Interactivism in artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent robotics

This paper overviews the interactivist model of representation and its applications in artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent robotics. Selected examples from approaches in AI and robotics are contrasted with the generic interactivist architecture in order to illustrate specific features of it. Petitagé, an artificial agent that instantiates our interactivist-expectative theory of agency and learning (IETAL), is discussed in detail from the interactivist perspective.     

Positive Representation of Gay Characters in Movies for Reducing Homophobia

This study addresses the effect of narratives offering a positive depiction of gay men on the audience’s change in attitude towards homosexuality. Specifically, it analyzes the relationship of character identification, inter-group contact, religiosity and gender with homophobia reduction. One hundred and fifty students of a Serbian University (M_Age = 22.13, SD = 2.28) filled in a questionnaire measuring socio-demographic information and the instrument H25 assessing homophobia. Two months later, they watched a movie depicting gay men in a positive manner and completed a questionnaire containing the homophobia scale and questions related to identification with the main character, inter-group contact and religiosity. The results showed that watching the movie is related to a reduction of homophobia and that character identification and inter-group contact are negatively correlated with homophobia, whereas religiosity is positively correlated with it. Results also show that there is a negative correlation between religiosity and the attitude change induced by the movie, and that men express higher level of homophobia than women. The study contributes to the knowledge of the mechanisms reducing homophobia through media.     

Freedom deprivation in prisons of Serbia

The subject of this research is the deprivation of freedom at two time points. A total of 490 convicts from open, semi‐open, and closed prisons participated in the research. Freedom deprivation intensity was determined by using the freedom deprivation scale (α = .93). The results of the research indicate that almost all the participants reported freedom deprivation. The prison type had an impact on freedom deprivation intensity, whereas an influence of the ward type on deprivation was not demonstrated. Freedom deprivation intensity was consistent from the turn of the century to the present day.     

Long-term improvement in coping skills following multimodal treatment in war veterans with chronic PTSD

Due to the long-lasting and resistant symptoms characteristic of chronic combat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), its treatment is complex and often requires a tailored therapeutic approach incorporating both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. A multimodal approach of psychoeducative, sociotherapeutic, and dynamically oriented trauma-focused groups is described. We assessed the short- and long-term effectiveness of this therapeutic program by monitoring its impact on PTSD symptoms, depression, neurotic symptoms, coping skills, and quality of life for three years. The findings revealed short-term reduction in the symptoms of PTSD and depression, while the long-term results were manifested as the increased use of all coping mechanisms and a greater level of obsession.     

External loading and maximum dynamic output in vertical jumping: the role of training history

We examined the effect of training history on the load-power relationship in vertical jumping (VJ) by employing external loads ranging from -30% to +30% body weight (BW). Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that (1) the maximum dynamic output (power production and momentum generation) would be within the tested loading interval, and (2) the load-power and load-momentum relations would depend on the subject's training history. Thirty-one healthy male subjects of different training history (i.e., 9 strength-trained athletes, 12 speed-trained athletes, and 10 sedentary individuals), performed maximum countermovement jumps on a force plate while a pulley system was used to either reduce or increase the subject's BW. An increase in external loading during VJ resulted in a systematic decrease (p<.001) in power production and momentum generation in all 3 studied groups. We also observed significant Group×Load interactions (p<.01) for the load-power and the load-momentum relationships, probably due to the group differences in slopes of the trend lines that describe the loading-associated changes in power and momentum. The results suggest that, from the evolutionary standpoint, the human muscular system of the lower limbs could be designed to produce the maximum power output against the loads that are well below the mass and inertia of the human body.     

Autochthony through self-organization: Interactivism and emergence in a virtual environment

In this paper we take an interactivist perspective on the computer-mediated classroom, and explore the autopoietic teaching approach in the context of emergence of diversity in the classroom. The POPSICLE (Patterns in Orientation: Pattern-Aided Simulated Interaction Context-Learning Experiment) is presented and discussed, as well as its multiple consequences. POPSICLE is a study of learning in human subjects, as well as of interaction and transfer of knowledge between subjects in a collaborative environment.     

The Role of Individual Differences in the Accuracy of Confidence Judgments

Generally, self-assessment of accuracy in the cognitive domain produces overconfidence, whereas self-assessment of visual perceptual judgments results in under-confidence. Despite contrary empirical evidence, in models attempting to explain those phenomena, individual differences have often been disregarded. The authors report on 2 studies in which that shortcoming was addressed. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 520) completed a large number of cognitive-ability tests. Results indicated that individual differences provide a meaningful source of overconfidence and that a metacognitive trait might mediate that effect. In further analysis, there was only a relatively small correlation between test accuracy and confidence bias. In Experiment 2 (N = 107 participants), both perceptual and cognitive ability tests were included, along with measures of personality. Results again indicated the presence of a confidence factor that transcended the nature of the testing vehicle. Furthermore, a small relationship was found between that factor and some self-reported personality measures. Thus, personality traits and cognitive ability appeared to play only a small role in determining the accuracy of self-assessment. Collectively, the present results suggest that there are multiple causes of miscalibration, which current models of over- and underconfidence fail to encompass.