75 research outputs found
Categorial Compositionality III: F-(co)algebras and the Systematicity of Recursive Capacities in Human Cognition
Human cognitive capacity includes recursively definable concepts, which are prevalent in domains involving lists, numbers, and languages. Cognitive science currently lacks a satisfactory explanation for the systematic nature of such capacities (i.e., why the capacity for some recursive cognitive abilitiesâe.g., finding the smallest number in a listâimplies the capacity for certain othersâfinding the largest number, given knowledge of number order). The category-theoretic constructs of initial F-algebra, catamorphism, and their duals, final coalgebra and anamorphism provide a formal, systematic treatment of recursion in computer science. Here, we use this formalism to explain the systematicity of recursive cognitive capacities without ad hoc assumptions (i.e., to the same explanatory standard used in our account of systematicity for non-recursive capacities). The presence of an initial algebra/final coalgebra explains systematicity because all recursive cognitive capacities, in the domain of interest, factor through (are composed of) the same component process. Moreover, this factorization is unique, hence no further (ad hoc) assumptions are required to establish the intrinsic connection between members of a group of systematically-related capacities. This formulation also provides a new perspective on the relationship between recursive cognitive capacities. In particular, the link between number and language does not depend on recursion, as such, but on the underlying functor on which the group of recursive capacities is based. Thus, many species (and infants) can employ recursive processes without having a full-blown capacity for number and language
Recommended from our members
Womenâs experiences of decision-making and informed choice about pregnancy and birth care: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research
Background
The purpose of this systematic review (PROSPERO Ref: CRD42017053264) was to describe and interpret the qualitative research on parentâs decision-making and informed choice about their pregnancy and birth care. Given the growing evidence on the benefits of different models of maternity care and the prominence of informed choice in health policy, the review aimed to shed light on the research to date and what the findings indicate.
Methods
a systematic search and screening of qualitative research concerning parentsâ decision-making and informed choice experiences about pregnancy and birth care was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. A meta-synthesis approach was taken for the extraction and analysis of data and generation of the findings. Studies from 1990s onwards were included to reflect an era of policies promoting choice in maternity care in high-income countries.
Results
Thirty-seven original studies were included in the review. A multi-dimensional conceptual framework was developed, consisting of three analytical themes (âUncertaintyâ, âBodily autonomy and integrityâ and âPerforming good motherhoodâ) and three inter-linking actions (âInformation gathering,â âAligning with a birth philosophy,â and âBalancing aspects of a choiceâ).
Conclusions
Despite the increasing research on decision-making, informed choice is not often a primary research aim, and its development in literature published since the 1990s was difficult to ascertain. The meta-synthesis suggests that decision-making is a dynamic and temporal process, in that it is made within a defined period and invokes both the past, whether this is personal, familial, social or historical, and the future. Our findings also highlighted the importance of embodiment in maternal health experiences, particularly when it comes to decision-making about care. Policymakers and practitioners alike should examine critically current choice frameworks to ascertain whether they truly allow for flexibility in decision-making. Health systems should embrace more fluid, personalised models of care to augment service usersâ decision-making agency
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors versus placebo in patients with major depressive disorder. A systematic review with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Developing attentional control in naturalistic dynamic road crossing situations
In the last 20 years, there has been increasing interest in studying visual attentional processes under
more natural conditions. In the present study, we propose to determine the critical age at which
children show similar to adult performance and attentional control in a visually guided task; in a
naturalistic dynamic and socially relevant context: road crossing. We monitored visual exploration
and crossing decisions in adults and children aged between 5 and 15 while they watched road trafc
videos containing a range of trafc densities with or without pedestrians. 5â10 year old (y/o) children
showed less systematic gaze patterns. More specifcally, adults and 11â15y/o children look mainly at
the vehiclesâ appearing point, which is an optimal location to sample diagnostic information for the
task. In contrast, 5â10y/os look more at socially relevant stimuli and attend to moving vehicles further
down the trajectory when the trafc density is high. Critically, 5-10y/o children also make an increased
number of crossing decisions compared to 11â15y/os and adults. Our fndings reveal a critical shift
around 10y/o in attentional control and crossing decisions in a road crossing task
Additions to the New Zealand fauna of black fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae), with descriptions of six new species
Improved resolution of cave weta diversity (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae): ecological implications for Te Paki, Far North, New Zealand
A genetic assessment of the taxonomic status of New Zealand mussels of the genus Xenostrobus
- âŠ