Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
For a given electoral system, what average number and size distribution of parties can we expect? This book makes specific predictions that agree with world averages. The basic factors are assembly ...
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For a given electoral system, what average number and size distribution of parties can we expect? This book makes specific predictions that agree with world averages. The basic factors are assembly size and district magnitude (the number of seats allocated in the district). While previous models tell us only the direction in which to change the electoral system, the present ones also tell us by how much they must be changed so as to obtain the desired change in party system and cabinet duration. These are quantitatively predictive logical models. Combined with known particularities of a country, these models can be used for informed institutional design. Allocation of seats among countries in the European Parliament is also put on a logical basis.Less
For a given electoral system, what average number and size distribution of parties can we expect? This book makes specific predictions that agree with world averages. The basic factors are assembly size and district magnitude (the number of seats allocated in the district). While previous models tell us only the direction in which to change the electoral system, the present ones also tell us by how much they must be changed so as to obtain the desired change in party system and cabinet duration. These are quantitatively predictive logical models. Combined with known particularities of a country, these models can be used for informed institutional design. Allocation of seats among countries in the European Parliament is also put on a logical basis.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Again the quantity to watch is the ‘seat product’. The inverse square law of cabinet durations says that the mean cabinet duration in a country is approximately forty-two years divided by the square ...
More
Again the quantity to watch is the ‘seat product’. The inverse square law of cabinet durations says that the mean cabinet duration in a country is approximately forty-two years divided by the square of the effective number of parties. In institutional terms, mean cabinet duration is approximately the inverse of the cube root of the seat product. This quantitatively predictive logical model agrees with the world averages. The results are approximate, because other factors enter.Less
Again the quantity to watch is the ‘seat product’. The inverse square law of cabinet durations says that the mean cabinet duration in a country is approximately forty-two years divided by the square of the effective number of parties. In institutional terms, mean cabinet duration is approximately the inverse of the cube root of the seat product. This quantitatively predictive logical model agrees with the world averages. The results are approximate, because other factors enter.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0011
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Resistance to simplifying a complex electoral system is at its least when the existing number and size of parties are not altered. The existing effective number of parties is most likely to be ...
More
Resistance to simplifying a complex electoral system is at its least when the existing number and size of parties are not altered. The existing effective number of parties is most likely to be maintained, when the district magnitude used in the new simple electoral system is taken as the sixth power of the effective number of parties, divided by assembly size. The task remains risky, especially when one party is very large and the others very small.Less
Resistance to simplifying a complex electoral system is at its least when the existing number and size of parties are not altered. The existing effective number of parties is most likely to be maintained, when the district magnitude used in the new simple electoral system is taken as the sixth power of the effective number of parties, divided by assembly size. The task remains risky, especially when one party is very large and the others very small.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0014
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Using nothing but the product of assembly size and district magnitude, a quantitatively predictive logical model allows us to estimate the average effective number of parties based on votes. Average ...
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Using nothing but the product of assembly size and district magnitude, a quantitatively predictive logical model allows us to estimate the average effective number of parties based on votes. Average deviation from proportional representation can also be estimated from this seat product, within plus or minus four percentage points. When estimating the likely effect of changes in electoral laws on the party system and deviation from PR, the past tendencies in the given country also must be taken into account.Less
Using nothing but the product of assembly size and district magnitude, a quantitatively predictive logical model allows us to estimate the average effective number of parties based on votes. Average deviation from proportional representation can also be estimated from this seat product, within plus or minus four percentage points. When estimating the likely effect of changes in electoral laws on the party system and deviation from PR, the past tendencies in the given country also must be taken into account.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0015
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
The nationwide threshold of minimal representation is the average vote share needed to win one seat in the assembly. It is close to 38% divided by the square root of the seat product (assembly size ...
