A neuropsychological theory of positive affect and its influence on cognition.

Positive affect systematically influences performance on many cognitive tasks. A new neuropsychological theory is proposed that accounts for many of these effects by assuming that positive affect is associated with increased brain dopamine levels. The theory predicts or accounts for influences of positive affect on olfaction, the consolidation of long-term (i.e., episodic) memories, working memory, and creative problem solving. For example, the theory assumes that creative problem solving is improved, in part, because increased dopamine release in the anterior cingulate improves cognitive flexibility and facilitates the selection of cognitive perspective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A simple but powerful theory of the moon illusion.

Modification of F. Restle's (1970) theory explains the moon illusion and related phenomena on the basis of three principles: (1) The apparent sizes of objects are their perceived visual angles. (2) The apparent size of the moon is determined by the ratio of the angular extent of the moon relative to the extents subtended by objects composing the surrounding context, such as the sky and things on the ground. (3) The visual extents subtended by common objects of a constant physical size decrease systematically with increasing distance from the observer. Further development of this theory requires specification of both the components of the surrounding context and their relative importance in determining the apparent size and distance of the moon. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The processing-speed theory of adult age differences in cognition.

A theory is proposed to account for some of the age-related differences reported in measures of Type A or fluid cognition. The central hypothesis in the theory is that increased age in adulthood is associated with a decrease in the speed with which many processing operations can be executed and that this reduction in speed leads to impairments in cognitive functioning because of what are termed the limited time mechanism and the simultaneity mechanism. That is, cognitive performance is degraded when processing is slow because relevant operations cannot be successfully executed(limited time) and because the products of early processing may no longer be available when later processing is complete ( simultaneity ) . Several types of evidence, such as the discovery of considerable shared age-related variance across various measures of speed and large attenuation of the age-related influences on cognitive measures after statistical control of measures of speed, are consistent with this theory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dual-task interference in simple tasks: Data and theory.

People often have trouble performing 2 relatively simple tasks concurrently. The causes of this interference and its implications for the nature of attentional limitations have been controversial for 40 years, but recent experimental findings are beginning to provide some answers. Studies of the psychological refractory period effect indicate a stubborn bottleneck encompassing the process of choosing actions and probably memory retrieval generally, together with certain other cognitive operations. Other limitations associated with task preparation, sensory-perceptual processes, and timing can generate additional and distinct forms of interference. These conclusions challenge widely accepted ideas about attentional resources and probe reaction time (RT) methodologies. They also suggest new ways of thinking about continuous dual-task performance, effects of extraneous stimulation (e.g., stop signals), and automaticity. Implications for higher mental processes are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Developmental change in the relation between simple and complex spans: A meta-analysis.

In the present meta-analysis the effects of developmental level on the correlation between simple and complex span tasks were investigated. Simple span–complex span correlation coefficients presented in 52 independent samples (7,060 participants) were regressed on a variable representing mean age of sample (range: 4.96–22.80 years), using analyses adapted for meta-analytic purposes. The results showed strong positive relations between mean age of sample and simple span–complex span correlation coefficients, suggesting that the relation between simple and complex span tasks became stronger with increasing age. These results could not be accounted for by study-related differences in measurement reliability, restricted range, or sample size. A new theoretical account explaining these findings is outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Individual differences in working memory and complex cognition.

The relations among assessments of working memory (WM) and a range of complex cognitive abilities were examined. In 2 experiments participants completed 2 WM tasks designed to assess verbal and nonverbal WM, as well as assessments of verbal intelligence, nonverbal intelligence, and academic achievement. Verbal WM had no relationship with nonverbal intelligence, whereas nonverbal WM had no relationship with verbal intelligence and academic achievement. A reanalysis of P. C. Kyllonen & R. E. Christal (see PA, Vol 78:32248; Experiment 1) is reported in which multiple indicators of WM were used to identify verbal and nonverbal WM factors; both of these WM factors were heavily saturated with a second-order factor, g (61% and 69%, respectively). Convergent and discriminant validation of the multidimensionality of WM was found in the patterns of correlations among the first-order Working Memory, General Knowledge, and Speed factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A metaphor-enriched social cognition.

