Neural correlates of feigned memory impairment are distinguishable from answering randomly and answering incorrectly: an fMRI and behavioral study

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified activation in the prefrontal-parietal-sub-cortical circuit during feigned memory impairment when comparing with truthful telling. Here, we used fMRI to determine whether neural activity can differentiate between answering correctly, answering randomly, answering incorrectly, and feigned memory impairment. In this study, 12 healthy subjects underwent block-design fMRI while they performed digit task of forced-choice format under four conditions: answering correctly, answering randomly, answering incorrectly, and simulated feigned memory impairment. There were three main results. First, six areas, including the left prefrontal cortex, the left superior temporal lobe, the right postcentral gyrus, the right superior parietal cortex, the right superior occipital cortex, and the right putamen, were significantly modulated by condition type. Second, for some areas, including the right superior parietal cortex, the right postcentral gyrus, the right superior occipital cortex, and the right putamen, brain activity was significantly greater in feigned memory impairment than answering randomly. Third, for the areas including the left prefrontal cortex and the right putamen, brain activity was significantly greater in feigned memory impairment than answering incorrectly. In contrast, for the left superior temporal lobe, brain activity was significantly greater in answering incorrectly than feigned memory impairment. The results suggest that neural correlates of feigned memory impairment are distinguishable from answering randomly and answering incorrectly in healthy subjects.     

The cost of serially chaining two cognitive operations

As Turing (1936, Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society) noted, a fundamental process in human cognition is to effect chained sequential operations in which the second operation requires an input from the preceding one. Although a great deal is known about the costs associated with 'independent' (unrelated) operations, e.g., from the classic psychological refractory period paradigm, far less is known about those operations to which Turing referred. We present the results of two behavioural experiments, where participants were required to perform two speeded sequential tasks that were either chained or independent. Both experiments reveal the reaction time cost of chaining, over and above classical dual-task serial costs. Moreover, the chaining operation significantly altered the distribution of reaction times relative to the Independent condition in terms of an increased mean and variance. These results are discussed in terms of the cognitive architecture underlying the serial chaining of cognitive operations.     

一种对存在不惑的形而上学

从理解世界到理解意识,再到理解语言,形而上学的线索走的是一条唯心论道路。胡塞尔试图论证的不仅是主观性能够构造出客观性,而且只有在主观性之中才能够构造出客观性;于是,存在的客     

感知音乐音质的EEG探究

欣赏音乐是一种审美的体验活动,不同的音质会使人产生不同的感受。为探究音乐和EEG的关系,本文选用音乐《黑人舞曲》,运用主成分分析等方法,研究了11位在校大学生在欣赏不同音质音乐时的EEG特征。结果发现:在欣赏不同音质音乐时大脑皮层右颞等处快波功率差异显著。大脑对音乐的精细加工与大脑右颞等区的电活动密切相关。     

“《道德经》版本（文物）展”展品介绍之三

在香港、北京举办的"《道德经》版本(文物)展"上,国家图书馆为展览提供了206件(组)展品,其中一级文物5件(组)。展品包括石刻拓片、敦煌遗书中的唐     

The Influence of Visually Dangerous Information on Imitation in Children

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that when perceiving the actions of another agent, individuals will automatically imitate those observed actions. This study investigated how children’s imitation of physical actions was influenced by either visually neutral or visually dangerous information. Participants were presented with a series of pictures in which an agent was reaching towards either a neutral object or a dangerous object. Results showed that the imitation effect occurred when the agent was observed reaching and grasping a neutral object. However, this effect was not present when the agent’s hand was observed reaching towards or grasping, the non-handle side of a dangerous object. These results suggest children can predict potential behavioral consequences and adjust their imitative action depending on the perceived danger of the action.     

社会与政治运动理论:框架与反思

本文在与美国主流社会与政治运动理论进行对话和点评的基础上,全面而简要地介绍了西方社会与政治运动理论的基本分析框架、理论要点、研究方法和发展趋势,尤其是西方社会运动理论和革命理论发展的内在逻辑,以及作者本人基于多年学术研究实践基础上的反思。只有面对中国自己的真问题,才能发展出一套与西方既有理论既能对话,又有所超越的、中国学者自己的社会与政治运动理论。     

"长生成仙"新解

本文解传统的"老而不死曰仙"为"老而快乐曰仙".认为现实生活中健康快乐的高龄寿星,就是道门所说的"人仙".     

日本"南蛮时代"探析

"南蛮时代"指16世纪中叶至17世纪中叶,是天主教风行日本和遭受残酷镇压的历史时期.在日耶稣会利用日本战国末期政治和社会文化的无序状态,通过适应传教策略,满足了不同阶级的不同需求,以廉价的成本,使耶稣会获得了数十万教徒的丰厚回报.然而,及至封建统一政权重新建立并开始整饬统治秩序时,天主教在政治和信仰伦理领域的"异端"成分凸显无遗,立时成为统治者整肃的对象."天主"在日本的寿终正寝,正是"事所必至、理有固然".