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The nationwide threshold of minimal representation is the average vote share needed to win one seat in the assembly. It is close to 38% divided by the square root of the seat product (assembly size times district magnitude). If greater inclusion of political minorities is desired, this threshold can be lowered by increasing district magnitude and/or assembly size. The number of serious or pertinent parties might be close to square root plus fourth root of district magnitude, plus one.Less
The nationwide threshold of minimal representation is the average vote share needed to win one seat in the assembly. It is close to 38% divided by the square root of the seat product (assembly size times district magnitude). If greater inclusion of political minorities is desired, this threshold can be lowered by increasing district magnitude and/or assembly size. The number of serious or pertinent parties might be close to square root plus fourth root of district magnitude, plus one.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
To allocate seats to candidates or parties, even a simple electoral system must specify at least the following: the total number of seats in the assembly (assembly size); the number of seats ...
More
To allocate seats to candidates or parties, even a simple electoral system must specify at least the following: the total number of seats in the assembly (assembly size); the number of seats allocated in each electoral district (district magnitude); how these seats are allocated (seat allocation formula); and how a voter can express her/his preferences (ballot structure). The simplest seat allocation formulas are d'Hondt and Sainte-Laguë divisors, and Hare quota plus largest remainders. For single-seat districts, these proportional representation formulas are reduced to First-Past-The-Post, where the candidate with the most votes wins. Complex electoral systems may offer advantages, but the ability to predict the number of parties and the average proportionality of seats to votes is lost.Less
To allocate seats to candidates or parties, even a simple electoral system must specify at least the following: the total number of seats in the assembly (assembly size); the number of seats allocated in each electoral district (district magnitude); how these seats are allocated (seat allocation formula); and how a voter can express her/his preferences (ballot structure). The simplest seat allocation formulas are d'Hondt and Sainte-Laguë divisors, and Hare quota plus largest remainders. For single-seat districts, these proportional representation formulas are reduced to First-Past-The-Post, where the candidate with the most votes wins. Complex electoral systems may offer advantages, but the ability to predict the number of parties and the average proportionality of seats to votes is lost.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
The micro-mega rule says that for representation of small parties, it helps to have large assembly sizes, large district magnitudes, and large quotas or large gaps between divisors in seat allocation ...
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The micro-mega rule says that for representation of small parties, it helps to have large assembly sizes, large district magnitudes, and large quotas or large gaps between divisors in seat allocation formulas. Conversely, large parties would prefer small assemblies, magnitudes and quotas — but only if they are absolutely certain to stay large. Worldwide tendency has been to play it safe and move toward more inclusive representation. The number of parties increases with increasing ‘seat product’ — the number of seats in the assembly times the number of seats in the average district — unless the seats are allocated by plurality in multi-seat districts.Less
The micro-mega rule says that for representation of small parties, it helps to have large assembly sizes, large district magnitudes, and large quotas or large gaps between divisors in seat allocation formulas. Conversely, large parties would prefer small assemblies, magnitudes and quotas — but only if they are absolutely certain to stay large. Worldwide tendency has been to play it safe and move toward more inclusive representation. The number of parties increases with increasing ‘seat product’ — the number of seats in the assembly times the number of seats in the average district — unless the seats are allocated by plurality in multi-seat districts.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Starting with the characteristics of the electoral systems, the ‘Duvergerian agenda’ aims at predicting the average seat and vote share distributions of parties, the effective number of parties, and ...
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Starting with the characteristics of the electoral systems, the ‘Duvergerian agenda’ aims at predicting the average seat and vote share distributions of parties, the effective number of parties, and deviation from proportional representation. In the case of simple electoral systems, prediction of seat shares of parties and cabinet duration has become possible. Simple electoral systems are those that use a usual proportional representation formula or First-Past-The-Post, so that assembly size and district magnitude tell most of the story.Less
Starting with the characteristics of the electoral systems, the ‘Duvergerian agenda’ aims at predicting the average seat and vote share distributions of parties, the effective number of parties, and deviation from proportional representation. In the case of simple electoral systems, prediction of seat shares of parties and cabinet duration has become possible. Simple electoral systems are those that use a usual proportional representation formula or First-Past-The-Post, so that assembly size and district magnitude tell most of the story.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
The quantity to watch is the ‘seat product’ — the product of the assembly size and district magnitude. The number of parties represented in the assembly is approximately the fourth root of the seat ...
