Catherine A. Salmon and Todd K. Shackelford (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195320510
- eISBN:
- 9780199786800
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195320510.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
Kinship ties — the close relationships found within the family — have been a central focus of evolutionary biological analyses of social behavior ever since biologist William Hamilton extended the ...
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Kinship ties — the close relationships found within the family — have been a central focus of evolutionary biological analyses of social behavior ever since biologist William Hamilton extended the concept of Darwinian fitness to include an individual's actions benefiting not only his own offspring, but also collateral kin. Evolutionary biologists consider organisms not only reproductive strategists, but also nepotistic strategists. If a person's genes are just as likely to be reproduced in her sister as in her daughter, then we should expect the evolution of sororal investment in the same way as one expects maternal investment. This concept has revolutionized biologists' understanding of social interaction and developmental psychologists' understanding of the family. However, kinship ties have largely been ignored in other areas of psychology, particularly social psychology. This book illustrates the ways in which an evolutionary perspective can inform our study and understanding of family relationships. It is argued that family psychology is relationship specific: the relationship between mother and daughter is different from that between father and daughter or that between brother and sister or sister and sister. In other words, humans have evolved specialized mechanisms for processing information and motivating behavior that deal with the distinct demands of being a mate, father, mother, sibling, child, or grandparent. Such an evolutionary perspective on family dynamics provides a unique insight into human behavior.Less
Kinship ties — the close relationships found within the family — have been a central focus of evolutionary biological analyses of social behavior ever since biologist William Hamilton extended the concept of Darwinian fitness to include an individual's actions benefiting not only his own offspring, but also collateral kin. Evolutionary biologists consider organisms not only reproductive strategists, but also nepotistic strategists. If a person's genes are just as likely to be reproduced in her sister as in her daughter, then we should expect the evolution of sororal investment in the same way as one expects maternal investment. This concept has revolutionized biologists' understanding of social interaction and developmental psychologists' understanding of the family. However, kinship ties have largely been ignored in other areas of psychology, particularly social psychology. This book illustrates the ways in which an evolutionary perspective can inform our study and understanding of family relationships. It is argued that family psychology is relationship specific: the relationship between mother and daughter is different from that between father and daughter or that between brother and sister or sister and sister. In other words, humans have evolved specialized mechanisms for processing information and motivating behavior that deal with the distinct demands of being a mate, father, mother, sibling, child, or grandparent. Such an evolutionary perspective on family dynamics provides a unique insight into human behavior.
William Lyons
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198752226
- eISBN:
- 9780191695087
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198752226.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Language
What is intentionality? Intentionality is a distinguishing characteristic of states of mind such as beliefs, thoughts, wishes, dreams, and desires, which are about things outside themselves. This ...
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What is intentionality? Intentionality is a distinguishing characteristic of states of mind such as beliefs, thoughts, wishes, dreams, and desires, which are about things outside themselves. This book explores various ways in which philosophers have tried to explain intentionality, and then suggests a new way. Part I of the book gives a critical account of the five most comprehensive and prominent current approaches to intentionality. These approaches can be summarized as the instrumentalist approach, derived from Carnap and Quine, and culminating in the work of Daniel Dennett; the linguistic approach, derived from the work of Chomsky and exhibited most fully in the work of Jerry Fodor; the biological approach, developed by Ruth Garrett Millikan, Colin McGinn, and others; the information-processing approach, which has been given a definitive form in the work of Fred Dretske; and the functional role approach of Brian Loar. Part II sets out a multi-level, developmental approach to intentionality. Drawing upon work in neurophysiology and psychology, the book argues that intentionality is to be found, in different forms, at the levels of brain functioning, prelinguistic consciousness, language, and at the holistic level of ‘whole person performance’ which is demarcated by our ordinary everyday talk about beliefs, desires, hopes, intentions, and the other ‘propositional attitudes’.Less
What is intentionality? Intentionality is a distinguishing characteristic of states of mind such as beliefs, thoughts, wishes, dreams, and desires, which are about things outside themselves. This book explores various ways in which philosophers have tried to explain intentionality, and then suggests a new way. Part I of the book gives a critical account of the five most comprehensive and prominent current approaches to intentionality. These approaches can be summarized as the instrumentalist approach, derived from Carnap and Quine, and culminating in the work of Daniel Dennett; the linguistic approach, derived from the work of Chomsky and exhibited most fully in the work of Jerry Fodor; the biological approach, developed by Ruth Garrett Millikan, Colin McGinn, and others; the information-processing approach, which has been given a definitive form in the work of Fred Dretske; and the functional role approach of Brian Loar. Part II sets out a multi-level, developmental approach to intentionality. Drawing upon work in neurophysiology and psychology, the book argues that intentionality is to be found, in different forms, at the levels of brain functioning, prelinguistic consciousness, language, and at the holistic level of ‘whole person performance’ which is demarcated by our ordinary everyday talk about beliefs, desires, hopes, intentions, and the other ‘propositional attitudes’.
