A note on the development of recall of spatial location

Recall of spatial location was studied with 5, 8, 12--13, and 17--18 year old subjects. Pictures of objects were shown one at a time in one of the four quadrants of a projection screen which was either blank (NF) or divided by a cross into four quadrants (F). The presence of the frame (F) did not affect item recall, but facilitated location recall more, the younger the subjects. Intentional learning of location was superior to incidental learning in the youngest but not in older children. The results are in agreement with Bryant's (1974) analysis of perceptual development which emphasizes the use of external spatial frames of reference in the encoding of attributes of visual objects in young children.     

William A. Dembski’s project of intelligent design

During the last 20 years, the theory of intelligent design (ID) has been causing a stir in the science-and-religion field. According to ID, it is possible to empirically detect signs of divine action in the world. One of the most prominent advocates of ID has been William A. Dembski, who describes ID as a threefold enterprise: (1) a scientific research programme, (2) an intellectual movement challenging naturalism, and (3) a way of understanding divine action. Recently, to the surprise of many, Dembski announced his retirement from ID. In this article, I assess the success of Dembski’s project from the above three perspectives.