More
The quantity to watch is the ‘seat product’ — the product of the assembly size and district magnitude. The number of parties represented in the assembly is approximately the fourth root of the seat product. The fractional seat share of the largest party is approximately the inverse of the eighth root of the seat product. This quantitatively predictive logical model agrees with the world averages. The results are approximate, because other factors are present.Less
The quantity to watch is the ‘seat product’ — the product of the assembly size and district magnitude. The number of parties represented in the assembly is approximately the fourth root of the seat product. The fractional seat share of the largest party is approximately the inverse of the eighth root of the seat product. This quantitatively predictive logical model agrees with the world averages. The results are approximate, because other factors are present.
Rein Taagepera
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199287741
- eISBN:
- 9780191713408
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199287741.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
As with Chapter 8, the ‘seat product’ is the important quantity to watch. The effective number of parties represented in the assembly is approximately the sixth root of the seat product. The average ...
More
As with Chapter 8, the ‘seat product’ is the important quantity to watch. The effective number of parties represented in the assembly is approximately the sixth root of the seat product. The average seat shares of second-largest and third-largest parties also can be calculated from the seat product. This quantitatively predictive logical model agrees with the world averages. The results are approximate, because other factors enter.Less
As with Chapter 8, the ‘seat product’ is the important quantity to watch. The effective number of parties represented in the assembly is approximately the sixth root of the seat product. The average seat shares of second-largest and third-largest parties also can be calculated from the seat product. This quantitatively predictive logical model agrees with the world averages. The results are approximate, because other factors enter.
Michael J. White
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198239529
- eISBN:
- 9780191679940
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198239529.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Part I of this study closely examines both Aristotle's analysis of the physical properties of spatial magnitude, time, and locomotion, and the metaphysical view underlying this analysis. At the heart ...
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Part I of this study closely examines both Aristotle's analysis of the physical properties of spatial magnitude, time, and locomotion, and the metaphysical view underlying this analysis. At the heart of Aristotle's metaphysical view is a conception of ‘happening’ — ‘motion’ or process — as a fundamental ontological category. This part of the book looks first to Aristotle's formal structural analysis of physical continua such as spatial magnitude and local motion, and then to the metaphysical underpinnings of his analysis of these continua.Less
Part I of this study closely examines both Aristotle's analysis of the physical properties of spatial magnitude, time, and locomotion, and the metaphysical view underlying this analysis. At the heart of Aristotle's metaphysical view is a conception of ‘happening’ — ‘motion’ or process — as a fundamental ontological category. This part of the book looks first to Aristotle's formal structural analysis of physical continua such as spatial magnitude and local motion, and then to the metaphysical underpinnings of his analysis of these continua.
Michael Gallagher and Paul Mitchell
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199257560
- eISBN:
- 9780191603280
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199257566.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter establishes the importance of the electoral system as the central political institution in representative democracy. It discusses the dimensions of electoral systems, such as district ...
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This chapter establishes the importance of the electoral system as the central political institution in representative democracy. It discusses the dimensions of electoral systems, such as district magnitude, ballot structure, the extent of voter choice for individual candidates, levels of seat allocation, thresholds, and malapportionment. It identifies the most important questions to ask about the origins and effects of electoral systems.Less
This chapter establishes the importance of the electoral system as the central political institution in representative democracy. It discusses the dimensions of electoral systems, such as district magnitude, ballot structure, the extent of voter choice for individual candidates, levels of seat allocation, thresholds, and malapportionment. It identifies the most important questions to ask about the origins and effects of electoral systems.
Peter M. Siavelis
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- February 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199257560
- eISBN:
- 9780191603280
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199257566.003.0021
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Chile’s binomial open-list PR system was selected by the Pinochet regime as the most likely to optimise the parliamentary strength of the authoritarian right given its level of electoral support. The ...