Emile van der Zee and Jon Slack (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199260195
- eISBN:
- 9780191717345
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199260195.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Psycholinguistics / Neurolinguistics / Cognitive Linguistics
This book considers how it is possible for people to use directions like above the table or over the city. How does our brain or any other information processing system represent a direction as a ...
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This book considers how it is possible for people to use directions like above the table or over the city. How does our brain or any other information processing system represent a direction as a spatial entity? And how is it possible to link such a representation to language, so that we talk about a direction we have in mind? When we look at or imagine a scene, what entities can be employed for representing a direction, and what are the parts in language that can be used to talk about directions? This book brings together research from linguistics, psychology, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, and neuroscience to answer these intriguing questions. By considering direction representation across different languages and in different information processing systems, this book gives an overview of the main issues in this area.Less
This book considers how it is possible for people to use directions like above the table or over the city. How does our brain or any other information processing system represent a direction as a spatial entity? And how is it possible to link such a representation to language, so that we talk about a direction we have in mind? When we look at or imagine a scene, what entities can be employed for representing a direction, and what are the parts in language that can be used to talk about directions? This book brings together research from linguistics, psychology, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, and neuroscience to answer these intriguing questions. By considering direction representation across different languages and in different information processing systems, this book gives an overview of the main issues in this area.
Sydney Finkelstein, Donald C. Hambrick, and Albert A. Cannella
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195162073
- eISBN:
- 9780199867332
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195162073.003.0003
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter introduces and elaborates on the central idea that executives differ in what they personally bring to their decision-making situations and therefore differ in what they decide and how ...
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This chapter introduces and elaborates on the central idea that executives differ in what they personally bring to their decision-making situations and therefore differ in what they decide and how they behave. The chapter lays out a comprehensive model of how this process occurs, hinging on the executive's “orientation”—or the amalgam of experiences, values, personality, and mind-set that the executive possesses at any given point. This executive orientation limits and distorts the actual stimuli confronting the executive, such that his or her “construed reality” is a result of a three-stage filtering process: limited field of vision, selective perception, and interpretation. The chapter then addresses the psychological side of executive orientations, focusing on executive values, cognitive content and structure, and personality.Less
This chapter introduces and elaborates on the central idea that executives differ in what they personally bring to their decision-making situations and therefore differ in what they decide and how they behave. The chapter lays out a comprehensive model of how this process occurs, hinging on the executive's “orientation”—or the amalgam of experiences, values, personality, and mind-set that the executive possesses at any given point. This executive orientation limits and distorts the actual stimuli confronting the executive, such that his or her “construed reality” is a result of a three-stage filtering process: limited field of vision, selective perception, and interpretation. The chapter then addresses the psychological side of executive orientations, focusing on executive values, cognitive content and structure, and personality.
Dawn R. Gilpin and Priscilla J. Murphy
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195328721
- eISBN:
- 9780199869930
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195328721.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter lays the foundations for a historical-contextual decision making that aims beyond tactics and information toward understanding and sensemaking. It does so by looking closely at ...
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This chapter lays the foundations for a historical-contextual decision making that aims beyond tactics and information toward understanding and sensemaking. It does so by looking closely at managerial information processing: what constitutes knowledge; how knowledge is communicated around an organization; and how cultivated expertise can fill in for uncertain or incomplete knowledge.Less
This chapter lays the foundations for a historical-contextual decision making that aims beyond tactics and information toward understanding and sensemaking. It does so by looking closely at managerial information processing: what constitutes knowledge; how knowledge is communicated around an organization; and how cultivated expertise can fill in for uncertain or incomplete knowledge.