Social cognition is the scientific study of the cognitive events underlying social thought and attitudes. Currently, the field's prevailing theoretical perspectives are the traditional schema view and embodied cognition theories. Despite important differences, these perspectives share the seemingly uncontroversial notion that people interpret and evaluate a given social stimulus using knowledge about similar stimuli. However, research in cognitive linguistics (e.g., Lakoff & Johnson, 1980) suggests that people construe the world in large part through conceptual metaphors, which enable them to understand abstract concepts using knowledge of superficially dissimilar, typically more concrete concepts. Drawing on these perspectives, we propose that social cognition can and should be enriched by an explicit recognition that conceptual metaphor is a unique cognitive mechanism that shapes social thought and attitudes. To advance this metaphor-enriched perspective, we introduce the metaphoric transfer strategy as a means of empirically assessing whether metaphors influence social information processing in ways that are distinct from the operation of schemas alone. We then distinguish conceptual metaphor from embodied simulation—the mechanism posited by embodied cognition theories—and introduce the alternate source strategy as a means of empirically teasing apart these mechanisms. Throughout, we buttress our claims with empirical evidence of the influence of metaphors on a wide range of social psychological phenomena. We outline directions for future research on the strength and direction of metaphor use in social information processing. Finally, we mention specific benefits of a metaphor-enriched perspective for integrating and generating social cognitive research and for bridging social cognition with neighboring fields. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Critics and their texts: An approach to Jung's theory of cognition and personality.

A cluster analysis of critics' writings about children's literature led to the conceptualization of 4 discursive styles, parallel to Jung's 4 functions. The styles generally characterize different types of mentality engaged in literary studies. Characteristics of the work and careers of leading representatives from the "Age of Criticism" are used to illustrate the applicability of type theory. The nature of literary controversies, relationships between protagonists, and aspects of the development of thought among various critics of this period may be interpreted in terms of Jung's psychology of knowledge. Further study of types through analysis of discourse and its social and biographical context is recommended. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Left ventricular remodeling. A complex biological problem around three simple paradigms

Left ventricular remodelling occurring after myocardial infarction is a complicated issue. This review aims to propose that the clinical background of cardiac remodelling, namely systolic and diastolic dysfunctions and arrhythmias is arranged around three, perhaps four, simple biological paradigms: (i) the deleterious aspects of the adaptational process to mechanical overload, (ii) fibrosis which does not belong to the adaptational process and is multifactorial, with two major etiologies, namely senescence and ischemia, (iii) cell death due to necrosis or apoptosis, the later is also multifactorial. (iv) A fourth additional parameter may be of importance, namely the phenotypic specific modifications of the cardiocytes which are directly provoked by either ischemia or certain hormones and which may modify, or even reverse the changes due to the adaptational process.     

Review of Handbook of implicit social cognition: Measurement, theory, and applications.

Reviews the book, Handbook of implicit social cognition: Measurement, theory, and applications edited by Bertram Gawronski and Keith B. Payne (see record 2010-13147-000). The comprehensive overview of theoretical models, empirical findings, and practical applications of research in implicit social cognition provided within this book is timely and warranted. The editors were successful in clearly outlining that implicit social cognition theory and measurement. A primary strength of this volume is the way in which seemingly divergent areas of research have been organized into five distinct sections, each of which builds upon the previous sections to provide a comprehensive understanding of implicit social cognition. Even the novice researcher may benefit from the practical guides to implicit theory and measurement. This book would be especially interesting and useful for active researchers across a variety of domains who are interested in understanding how implicit processes can influence human behaviour. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment of cognition in the elderly: pieces of a complex puzzle

A suite of programs called CAMRA (Computer Aided Magnetic Resonance Assignment) has been developed for computer assisted residue-specific assignments of proteins. CAMRA consists of three units: ORB, CAPTURE and PROCESS. ORB predicts NMR chemical shifts for unassigned proteins using a chemical shift database of previously assigned homologous proteins supplemented by a statistically derived chemical shift database in which the shifts are categorized according to their residue, atom and secondary structure type. CAPTURE generates a list of valid peaks from NMR spectra by filtering out noise peaks and other artifacts and then separating the derived peak list into distinct spin systems. PROCESS combines the chemical shift predictions from ORB with the spin systems identified by CAPTURE to obtain residue specific assignments. PROCESS ranks the top choices for an assignment along with scores and confidence values. In contrast to other auto-assignment programs, CAMRA does not use any connectivity information but instead is based solely on matching predicted shifts with observed spin systems. As such, CAMRA represents a new and unique approach for the assignment of protein NMR spectra. CAMRA will be particularly useful in conjunction with other assignment methods and under special circumstances, such as the assignment of flexible regions in proteins where sufficient NOE information is generally not available. CAMRA was tested on two medium-sized proteins belonging to the chemokine family. It was found to be effective in predicting the assignment providing a database of previously assigned proteins with at least 30% sequence identity is available. CAMRA is versatile and can be used to include and evaluate heteronuclear and three-dimensional experiments.     

