A cognitive style dataset including functional near-infrared spectroscopy, eye-tracking, psychometric and behavioral measures

The dataset includes data from the triangulated investigation reported in our paper: ‘Psychophysiological indices of cognitive style: A triangulated study incorporating neuroimaging, eye-tracking, psychometric and behavioral measures’ [1,2]. The data was collected at the Directorate of Psychology & Public Health laboratories at the University of Salford, UK, in 2015 among an English-speaking sample. The dataset includes measures described in the paper including information-processing/cognitive style recorded as Cognitive Style Index [CSI; 3] scores, comparative visual search (CVS) task behavioral measures (reaction time and accuracy), eye-movement data (fixation duration, number of saccades, number of comparative saccades and distance moved) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

‘Ambivalent’ individual preferences towards biotechnology in the European Union: products or processes?

Significant ambivalence is found when examining the explanatory dimensions of attitudes towards biotechnology in the European Union; individuals' decision—making is influenced by their perception of significant benefits and risks as well as moral concerns. In quantitatively analyzing the determinants of attitudes, we argue that it might be misleading to interpret attitudes towards new biotechnology applications without taking into account the existence of significant ambivalence in revealed preferences. This paper empirically examines the magnitude and the impact of ambivalence in explaining support for two specific biotech applications (Genetically Modified (GM) food and GM medicines). The data employed are from the 1999 Eurobarometer Survey 52.1. Results reveal that although between 35 and 45% of respondents display ambivalent attitudes towards biotechnology applications, ambivalence primarily affects less supportive attitudes, and this result seems robust among specific biotech applications. Ambivalence is expected to continue to play a key role in determining individual attitudes as long as available information continues to be limited. Furthermore, ambivalence, as well as attitudes to biotechnology applications, seems to be associated with the dimensions of the technology itself. Therefore, in the design of risk communication policies, decision makers should ensure that individuals are well informed if public perceptions are to be taken into account in public policy formation

Race/Ethnicity and Surgery

A well-respected surgical professor is the invited speaker for a conference at a large academic surgical department. As part of the events, there is a meet-and-greet to allow residents, fellows, and faculty speak with the professor. Dr. Z is a junior surgeon second-generation American citizen of Ecuadorean descent. The professor turns to Dr. Z and says, “you know, I told my fellow Mohammad to change his name to Matt so he could get a chief job.” The group of residents appear uncomfortable, but no one says anything in response