Serge Haroche and Jean-Michel Raimond
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198509141
- eISBN:
- 9780191708626
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198509141.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
The counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics have been illustrated for some time by thought experiments, from Einstein's photon box to Schrödinger's cat. These experiments have now become real, ...
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The counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics have been illustrated for some time by thought experiments, from Einstein's photon box to Schrödinger's cat. These experiments have now become real, with single particles — electrons, atoms or photons — directly unveiling the weird features of the quantum. State superpositions, entanglement and complementarity define a novel quantum logic that can be harnessed for information processing, raising great hopes for applications. This book describes a class of such thought experiments made real. Juggling with atoms and photons confined in cavities, ions or cold atoms in traps, provides an incentive to shed a new light on the basic concepts of quantum physics. Measurement processes and decoherence at the quantum-classical boundary are highlighted.Less
The counter-intuitive aspects of quantum physics have been illustrated for some time by thought experiments, from Einstein's photon box to Schrödinger's cat. These experiments have now become real, with single particles — electrons, atoms or photons — directly unveiling the weird features of the quantum. State superpositions, entanglement and complementarity define a novel quantum logic that can be harnessed for information processing, raising great hopes for applications. This book describes a class of such thought experiments made real. Juggling with atoms and photons confined in cavities, ions or cold atoms in traps, provides an incentive to shed a new light on the basic concepts of quantum physics. Measurement processes and decoherence at the quantum-classical boundary are highlighted.
Craig T. Borowiak
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199778256
- eISBN:
- 9780199919086
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199778256.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory, International Relations and Politics
This chapter critically examines the prospect that competitive markets might serve as an alternative to democratic accountability. It identifies ways that market globalization has undermined ...
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This chapter critically examines the prospect that competitive markets might serve as an alternative to democratic accountability. It identifies ways that market globalization has undermined conventional democratic accountability relations. It then outlines the basic parameters of the market accountability concept, paying particular attention to the notion of “exit” (typically opposed to “voice”). The chapter critiques arguments about the superior information-processing faculties of markets, as well as arguments about markets’ freedom-enhancing implications. Markets generate externalities and can have dislocating effects on the environment and society for which they are unable to account adequately. Due to its reliance upon unequal market power, market accountability can also reinforce relations of dominance and exploitation, while undermining democratic capabilities and political forms of agency. The chapter does, however, identify countervailing trends, including efforts to politicize market accountability through activist consumer movements. Despite their ambitions, these consumer-citizen initiatives still rely upon asymmetrical power structures of economic inequality they ultimately cannot substitute for political forms of democratic accountability.Less
This chapter critically examines the prospect that competitive markets might serve as an alternative to democratic accountability. It identifies ways that market globalization has undermined conventional democratic accountability relations. It then outlines the basic parameters of the market accountability concept, paying particular attention to the notion of “exit” (typically opposed to “voice”). The chapter critiques arguments about the superior information-processing faculties of markets, as well as arguments about markets’ freedom-enhancing implications. Markets generate externalities and can have dislocating effects on the environment and society for which they are unable to account adequately. Due to its reliance upon unequal market power, market accountability can also reinforce relations of dominance and exploitation, while undermining democratic capabilities and political forms of agency. The chapter does, however, identify countervailing trends, including efforts to politicize market accountability through activist consumer movements. Despite their ambitions, these consumer-citizen initiatives still rely upon asymmetrical power structures of economic inequality they ultimately cannot substitute for political forms of democratic accountability.
Martin Campbell-Kelly, Mary Croarken, Raymond Flood, and Eleanor Robson (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198508410
- eISBN:
- 9780191708831
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198508410.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, History of Mathematics
The oldest known mathematical table was found in the ancient Sumerian city of Shuruppag in southern Iraq. Since then, tables have been an important feature of mathematical activity; table making and ...