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Chile’s binomial open-list PR system was selected by the Pinochet regime as the most likely to optimise the parliamentary strength of the authoritarian right given its level of electoral support. The system was intended to lead to the fundamental reshaping of the party system, but instead, two broad alliances have arisen, incorporating many elements of the pre-Pinochet party system. The small district magnitude puts a premium on the need for parties to form alliances, and leads to extensive intra-alliance negotiations regarding candidate selection. The electoral system is unpopular with parties of the centre and left, but institutional barriers to electoral reform are high.Less
Chile’s binomial open-list PR system was selected by the Pinochet regime as the most likely to optimise the parliamentary strength of the authoritarian right given its level of electoral support. The system was intended to lead to the fundamental reshaping of the party system, but instead, two broad alliances have arisen, incorporating many elements of the pre-Pinochet party system. The small district magnitude puts a premium on the need for parties to form alliances, and leads to extensive intra-alliance negotiations regarding candidate selection. The electoral system is unpopular with parties of the centre and left, but institutional barriers to electoral reform are high.
Donald Laming
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198523420
- eISBN:
- 9780191712425
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523420.003.0005
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter introduces Stevens' direct methods of magnitude estimation, magnitude production, and cross-modality matching. It summarizes Stevens' estimates of exponent values for twenty-four ...
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This chapter introduces Stevens' direct methods of magnitude estimation, magnitude production, and cross-modality matching. It summarizes Stevens' estimates of exponent values for twenty-four different stimulus continua; the extension of Stevens' ideas to non-metric continua and to inverse attributes; and compatibility studies showing that the different direct methods applied to the same continua yield mutually compatible estimates of the exponents. The chapter ends with three interpretations of these findings that are explored in subsequent chapters: (i) as a purely operational characterization; (ii) as a definitive measure of sensation; and (iii) a belief that the power law transform is realized in elementary neural function.Less
This chapter introduces Stevens' direct methods of magnitude estimation, magnitude production, and cross-modality matching. It summarizes Stevens' estimates of exponent values for twenty-four different stimulus continua; the extension of Stevens' ideas to non-metric continua and to inverse attributes; and compatibility studies showing that the different direct methods applied to the same continua yield mutually compatible estimates of the exponents. The chapter ends with three interpretations of these findings that are explored in subsequent chapters: (i) as a purely operational characterization; (ii) as a definitive measure of sensation; and (iii) a belief that the power law transform is realized in elementary neural function.
Donald Laming
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198523420
- eISBN:
- 9780191712425
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523420.003.0011
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter explains why Stevens' Power Law is a power law, rather than some other kind of relation. If the stimulus values are chosen in a geometric series and participants are induced to judge ...
More
This chapter explains why Stevens' Power Law is a power law, rather than some other kind of relation. If the stimulus values are chosen in a geometric series and participants are induced to judge ratios — that is, to distribute their responses on a logarithmic scale — the great variability of magnitude estimates means that linear regression of log numerical estimate on log stimulus magnitude is the only meaningful relationship to emerge from the experiment. The power law exponent is chiefly determined by the range of the physical variable in relation to the approximately uniform range of numbers used by Stevens' participants. The uniformity of that range is enhanced by instructions. The value of the exponent is, however, modified by prior expectations, which generate a small but systematic difference between the exponents estimated from magnitude estimation and production.Less
This chapter explains why Stevens' Power Law is a power law, rather than some other kind of relation. If the stimulus values are chosen in a geometric series and participants are induced to judge ratios — that is, to distribute their responses on a logarithmic scale — the great variability of magnitude estimates means that linear regression of log numerical estimate on log stimulus magnitude is the only meaningful relationship to emerge from the experiment. The power law exponent is chiefly determined by the range of the physical variable in relation to the approximately uniform range of numbers used by Stevens' participants. The uniformity of that range is enhanced by instructions. The value of the exponent is, however, modified by prior expectations, which generate a small but systematic difference between the exponents estimated from magnitude estimation and production.
Leslie A. Schwindt-Bayer
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199731954
- eISBN:
- 9780199866571
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199731954.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Why do more women get elected to Latin American legislatures today than 30 years ago and why are more women elected in some countries than others? This chapter examines how formal representation ...
