Evolutionary Microeconomics and the Theory of Expectations

This paper sketches a framework for the analysis of expectations in an evolutionary microeconomics. The core proposition is that expectations form a network structure, and that the geometry of that network will provide a suitable guide as to the dynamical behaviour of that network. It is a development towards a theory of the computational processes that construct the data set of expectations. The role of probability theory is examined in this context. Two key issues will be explored: (1) on the nature and stability of expectations when they form as a complex network; and (2), the way in which this may be modelled within a multi-agent simulation platform. It is argued that multi-agent simulation (a-life) techniques provide an expedient analytical environment to study the dynamic nature of mass expectations, as generated or produced objects, in a way that bridges micro and macroeconomics.

Do we have Independent Visual Streams for Perception and Action? a Response.

Schenk and McIntosh (2009) present the thesis that most visual behaviours, especially those of any significant complexity, are likely to involve collaboration between both visual streams. While very likely true, this statement does not contradict the perception-action model as proposed by Milner and Goodale (1995, 2006). The two visual system hypothesis implies two functionally specialized systems, and not, as Schenk and McIntosh propose, two behaviourally independent systems

Landscapes of light and text and layer: a projection poetry performance

A digital poetry performance in seven locations. This online performance mixes pre-recorded video of projection poetry in seven places/landscapes around SE Queensland, Australia with a live digital poetry reading. The theme of this performance is landscapes of change, exploring places in SE Queensland impacted by bushfires, deviated by floods, altered by drought, damaged by weapon testing, trees thousands of years old, home of non-human creatures and the revealed geology that roads carve. Using pico/portable projectors, digital poet Jason Nelson, will add a poetic light-based skin to these landscapes, recording the results, replaying them during the performance. As the projection videos play, live performance, digital spoken and animated texts will add a layer of personal and experiential meaning to these landscapes

Lexical variation, lexical innovation, and speaker motivations: a historical psycholinguistic approach

Speakers commonly re-purpose existing forms in the mental lexicon to create novel form-meaning. Contemporary evidence that such innovation processes have occurred historically is attested in varying degrees of polysemy in the mental lexicon. This dissertation considers speaker motivations underlying these innnovation processes historically. Strong synchronic relationships between frequency and degree of polysemy, on one hand, and frequency and lexical access, on the other hand, have traditionally been interpreted as evidence for the primacy of economic motivations in processes of lexical innovation. In contrast, the cognitive processes that most commonly facilitate innovation, metaphor and metonymy, have largely been described as processes motivated by expressiveness and not being misunderstood. In order to assess the role of these competing motivations in processes of innovation, an idealized model of lexical change is presented, in which the corpus-distributional characteristics of forms used in innovation synchronically are considered independently from (1) the characteristics of polysemous forms synchronically, and (2) the distributional and diachronic consequences of the propagation of novel form-meaning in the speech community. Based on the corpus-distributional characteristics and degree of polysemy of approximately 20 thousand word forms in American English at three synchronic “points” in time (1810-1849, 1910-1929, and 1990-2009), three historical models are presented: a model of polysemy, a model of lexical innovation, and a model of propagation. Results from the model of innovation demonstrate evidence of competing motivations (ie, economy, expressiveness, and not being misunderstood) in processes of innovation historically; importantly, model results demonstrate that the synchronic corpus-distributional characteristics of forms used in innovation are indeed distinct from the synchronic characteristics of polysemous word forms as described in the model of polysemy. Results from the model of propagation demonstrate the distributional consequences of successful propagation historically, and provide further evidence for the role of competing motivations historically. In sum, the studies presented in this dissertation demonstrate important roles for the speaker motivations underlying processes of metaphor and metonymy that have generally been overlooked by strictly synchronic approaches to lexical innovation

Writing in the Disciplines Workshop

A workshop for Xavier faculty to learn about best practices for teaching discipline-specific writing. Participants explored the diversity of writing tasks expected of students in different disciplines and began to develop a writing assignment

Examining Aggravated Assault on College Campuses: A Differential Association Approach

Despite its status as the most common violent crime committed on college campuses, very little is known about factors that cause students to participate in aggravated assault. In this paper, we offer a theoretical proposal that utilizes Edwin Sutherland’s differential association theory to better anticipate factors that may contribute to assault. In general, we propose that students that hold favorable definitions of crime and less conventional attitudes will be more inclined to participate in assault. At the same time, we postulate that students that have deviant peer associations would be more likely to commit an aggravated assault on campus as would students that anticipate that they would not lose respect their closest associates if they personally assaulted another person. Consistent with Sutherland’s theory, we offer a survey instrumentation that measures key concepts related to favorable definitions, conventionality, peer association, and acceptance. Furthermore, we discuss the best strategies for implementing such a survey. Finally, we conclude by discussing potential limitations of our research design

The Potential Economic Impacts of the Proposed Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary

The U.S. National Marine Sanctuary designation process is being reopened after 20 years, and coastal communities across the country are being encouraged to submit nominations. In response, there is a proposal for a new California Central Coast Marine Sanctuary, stretching from the Channel Islands to the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. This report provides our best estimates from available and extrapolated information, of the potential economic impact on San Luis Obispo County, if this proposed National Marine Sanctuary becomes a reality. Communities seek Sanctuary designation for many reasons, including the preservation of unique cultural and natural resources, permanent prevention of offshore oil and gas development, or improving their local economies. This report focuses on the economic impacts possible from such a designation. Our results show that overall, the proposed Central Coast National Marine Sanctuary could add, at minimum 23 million dollars per year to the local economy and create almost 600 new jobs. Our estimates draw from four channels of revenue and job generation we investigated: 1. Government expenditures on Sanctuary offices, staff, and infrastructure, as well as additional research money raised by Sanctuary staff 2. Money raised by local NGOs and academics to conduct Sanctuary-related research 3. Increased coastal tourism and the increases in relevant business revenues from it (due to both market signaling and improved ocean and coastal resource stewardship) 4. Increased property values, property taxes, and business, local, state and federal tax revenues due to Sanctuary proximity It is important to note that these totals are conservative estimates and depend on the extent to which a) the Sanctuary staff aggressively market the unique natural, cultural, and historic resources as a focal point for preservation and education, b) the local tourist industry markets the Sanctuary, c) academics and NGOs seek to leverage the Sanctuary for research funding, d) the amounts of funding forthcoming from the Federal Government, and e) the extent to which Sanctuary policies lead to tangible improvements in coastal ecosystems. A byproduct of this work is an appendix with an extensive bibliography of relevant literature, which we compiled to ensure we used all available information for this report. We hope our report will serve to better inform the local community and help to determine whether the major effort required to submit a nomination for a new Sanctuary designation is in the region’s best interests