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The oldest known mathematical table was found in the ancient Sumerian city of Shuruppag in southern Iraq. Since then, tables have been an important feature of mathematical activity; table making and printed tabular matter are important precursors to modern computing and information processing. This book contains a series of chapters summarizing the technical, institutional, and intellectual history of mathematical tables from earliest times until the late 20th century. It covers mathematical tables (the most important computing aid for several hundred years until the 1960s), data tables (e.g., Census tables), professional tables (e.g., insurance tables), and spreadsheets — the most recent tabular innovation. This book captures the history of tables through eleven chapters. The contributors describe the various information processing techniques and artefacts whose unifying concept is ‘the mathematical table’.Less
The oldest known mathematical table was found in the ancient Sumerian city of Shuruppag in southern Iraq. Since then, tables have been an important feature of mathematical activity; table making and printed tabular matter are important precursors to modern computing and information processing. This book contains a series of chapters summarizing the technical, institutional, and intellectual history of mathematical tables from earliest times until the late 20th century. It covers mathematical tables (the most important computing aid for several hundred years until the 1960s), data tables (e.g., Census tables), professional tables (e.g., insurance tables), and spreadsheets — the most recent tabular innovation. This book captures the history of tables through eleven chapters. The contributors describe the various information processing techniques and artefacts whose unifying concept is ‘the mathematical table’.
Rebecca Bull
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195368673
- eISBN:
- 9780199894161
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195368673.003.0006
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter examines recent findings about the development of numerical cognition in hearing individuals to understand the observed lag in arithmetical and mathematical performance of deaf children ...
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This chapter examines recent findings about the development of numerical cognition in hearing individuals to understand the observed lag in arithmetical and mathematical performance of deaf children and adults. It discusses how the information processing strategies of deaf individuals may influence the learning, representation, and retrieval of numerical and mathematical knowledge. The focus is on basic numerical processes that underlie mathematics and that subsequently feed into our understanding of related topics in science and technology.Less
This chapter examines recent findings about the development of numerical cognition in hearing individuals to understand the observed lag in arithmetical and mathematical performance of deaf children and adults. It discusses how the information processing strategies of deaf individuals may influence the learning, representation, and retrieval of numerical and mathematical knowledge. The focus is on basic numerical processes that underlie mathematics and that subsequently feed into our understanding of related topics in science and technology.
Eric F. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195151947
- eISBN:
- 9780199870400
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195151947.003.0001
- Subject:
- Music, Psychology of Music
This introductory chapter sets out the basic framework for the book, imagining the ways in which a person might perceive and interpret the meaning of some sounds recorded onto an unlabelled CD. It ...
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This introductory chapter sets out the basic framework for the book, imagining the ways in which a person might perceive and interpret the meaning of some sounds recorded onto an unlabelled CD. It goes on to present the book's basic perspective on music and ecological theory; the relationship between listening and meaning; the relationship between psychology and musicology; the musical repertories and cultures considered; and the book's relationship to music history. The chapter concludes with a critical discussion of the information processing approach to music perception.Less
This introductory chapter sets out the basic framework for the book, imagining the ways in which a person might perceive and interpret the meaning of some sounds recorded onto an unlabelled CD. It goes on to present the book's basic perspective on music and ecological theory; the relationship between listening and meaning; the relationship between psychology and musicology; the musical repertories and cultures considered; and the book's relationship to music history. The chapter concludes with a critical discussion of the information processing approach to music perception.
Jie W Weiss and David J Weiss
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195322989
- eISBN:
- 9780199869206
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195322989.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter reviews ideas and work done or in progress which seem to indicate where basic research on human decision processes is going. These ideas have two closely related foci: dynamic decision ...
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This chapter reviews ideas and work done or in progress which seem to indicate where basic research on human decision processes is going. These ideas have two closely related foci: dynamic decision theory and Probabilistic Information Processing systems (PIP). The chapter begins by presenting the problem of dynamic decision theory and by proposing a taxonomy of human decision tasks to which such a theory should be applied. It then reviews current thought and experimentation in five areas that are crucial to the development of such a theory: information seeking, man as intuitive statistician, sequential prediction, Bayesian information processing, and dynamic programming. Finally, the idea of a probabilistic information-processing system is presented, both as a kind of system which is urgently needed in several military contexts and as a vehicle for research in dynamic decision theory.Less
This chapter reviews ideas and work done or in progress which seem to indicate where basic research on human decision processes is going. These ideas have two closely related foci: dynamic decision theory and Probabilistic Information Processing systems (PIP). The chapter begins by presenting the problem of dynamic decision theory and by proposing a taxonomy of human decision tasks to which such a theory should be applied. It then reviews current thought and experimentation in five areas that are crucial to the development of such a theory: information seeking, man as intuitive statistician, sequential prediction, Bayesian information processing, and dynamic programming. Finally, the idea of a probabilistic information-processing system is presented, both as a kind of system which is urgently needed in several military contexts and as a vehicle for research in dynamic decision theory.
