radio communication. Results showed that combined chat and virtual whiteboard improved team performance, decreased number and duration of radio transmissions, but had mixed effects on workload. In addition, the graphical resource display improved team performance, decreased number and duration of radio transmissions, and reduced workload compared to the tabular display. These findings indicate that collaboration technologies introduced in this experiment may benefit military operations.