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Why do more women get elected to Latin American legislatures today than 30 years ago and why are more women elected in some countries than others? This chapter examines how formal representation affects descriptive representation of women focusing on the proportionality of electoral rules and electoral gender quotas. It presents a statistical analysis with data on 18 Latin American democracies from 1974 (or the year of democratic transition) through 2007. It shows that large district magnitudes, large party magnitudes, and gender quotas are the most important explanations for the varying percentage of women in office. Further, it shows that the design of gender quota laws matters—quotas that require larger percentages of positions on party ballots to be female, that mandate that women be placed in winnable positions on party lists, and that provide mechanisms for enforcing quotas get more women into office than weaker quota laws.Less
Why do more women get elected to Latin American legislatures today than 30 years ago and why are more women elected in some countries than others? This chapter examines how formal representation affects descriptive representation of women focusing on the proportionality of electoral rules and electoral gender quotas. It presents a statistical analysis with data on 18 Latin American democracies from 1974 (or the year of democratic transition) through 2007. It shows that large district magnitudes, large party magnitudes, and gender quotas are the most important explanations for the varying percentage of women in office. Further, it shows that the design of gender quota laws matters—quotas that require larger percentages of positions on party ballots to be female, that mandate that women be placed in winnable positions on party lists, and that provide mechanisms for enforcing quotas get more women into office than weaker quota laws.
Donald Laming
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198523420
- eISBN:
- 9780191712425
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523420.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
‘Sensation’ is the subjective experience of a physical stimulus. This book traces the sources of two ideas how to measure sensation — Fechner's Law and Stevens' Power Law — and examines the evidence ...
More
‘Sensation’ is the subjective experience of a physical stimulus. This book traces the sources of two ideas how to measure sensation — Fechner's Law and Stevens' Power Law — and examines the evidence and arguments in their support. Fechner's law is based on discriminations between separate stimulus magnitudes (Weber's Law), together with the additional premise that just noticeable differences are subjectively equal. But such discriminations can be modelled, with equal precision, using Gaussian noise of power density proportional to the stimulus magnitude. Moreover, Gaussian noise accommodates a wider range of phenomena and relates to the electrophysiology of sensory neurons. Stevens' Power Law describes the assignment of numbers to individual stimulus magnitudes. But there are empirical difficulties if one looks for a realization of the power law in elementary neural function, or uses it as a definitive measure of sensation, or merely as an operational characterization of how people use numbers. Each individual stimulus magnitude is judged relative to the stimulus presented on the preceding trial and the number assigned to it. The book finishes with a theory of sensory judgment, applicable to category judgment and absolute identification as well as magnitude estimation. The comparison of each stimulus in an experiment with its predecessor is little better than ordinal — ‘greater than’, ‘about the same as’, ‘less than’. This leads to great variability in estimates of stimulus magnitude. If the stimulus values lie in a geometric series and if participants judge ratios, the only meaningful relationship between stimulus and response is the linear regression of log numerical assignment on log stimulus magnitude, which equates to Stevens' Power Law. However, the ordinal nature of the comparison between one stimulus magnitude and another means that there is no metric for the measurement of sensation.Less
‘Sensation’ is the subjective experience of a physical stimulus. This book traces the sources of two ideas how to measure sensation — Fechner's Law and Stevens' Power Law — and examines the evidence and arguments in their support. Fechner's law is based on discriminations between separate stimulus magnitudes (Weber's Law), together with the additional premise that just noticeable differences are subjectively equal. But such discriminations can be modelled, with equal precision, using Gaussian noise of power density proportional to the stimulus magnitude. Moreover, Gaussian noise accommodates a wider range of phenomena and relates to the electrophysiology of sensory neurons. Stevens' Power Law describes the assignment of numbers to individual stimulus magnitudes. But there are empirical difficulties if one looks for a realization of the power law in elementary neural function, or uses it as a definitive measure of sensation, or merely as an operational characterization of how people use numbers. Each individual stimulus magnitude is judged relative to the stimulus presented on the preceding trial and the number assigned to it. The book finishes with a theory of sensory judgment, applicable to category judgment and absolute identification as well as magnitude estimation. The comparison of each stimulus in an experiment with its predecessor is little better than ordinal — ‘greater than’, ‘about the same as’, ‘less than’. This leads to great variability in estimates of stimulus magnitude. If the stimulus values lie in a geometric series and if participants judge ratios, the only meaningful relationship between stimulus and response is the linear regression of log numerical assignment on log stimulus magnitude, which equates to Stevens' Power Law. However, the ordinal nature of the comparison between one stimulus magnitude and another means that there is no metric for the measurement of sensation.