Michael M. Delmonte
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198521945
- eISBN:
- 9780191688478
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521945.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter presents the views of the other hemisphere by describing and discussing the various theoretical approaches which have been taken by Western psychologists ...
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This chapter presents the views of the other hemisphere by describing and discussing the various theoretical approaches which have been taken by Western psychologists studying meditation. Attention is a central component in descriptions of the mechanics of meditation and emphasis is placed upon the potential value of studying meditation from an information-processing orientation. Interest in bilateral brain explanations of experience and abilities is reflected in the discussion of consciousness and meditation. The psychoanalytic orientations described in this chapter suggests that meditation induces regression in the service of the ego to preverbal levels of experience and facilitates primary process mentation. Behavioural orientations, in contrast, see meditation as a form of systematic desensitization, involving reciprocal inhibition and counter-conditioning.Less
This chapter presents the views of the other hemisphere by describing and discussing the various theoretical approaches which have been taken by Western psychologists studying meditation. Attention is a central component in descriptions of the mechanics of meditation and emphasis is placed upon the potential value of studying meditation from an information-processing orientation. Interest in bilateral brain explanations of experience and abilities is reflected in the discussion of consciousness and meditation. The psychoanalytic orientations described in this chapter suggests that meditation induces regression in the service of the ego to preverbal levels of experience and facilitates primary process mentation. Behavioural orientations, in contrast, see meditation as a form of systematic desensitization, involving reciprocal inhibition and counter-conditioning.
Ronald J. Pekala
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198521945
- eISBN:
- 9780191688478
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521945.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter presents the first overview of research on the phenomenology of meditation, critically analysing the studies conducted to date. Generally, they are found ...
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This chapter presents the first overview of research on the phenomenology of meditation, critically analysing the studies conducted to date. Generally, they are found wanting in their degree of methodological sophistication but the review provides details of the experiences meditators report during their meditation. The chapter argues that some evidence is suggestive of meditation being a unique altered state of consciousness but feels it is, as yet, far from definitive. A number of recommendations are offered for refining research in the area.Less
This chapter presents the first overview of research on the phenomenology of meditation, critically analysing the studies conducted to date. Generally, they are found wanting in their degree of methodological sophistication but the review provides details of the experiences meditators report during their meditation. The chapter argues that some evidence is suggestive of meditation being a unique altered state of consciousness but feels it is, as yet, far from definitive. A number of recommendations are offered for refining research in the area.
Manfred Fahle and Mark Greenlee (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198505822
- eISBN:
- 9780191686900
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198505822.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Neuropsychology
This book describes a range of new approaches to neuropsychological investigation and provides a broad overview of visual neuropsychology. It starts by presenting the results from new research ...
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This book describes a range of new approaches to neuropsychological investigation and provides a broad overview of visual neuropsychology. It starts by presenting the results from new research employing single-unit recordings on the neuronal basis of perception demonstrating that the visual system relies strongly on feedback from higher to lower levels of information processing, and that neuronal plasticity exists in the primary sensory cortices of adults, areas previously considered to be hard-wired. The book also describes other new and adapted techniques to measure brain activity, including multi-unit sum potential recording, functional magnetic resonance imaging and employing transcranial magnetic stimulation to induce temporary, circumscribed functional lesions in the cortices of normal subjects to mimic disorders. The coverage then moves on to review the experience of patients suffering from disturbances of visual perception. The disorders covered include agnosia, neglect, blindsight, and achromatopsia. The final chapter is devoted to recovery and rehabilitation from cerebral visual disorder.Less
This book describes a range of new approaches to neuropsychological investigation and provides a broad overview of visual neuropsychology. It starts by presenting the results from new research employing single-unit recordings on the neuronal basis of perception demonstrating that the visual system relies strongly on feedback from higher to lower levels of information processing, and that neuronal plasticity exists in the primary sensory cortices of adults, areas previously considered to be hard-wired. The book also describes other new and adapted techniques to measure brain activity, including multi-unit sum potential recording, functional magnetic resonance imaging and employing transcranial magnetic stimulation to induce temporary, circumscribed functional lesions in the cortices of normal subjects to mimic disorders. The coverage then moves on to review the experience of patients suffering from disturbances of visual perception. The disorders covered include agnosia, neglect, blindsight, and achromatopsia. The final chapter is devoted to recovery and rehabilitation from cerebral visual disorder.
