Decolonizing Psychology as a Scientific and Ethical Necessity

The starting point of this paper is the colonial heritage of mainstream psychology, and particularly of developmental psychology. The dominant paradigm is still the assumption of universality of theories and findings that originate in research from and with a tiny part of the world’s population. Associated is the neglect, even ignorance, concerning existing anthropological, cultural, and psychological ethnographic research from different communities across the globe, which demonstrate that the so-called WEIRD science (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) is different in many respects from the multitude of existing cultural patterns, representing an outlier in a statistical sense. The paper presents a reflection of what inclusivity means and how it can be realized. It is obvious that a good intention is not necessary a good deed. Inclusivity necessitates a complete change of perspective. The second part of the paper deals with the necessary decolonization of early childhood development interventions. It is demonstrated how WEIRD assumptions are exported in large parts of LMIC without proving their validity and applicability. These practices not only ignore scientific evidence but are also unethical because of epistemic violence. It is concluded that basic science and applications are highly interconnected. Decolonization should start with including majority world research in the general database. It is important to realize that extending the spectrum of samples is not helpful as long as methods are applied that are developed in the WEIRD world

Evaluating Parasite Prevalence, Effects, and Parasite-mediated Competition in Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys spp.)

Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are rapidly expanding their range north due to warming temperatures. Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) distribution has retracted northwards in response to southern flying squirrels’ ability to outcompete northern flying squirrels. This competition plays out through many mechanisms, including parasite mediated competition. Both flying squirrel species can be infected by the intestinal parasite Strongyloides robustus. Previous research has suggested that interactions between the northern and southern flying squirrels are influenced at least in part through S. robustus and parasite mediated competition, yet questions remain on transmission pathways. In this study, we sought to 1) compare the prevalence of S. robustus between northern flying squirrel populations with and without southern flying squirrels present; 2) identify and record any intestinal parasite present in all squirrel species sampled; and 3) test for negative health effects on infected hosts for each parasite found using body condition as a proxy for general health. Northern and southern flying squirrels, along with red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), and chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were trapped throughout Minnesota based on the sympatry or allopatry of flying squirrels. Squirrels were tested for S. robustus and any other identifiable parasite eggs via a modified McMaster fecal float technique and body condition was derived through the scaled mass index. We report S. robustus from an allopatric northern flying squirrel where no southern flying squirrels were present, but overall prevalence of S. robustus was very low throughout our study area. We identified five additional parasites to the finest taxonomic scale possible, Eimeria spp., Eimeria ontarioensis, Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp., and an unidentified parasite. The prevalence of parasite species was variable for different squirrel species and parasites had no significant effect on body condition for any parasite host 5 combination, although some approached significance and warrant further study. We conclude that S. robustus and parasite-mediated competition do not play a significant role in this system at this time. This study provides important baseline data on parasite prevalence in Minnesota tree squirrels in the context of a rapidly changing environment due to climate change

Toxic Jazz Narratives - Dispelling the Illusory Relationship Between Suffering and Creativity

The trope of the suffering artist is a persistent theme in discussions about jazz, often overshadowing the music itself. The focus on the negative aspects of an artist\u27s biography can inadvertently shape students\u27 perceptions, leading them to associate artistic greatness with personal turmoil rather than with the technical and expressive aspects of the music. The emphasis on tragic life stories in introductory jazz courses can detract from a holistic understanding of the genre. Jazz should be explored as a rich tapestry of musical innovation, cultural expression, and collaborative effort, rather than through the lens of individual suffering. Highlighting the achievements of jazz musicians, their stylistic developments, and the historical context of the music allows students to engage with jazz more meaningfully

Lee Konitz’s use of standards’ melody in improvisation

The main goal of this article is to examine the mechanisms through which Lee Konitz uses the melody of jazz standards in his improvisation process. Beginning with the transcription and comprehensive analysis of five improvised solos, and using the thematic analysis method, we identified melodic ideas coming from the songs on which the saxophonist builds some of his solos. Our conclusion is that Lee Konitz, besides clearly quoting the melody of jazz standards on which he improvises, also frequently uses some of its notes as target-notes, and develops melodic motifs inspired by that same melody

Developing Adolescent Word-Level Knowledge: Challenges and Opportunities in Professional Learning with Secondary Educators

This article aims to highlight the research base for disciplinary literacy approaches, emphasize foundational literacy components that apply to the majority of adolescent learners, and propose tangible approaches to attend to morphological development in multiple academic disciplines. The article will conclude with a call for additional research into the role of morphological awareness in strengthening adolescent reading comprehension, as well as further study of the implications for systemic approaches across all disciplines in secondary educational settings

The Shape(s) of Jazz To Come. Jazz Studies, interpretation, theory and education Research Project

Jazz Studies: interpretation, theory and education is a research project developed at Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa, Polytechnic University of Lisbon, that involved the collaboration between the Jazz and Composition Departments. The focus of the project coordinated by Ricardo Pinheiro (with the collaboration of Carlos Caires and Carlos Marecos) was to rethink artistic research outputs in the field of jazz studies, questioning the hegemony of the current musicological paradigm (Cook, 2014; Pinheiro and Caires 2019; Pinheiro, Caires and Neto 2024), and to explore the broad academic, scientific and artistic scope that this field can provide

Audiotactile Music Theory and jazz education: historical and pedagogical perspectives

The Audiotactile Music Theory offers new perspectives for considering the issues associated with the institutionalization of jazz education and the gradual transition from informal transmission situations to formalized curricula. The aim of this article is to show how certain central the concepts of the ‘Audiotactile Music Theory’ can be used in a dual historical and pedagogical perspective, to overcome certain dichotomies that structure discourses on jazz teaching at different times: written/oral, formal/informal and art/popular music. The Audiotactile Music Theory also allows us to question the place of jazz in music teaching institutions today, and our own pedagogical practice

Twin Sons of Different Mothers: Harmonic Convergence in Jazz and Classical Music

Jazz and classical music are two of the most celebrated genres of “art music.” Their origins could not be more disparate. The two genres are, on the surface, very different from one another. Yet, the humanity and creativity that shines through across time and space speak to something else at play: an unfathomably deep connection that defies the temporal, geographical, racial, and cultural differences, revealing instead the shared human spirit that is manifested in these powerful artistic expressions