Donald Laming
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198523420
- eISBN:
- 9780191712425
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198523420.003.0009
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
Magnitude estimation experiments show only that equal ratios of physical magnitudes are subjectively equivalent — so it may be that participants are actually judging the ratio between pairs of ...
More
Magnitude estimation experiments show only that equal ratios of physical magnitudes are subjectively equivalent — so it may be that participants are actually judging the ratio between pairs of stimuli, equating, for example, ratios between some physical correlate. Autoregressive analysis of magnitude estimates shows that successive judgments are highly correlated — that is, participants judge each stimulus magnitude in relation to its predecessor, supporting the idea of judging a relation between pairs of stimuli. However, instructions to judge the difference between pairs of stimuli vis-a-vis the ratio do not give the same result, so that magnitude estimation can not be reduced to the judgment of a single relationship between pairs of successive stimuli.Less
Magnitude estimation experiments show only that equal ratios of physical magnitudes are subjectively equivalent — so it may be that participants are actually judging the ratio between pairs of stimuli, equating, for example, ratios between some physical correlate. Autoregressive analysis of magnitude estimates shows that successive judgments are highly correlated — that is, participants judge each stimulus magnitude in relation to its predecessor, supporting the idea of judging a relation between pairs of stimuli. However, instructions to judge the difference between pairs of stimuli vis-a-vis the ratio do not give the same result, so that magnitude estimation can not be reduced to the judgment of a single relationship between pairs of successive stimuli.
Howard Eichenbaum and Neal J. Cohen
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195178043
- eISBN:
- 9780199871223
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195178043.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter begins by summarizing the evidence regarding functional specialization of areas of the cerebral cortex for specific perceptual, motor, and cognitive functions. It reviews evidence that ...
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This chapter begins by summarizing the evidence regarding functional specialization of areas of the cerebral cortex for specific perceptual, motor, and cognitive functions. It reviews evidence that the cerebral cortex is highly plastic, that is, the nature and organization of representations in the cortex can dramatically change following damage during development. In addition, the role of experience in shaping the responses of neurons in various cortical areas is reviewed, showing both short term plasticity and lasting changes in the firing patterns of cortical neurons in animals performing memory tasks. These findings reveal striking commonalities in the forms of plasticity observed across cortical areas and among different types of experiential modifications. Cortical neurons alter the magnitude or bias of response towards particular stimuli, and they can sustain or reactivate responses to remembered stimuli.Less
This chapter begins by summarizing the evidence regarding functional specialization of areas of the cerebral cortex for specific perceptual, motor, and cognitive functions. It reviews evidence that the cerebral cortex is highly plastic, that is, the nature and organization of representations in the cortex can dramatically change following damage during development. In addition, the role of experience in shaping the responses of neurons in various cortical areas is reviewed, showing both short term plasticity and lasting changes in the firing patterns of cortical neurons in animals performing memory tasks. These findings reveal striking commonalities in the forms of plasticity observed across cortical areas and among different types of experiential modifications. Cortical neurons alter the magnitude or bias of response towards particular stimuli, and they can sustain or reactivate responses to remembered stimuli.
Susan Carey
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195367638
- eISBN:
- 9780199867349
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195367638.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter lays out the evidence for two distinct systems of core cognition with numerical content—analog magnitude representations of number and parallel individuation of small sets— contrasting ...
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This chapter lays out the evidence for two distinct systems of core cognition with numerical content—analog magnitude representations of number and parallel individuation of small sets— contrasting the two. The analog magnitude number system and the system of parallel individuation each take sets of individuals as input and create representations that support quantitative computations. However, their qualitatively different processing signatures provide evidence for radically different formats of representation, with mental symbols with very different content.Less
This chapter lays out the evidence for two distinct systems of core cognition with numerical content—analog magnitude representations of number and parallel individuation of small sets— contrasting the two. The analog magnitude number system and the system of parallel individuation each take sets of individuals as input and create representations that support quantitative computations. However, their qualitatively different processing signatures provide evidence for radically different formats of representation, with mental symbols with very different content.