Michael Spivey
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195170788
- eISBN:
- 9780199786831
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195170788.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter outlines the goals of the book: to bring together dynamical systems theory, cognitive and computational neuroscience, connectionism, and ecological psychology to provide an understanding ...
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This chapter outlines the goals of the book: to bring together dynamical systems theory, cognitive and computational neuroscience, connectionism, and ecological psychology to provide an understanding of the mind that is not based on discrete symbols and logical rules. It introduces the concept of a state space embodying all the possible patterns of activation that could, in principle, be exhibited by a group of neurons. Thus, transitioning from one thought (i.e., pattern of neural activation) to another necessarily involves a rather continuous trajectory through that space. This chapter also provides some initial visual depictions and experiential demonstration of this continuous flow in mental activity.Less
This chapter outlines the goals of the book: to bring together dynamical systems theory, cognitive and computational neuroscience, connectionism, and ecological psychology to provide an understanding of the mind that is not based on discrete symbols and logical rules. It introduces the concept of a state space embodying all the possible patterns of activation that could, in principle, be exhibited by a group of neurons. Thus, transitioning from one thought (i.e., pattern of neural activation) to another necessarily involves a rather continuous trajectory through that space. This chapter also provides some initial visual depictions and experiential demonstration of this continuous flow in mental activity.
Nelson Cowan
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195119107
- eISBN:
- 9780199870097
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195119107.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
For decades, the fundamental processes underlying memory and attention have been understood within an “information processing” framework in which information passes from one processing stage to ...
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For decades, the fundamental processes underlying memory and attention have been understood within an “information processing” framework in which information passes from one processing stage to another, leading eventually to a response. More recently, however, the attempt to build a general theoretical framework for information processing has been largely supplanted in favor of two more recent approaches: mathematical models of processing and direct investigations of brain function. This book reconciles theoretical conflicts in the literature to present an important, analytical update of the traditional information-processing approach by modifying it to incorporate the last few decades of research on memory, attention, and brain functioning. Throughout, the book cogently considers and ultimately refutes recent challenges to the fundamental assumption of the existence of special short-term memory and selective attention faculties. It also draws a key distinction between memory processes operating inside and outside of the focus of attention. The book hopes to foster an understanding of how memory and attention operate together, and how both functions are produced by brain processes.Less
For decades, the fundamental processes underlying memory and attention have been understood within an “information processing” framework in which information passes from one processing stage to another, leading eventually to a response. More recently, however, the attempt to build a general theoretical framework for information processing has been largely supplanted in favor of two more recent approaches: mathematical models of processing and direct investigations of brain function. This book reconciles theoretical conflicts in the literature to present an important, analytical update of the traditional information-processing approach by modifying it to incorporate the last few decades of research on memory, attention, and brain functioning. Throughout, the book cogently considers and ultimately refutes recent challenges to the fundamental assumption of the existence of special short-term memory and selective attention faculties. It also draws a key distinction between memory processes operating inside and outside of the focus of attention. The book hopes to foster an understanding of how memory and attention operate together, and how both functions are produced by brain processes.
Allan Paivio
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195066661
- eISBN:
- 9780199894086
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195066661.003.0012
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter reviews neuropsychological evidence concerning representational processes and dual coding theory. The evidence is provided by studies of functional differences between the two cerebral ...
