New Insights into the role of the phonological loop in task switching: evidence from three different age groups

ABSTRACT

The phonological loop plays an important role in task switching. Until now, however, it has been unclear whether it is the maintenance of the task sequence or the retrieval of the task goal that requires phonological processing. In the present study, 60 participants (20 children, 20 adolescents, 20 young adults) performed three phonological working-memory tests before they switched between two tasks in a cue-present condition (random task sequence) and in a cue-absent condition (predictable task sequence). Results revealed that better phonological and central-executive working-memory performance predicted lower switch costs. In line with age-differentiation of cognitive abilities switching was less coupled with working memory in adults compared to children and adolescents. Interestingly, however, relations were only demonstrated in the cue-present but not in the cue-absent condition, indicating that it is more the retrieval of the task goal than the maintenance of the task sequence that requires the involvement of phonological processing.     

Kindesmisshandlung – eine Übersicht aus rechtsmedizinischer Sicht

Medicolegal criteria have increasingly become the focus of attention in the assessment of child abuse cases. The principle of assessment is often to prove the plausibility of whether, for instance, the ascertained injuries are in accordance with the reported background information. A further aspect is to aid in clarifying differential diagnoses (e.g. skin diseases or congenital metabolic bone diseases). In cases of suspected sexual abuse a professional strategy is required with a suitable examination process and appropriate scrutiny of the results. Flawed or incorrect diagnoses (i.e. false positive or negative) in cases of suspected child abuse could have dramatic consequences for parents or guardians and the children; therefore, in the interests of the children it is absolutely necessary to have a good collaboration between all disciplines involved, including those inside and outside medical specialties.     

Worlds in Motion: Temporality and Historicality

ABSTRACT

Worlds are always in motion; what kind of movement is at stake? In this essay, I will argue that Heidegger moves beyond Hegel by making the concept of world central to phenomenology. But how do worlds move? As history, Heidegger says; yet his initial attempt to interpret history, in the final sections of Being and Time, is at certain moments hampered by his attempt to ground the historicality of shared world in the temporality of individual Dasein. Derrida then moves beyond Heidegger by addressing paradoxes in our understanding of time and history. This allows Derrida to introduce the ethical dimension of world from the start as we are called to acknowledge that the Other brings their own world and awaits our response. Worlds are both singular and shared; and in any case, they move (and move us).