Task rules, working memory, and fluid intelligence

Many varieties of working memory have been linked to fluid intelligence. In Duncan et al. (Journal of Experimental Psychology:General 137:131–148, 2008), we described limited working memory for new task rules: When rules are complex, some may fail in their control of behavior, though they are often still available for explicit recall. Unlike other kinds of working memory, load is determined in this case not by real-time performance demands, but by the total complexity of the task instructions. Here, we show that the correlation with fluid intelligence is stronger for this aspect of working memory than for several other, more traditional varieties—including simple and complex spans and a test of visual short-term memory. Any task, we propose, requires construction of a mental control program that aids in segregating and assembling multiple task parts and their controlling rules. Fluid intelligence is linked closely to the efficiency of constructing such programs, especially when behavior is complex and novel

How context influences the segmentation of movement trajectories - an experimental approach for environmental and behavioral context

In the digital information age where large amounts of movement data are generated daily through technological devices, such as mobile phones, GPS, and digital navigation aids, the exploration of moving point datasets for identifying movement patterns has become a research focus in GIScience (Dykes and Mountain 2003). Visual analytics (VA) tools, such as GeoVISTA Studio (Gahegan 2001), have been developed to explore large amounts of movement data based on the contention that VA combine computational methods with the outstanding human capabilities for pattern recognition, imagination, association, and reasoning (Andrienko et al. 2008). However, exploring, extracting and understanding the meaning encapsulated in movement data from a user perspective has become a major bottleneck, not only in GIScience, but in all areas of science where this kind of data is collected (Holyoak et al. 2008). Specifically the inherent complex and multidimensional nature of spatio-temporal data has not been sufficiently integrated into visual analytics tools. To ensure the inclusion of cognitive principles for the integration of space-time data, visual analytics has to consider how users conceptualize and understand movement data (Fabrikant et al. 2008). A review on cognitively motivated work exemplifies the urgent need to identify how humans make inferences and derive knowledge from movement data. In order to enhance visual analytics tools by integrating cognitive principles we have to first ask to what extent cognitive factors influence our understanding, reasoning, and analysis of movement pattern extraction. It is especially important to comprehend human knowledge construction and reasoning about spatial and temporal phenomena and processes. This paper proposes an experimental approach with human subject testing to evaluate the importance of contextual information in visual displays of movement patterns. This research question is part of a larger research project, with two main objectives, namely * getting a better understanding of how humans process spatio-temporal information * and empirically validating guidelines to improve the design of visual analytics tools to enhance visual data exploration

Shifting the Focus: The Role of Presence in Reconceptualising the Design Process

In this paper the relationship between presence and imaging is examined with the view to establish how our understanding of imaging, and subsequently the design process, may be reconceptualised to give greater focus to its experiential potential. First, the paper outlines the research project contributing to the discussion. Then, it provides brief overviews of research on both imaging and presence in the process highlighting the narrow conceptions of imaging (and the recognition of the need for further research) compared to the more holistic and experiential understandings of presence. The paper concludes with an argument and proposed study for exploring the role of digital technology and presence in extending the potential of imaging and its role in the design process. As indicated in the DRS Conference Theme, this paper focuses “…on what people experience and the systems and actions that create those experiences.” Interface designers, information architects and interactive media artists understand the powerful influence of experience in design. ‘Experience design’ is a community of practice driven by individuals within digital based disciplines where the belief is that understanding people is essential to any successful design in any medium and that “…experience is the personal connection with the moment and… every aspect of living is an experience, whether we are the creators or simply chance participants” (Shedroff, 2001, p. 5). Keywords: Design, Design Process, Presence, Imaging, Grounded Theory</p

A review of research into the development of radiologic expertise: Implications for computer-based training

Rationale and Objectives. Studies of radiologic error reveal high levels of variation between radiologists. Although it is known that experts outperform novices, we have only limited knowledge about radiologic expertise and how it is acquired.Materials and Methods. This review identifies three areas of research: studies of the impact of experience and related factors on the accuracy of decision-making; studies of the organization of expert knowledge; and studies of radiologists' perceptual processes.Results and Conclusion. Interpreting evidence from these three paradigms in the light of recent research into perceptual learning and studies of the visual pathway has a number of conclusions for the training of radiologists, particularly for the design of computer-based learning programs that are able to illustrate the similarities and differences between diagnoses, to give access to large numbers of cases and to help identify weaknesses in the way trainees build up a global representation from fixated regions