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This chapter reviews neuropsychological evidence concerning representational processes and dual coding theory. The evidence is provided by studies of functional differences between the two cerebral hemispheres and different regions within each hemisphere as inferred from performance on tasks that implicate verbal and nonverbal processes in different degrees. The theoretical emphasis is on observations that bear on the verbal-nonverbal symbolic distinction, the more specific sensorimotor systems of which the symbolic systems are comprised, and the different levels of processing within and between systems. Evidence relevant to specific functional distinctions, such as sequential as compared to synchronous or parallel processing, is also considered.Less
This chapter reviews neuropsychological evidence concerning representational processes and dual coding theory. The evidence is provided by studies of functional differences between the two cerebral hemispheres and different regions within each hemisphere as inferred from performance on tasks that implicate verbal and nonverbal processes in different degrees. The theoretical emphasis is on observations that bear on the verbal-nonverbal symbolic distinction, the more specific sensorimotor systems of which the symbolic systems are comprised, and the different levels of processing within and between systems. Evidence relevant to specific functional distinctions, such as sequential as compared to synchronous or parallel processing, is also considered.
Michael G. H. Coles, Henderikus G. O. M. Smid, Marten K. Scheffers, and Leun J. Otten
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198524168
- eISBN:
- 9780191706639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198524168.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter examines the use of event-related potentials (ERPs) in the study of human information processing. Topics discussed include mental chronometry, chronopsychophysiology, the locus of ...
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This chapter examines the use of event-related potentials (ERPs) in the study of human information processing. Topics discussed include mental chronometry, chronopsychophysiology, the locus of experimental effects, and the structure and function of the information processing system.Less
This chapter examines the use of event-related potentials (ERPs) in the study of human information processing. Topics discussed include mental chronometry, chronopsychophysiology, the locus of experimental effects, and the structure and function of the information processing system.
Thomas Ahrens and Christopher S. Chapman
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199283361
- eISBN:
- 9780191712623
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199283361.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter discusses various aspects of the relationship between measurement and day-to-day activity. It emphasizes the potential contribution of academic knowledge to performance management ...
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This chapter discusses various aspects of the relationship between measurement and day-to-day activity. It emphasizes the potential contribution of academic knowledge to performance management activities. It first reviews situations and ways in which performance management has a track record of working well, then moves on to note that unfortunately, such activity on its own was unlikely to contribute to sustainable competitive advantage. Finally, using a practice theory perspective, it turns the problem of ‘you get what you measure’ on its head. This perspective offers an appreciation of the role of measurement in the construction of orderly behaviour that can help re-establish a positive link between performance measurement and skilful practical activity.Less
This chapter discusses various aspects of the relationship between measurement and day-to-day activity. It emphasizes the potential contribution of academic knowledge to performance management activities. It first reviews situations and ways in which performance management has a track record of working well, then moves on to note that unfortunately, such activity on its own was unlikely to contribute to sustainable competitive advantage. Finally, using a practice theory perspective, it turns the problem of ‘you get what you measure’ on its head. This perspective offers an appreciation of the role of measurement in the construction of orderly behaviour that can help re-establish a positive link between performance measurement and skilful practical activity.
Nelson Cowan
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195119107
- eISBN:
- 9780199870097
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195119107.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This historical chapter examines the fundamental relation between memory and attention. Information that is temporarily in or near conscious awareness is in the focus of attention, so attention and ...
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This historical chapter examines the fundamental relation between memory and attention. Information that is temporarily in or near conscious awareness is in the focus of attention, so attention and memory can be viewed as two sides of the same coin. The emerging information processing field led to the model proposed in a 1988 Psychological Bulletin article by the author, upon which the book is based. The model distinguishes between two sources of short-term memory: the currently, temporarily activated elements from long-term memory and the subset of activated elements that are in the focus of attention. Presumably, although relatively unprocessed elements of long-term memory can be automatically activated, new associations between items, and between each item and its context, may be set up only in the focus of attention. Attention is controlled partly by volition (central executive processes) and partly by changes in stimulation that recruit attention.Less
This historical chapter examines the fundamental relation between memory and attention. Information that is temporarily in or near conscious awareness is in the focus of attention, so attention and memory can be viewed as two sides of the same coin. The emerging information processing field led to the model proposed in a 1988 Psychological Bulletin article by the author, upon which the book is based. The model distinguishes between two sources of short-term memory: the currently, temporarily activated elements from long-term memory and the subset of activated elements that are in the focus of attention. Presumably, although relatively unprocessed elements of long-term memory can be automatically activated, new associations between items, and between each item and its context, may be set up only in the focus of attention. Attention is controlled partly by volition (central executive processes) and partly by changes in stimulation that recruit attention.
