Memory-related cognitive load effects in an interrupted learning task:A model-based explanation

Background: The Cognitive Load Theory provides a well-established framework for investigating aspects of learning situations that demand learners' working memory resources. However, the interplay of these aspects at the cognitive and neural level is still not fully understood. Method: We developed four computational models in the cognitive architecture ACT-R to clarify underlying memory-related strategies and mechanisms. Our models account for human data of an experiment that required participants to perform a symbol sequence learning task with embedded interruptions. We explored the inclusion of subsymbolic mechanisms to explain these data and used our final model to generate fMRI predictions. Results: The final model indicates a reasonable fit for reaction times and accuracy and links the fMRI predictions to the Cognitive Load Theory. Conclusions: Our work emphasizes the influence of task characteristics and supports a process-related view on cognitive load in instructional scenarios. It further contributes to the discussion of underlying mechanisms at a neural level

Understanding cooperation through fitness interdependence

Some acts of human cooperation are not easily explained by traditional models of kinship or reciprocity. Fitness interdependence may provide a unifying conceptual framework, in which cooperation arises from the mutual dependence for survival or reproduction, as occurs among mates, risk-pooling partnerships and brothers-in-arms

Molecular excitation in the Interstellar Medium: recent advances in collisional, radiative and chemical processes

We review the different excitation processes in the interstellar mediumComment: Accepted in Chem. Re

Family Matters:Rethinking the Psychology of Human Social Motivation

What motives do people prioritize in their social lives? Historically, social psychologists, especially those adopting an evolutionary perspective, have devoted a great deal of research attention to sexual attraction and romantic-partner choice (mate seeking). Research on long-term familial bonds (mate retention and kin care) has been less thoroughly connected to relevant comparative and evolutionary work on other species, and in the case of kin care, these bonds have been less well researched. Examining varied sources of data from 27 societies around the world, we found that people generally view familial motives as primary in importance and mate-seeking motives as relatively low in importance. Compared with other groups, college students, single people, and men place relatively higher emphasis on mate seeking, but even those samples rated kin-care motives as more important. Furthermore, motives linked to long-term familial bonds are positively associated with psychological well-being, but mate-seeking motives are associated with anxiety and depression. We address theoretical and empirical reasons why there has been extensive research on mate seeking and why people prioritize goals related to long-term familial bonds over mating goals. Reallocating relatively greater research effort toward long-term familial relationships would likely yield many interesting new findings relevant to everyday people’s highest social priorities

Validation of a VR cycling simulation in terms of perceived criticality and experience of presence

Cycling offers many benefits, such as reducing traffic congestion, Iower emissions and health benefits. To further promote cycling, the cyclists' perceived safety needs to be addressed. In this context, automated vehicles offer high potential for designing safe and comfortable interactions with cyclists in the future. A key parameter in these interactions constitutes the proximity of vehicles passing cyclists to avoid causing discomfort. To evaluate specific scenarios with varying proximity, cycling simulators provide a safe and standardized environment for traffic safety research. Therefore, there are numerous efforts to implement cycling simulators for use in research. However, it is important to verify the simulator validity to ensure the generalizability of results. In this work, an implementation of a virtual reality (VR) cycling simulation is presented and it is aimed to investigate the simulator validity in terms of perceived criticality in traffic conflict scenarios as well as the participants' experience of presence within the VR cycling simulation. [from Introduction

Technikaffinität als Ressource für die Arbeit in Industrie 4.0

Die zunehmende Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt bietet nicht nur vielversprechende Innovationen zur arbeiterzentrierten, adaptiven Aufgabengestaltung, sondern stellt den Einzelnen auch vor die Herausforderung, in höherem Maße mit digitaler Technik zu interagieren. Für die erfolgreiche Interaktion mit Technik sind zwei Faktoren ausschlaggebend: Wissen über bzw. Erfahrung mit technischen Systemen sowie Persönlichkeitsaspekte, die sich als Interaktionsstil im Umgang mit Technik manifestieren. Wir präsentieren das Konzept der interaktionsbezogenen Technikaffinität (affinity for technology interaction, ATI) als zentrale Ressource zum erfolgreichen Umgang mit Technik, und mit der ATI-Skala eine ökonomische und reliable Skala zur Quantifizierung der ATI eines Nutzers. Neben bestehenden Evaluationsergebnissen (N > 1500) stellen wir erste Ergebnisse einer Nutzerstudie vor, die im Rahmen des Projektes Factory2Fit durchgeführt wurde. Die Probanden interagierten mit 3D-Druckern und erlebten unterschiedliche Automatisierungsgrade des Prozesses. Zusätzlich zum Automatisierungsgrad wurde die Erfahrung der Probanden durch unterschiedliche Trainingsintensitäten variiert. Die Ergebnisse liefern erste Hinweise auf die Relevanz von ATI für die Vorhersage des Interaktionserfolgs mit Technologie und damit für Usability-Evaluationen in Industrie 4.0-Umgebungen