The role of cognition in depression: A critical appraisal.

Examines 5 broad areas of cognitive functioning: expectations and evaluations of performance, perception of environmental information, recall of information, cognitive biases, and attributional processes. A review of the literature suggests that neither A. T. Beck's (1967, 1976) nor the learned helplessness model of depression has a strong empirical base. Depressed persons present themselves negatively on a variety of measures, but less consistently than either model suggests. Differences between depressed and nondepressed persons with respect to extralaboratory experiences and self-presentational strategies remain viable alternative explanations for those results that have been obtained. In addition, specificity to depression has not been demonstrated consistently for any measure of cognitive bias or distortion. Attention is given to conceptual and methodological difficulties in unambiguously establishing what people think, in demonstrating biased or distorted cognitive processes, and in testing hypotheses about the fundamental role of cognition in depression. (4? p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The role of complex thought in clinical prediction: Social accountability and the need for cognition.

Research shows that clinical predictions are less accurate than statistical predictions and are held with unreasonable confidence. Because there are obstacles to the implementation of statistical prediction, factors that improve clinical judgment must be identified. One hundred twelve individuals participated in an experiment investigating the role of complex thought in clinical prediction. Results revealed marked performance differences related to the amount of available clinical information. Participants' assessed need for cognition was associated with their consistency, accuracy, and cue-weighting strategies. Social accountability improved confidence performance under certain task conditions but was unrelated to accuracy. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed, with emphasis on the restructuring of tasks and the selection and training of human forecasters to promote accurate and appropriately confident clinical predictions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A simple solution.

Comments on the article by P. R. Sackett, N. Schmitt, J. E. Ellingson, and M. B. Kabin (see record 2001-00625-002) which posed the dilemma of how to use tests to select for performance without excluding minority group members. The current author argues that society should challenge the premise that elite American universities should select students on the basis of promise of academic performance. It is maintained that psychologists should develop valid tests that accurately predict the qualities of creativity, good citizenship, participation in extracurricular activities, athletics, political correctness, and social activism. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A study in language and cognition.

"The Whorf thesis on the relationship between language and thought is found to involve the following two propositions: (a) Different linguistic communities perceive and conceive reality in different ways. (b) The language spoken in a community helps to shape the cognitive structure of the individuals speaking that language… . An experiment is described which investigates a part of proposition (a)—the idea that lexical differences are indicative of cognitive differences." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Efficiently assessing negative cognition in depression: An item response theory analysis of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale.

Despite a central role for dysfunctional attitudes in cognitive theories of depression and the widespread use of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, form A (DAS-A; A. Weissman, 1979), the psychometric development of the DAS-A has been relatively limited. The authors used nonparametric item response theory methods to examine the DAS-A items and develop a briefer version of the scale. Using DAS-A data obtained from depressed participants enrolled in 2 large depression treatment studies (N = 367), the authors developed a 9-item DAS form (DAS-SF?). In addition, because 2 versions of the DAS are needed for certain study designs, they also developed a 2nd short version (DAS-SF?). These short forms were highly correlated with the original 40-item DAS-A (rs ranged from .91 to .93), exhibited change similar to that of the DAS-A over the course of treatment, were moderately correlated with related self-report assessments, predicted concurrent depression severity, and predicted change in depression from before to after treatment. Taken together, the authors believe the DAS-SF? and DAS-SF? provide an efficient and accurate assessment of dysfunctional attitudes among depressed individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A dissociation between simple and complex span impairment in alcoholics

We investigated whether the surprisingly good memory performance of alcoholics may result from simple memory performance being spared while performance in complex memory tasks is impaired. Simple word span was contrasted with a complex word span task involving concurrent monitoring and re-organisation of items for recall. To control for disruption of rehearsal in the complex word span task, performance on two additional tasks with disrupted rehearsal but no additional processing components was studied. As hypothesised, the alcoholics showed a deficit in the complex but not the simple word span task. They were also impaired, compared to controls, on both tasks with disrupted rehearsal. The difference between groups remained in the complex span task when scores in simple span and either of the two other tasks were used as covariates. Thus, both executive processes necessary for coping with disrupted rehearsal and additional processes scheduling processing and storage in a complex task may play a role in accounting for working memory deficits found in alcoholics.