The gulf between behavioural psychology and fundamental physiology: a systematic attempt to bridge the gap

Direct experimentation in much of this area is very difficult or impossible. For such circumstances, it is argued that much can be achieved by a rigorous quantitative programme of interdisciplinary theorizing based on available data. The paper then outlines progress arising from this approach from: (1) a Piagetian view of behaviour, through (2) a model for the "scheme" as a statistical population of discrete linear molecules (despite Hebb's synapse suggestions), down to (3) the physics and chemistry of signal emission, transmission and absorption. The latter analysis yields the surprising suggestion (corroborated by Cope's work) that a vital frequency-component for neural signals occurs in the infra-red range: about 10^13 cycles/second. This helps to explain several current mysteries concerning memor

Short papers and letters on the 'linear micro-element' theory of mental mechanism; and related questions of scientific method

Seven papers/letters further developing the ideas raised in Monographs #12 and #15 (q.v.), and in two papers published in Kybernetes (vols 5 and 7) -- later incorporated into the Thesis (q.v.) as "Part A". In particular: *Chapters I & VI: apply the postulated 'linear elements' to explain Piaget's notion of how the mental concept of 'object' is developed. *Chapter II: extends this to account for the rudiments of 'personal identity'. *Chapter III: answers criticisms and queries raised by Dr N.E.Wetherick, mainly on the plausibility of RNA and infra-red as a Second (multiplexed) Neurotransmitting System. *Other chapters offer critiques of some accepted views on scientific method

Thinking as mental model-building: a Piagetian-cum-mechanistic explanation of the 'engram'

Piaget (like Skinner) appears to deny the relevance or possibility of describing thought in mechanistic terms. Nevertheless, this paper attempts to outline one way in which this might be done for Piaget's concepts. Three domains or "worlds" are considered (following both Piaget and Popper); Reality and the senses, thought proper, and a symbolic domain (divided into [a] internal, and [b] external). Within the second domain are linear codings (pre-set but changeable) which can comprise "schemes" when activated synchonously in sufficient numbers. Non-linear schemes and schemata are explicable in tems of "sub-programming" and "cross-referencing". Elementary units for schemata may be scheme-elements (or ensembles of them) which have become more or less permanently stabilized due to their self-sustaining cross-references. These inhabit the symbolic domain ("world 3a")

CONVERGENCE IN U.S. AND E.U. FOOD SYSTEMS? THE CASE OF FOOD CONSUMPTION

Food consumption, European Union, market convergence, North America, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Using participatory action research to support pupil participation in improving a sense of community in a secondary school

In 2007 specific guidance was issued to schools about the duty of staff to promote community cohesion (DCSF, 2007). An aspect of this concerns the extent to which pupils experience a sense of belonging to their school. ‘Belonging’ can be understood through the construct of a psychological sense of community. Research by McMillan and Chavis (1986) has identified four major components of sense of community, along with an index that can be used to survey this. This index, the Sense of Community Index- 2 (Chavis et al. 2008), was revised and administered to pupils in a large secondary school. Aims- The research described in this report and supported by the Children’s Workforce Development Council, identified a representative group of volunteer pupils to investigate the outcomes of a survey about the sense of community in the school. Data were collected using participatory action research (PAR). The research aimed to learn about the use of PAR itself. Method- Following an initial recruitment meeting, eight data collection meetings were held, with the number of pupils attending ranging from zero to 14, with a typical attendance of four pupils. Recognising that pupils might need support to become action researchers, materials were prepared outlining the steps involved in action research. The co-researchers were also supported by discussion and a variety of forms to assist with their planning and record keeping. The intention was that the pupil co-researchers would gather information and ideas from their own tutor groups and return to a weekly research group that the lead researchers would facilitate. The group would use the tools its members brought to make an action plan to improve the sense of community in the school. Findings- The research group demonstrated a good understanding of sense of community and a commitment to investigating it further, in particular identifying how to improve aspects of ‘influence’, ‘membership’, and ‘fulfilment of needs’. At the same time, difficulties were encountered trying to maintain momentum with the pupils, leading to a decision to terminate this stage of the research and to refocus it. Ultimately, a significant outcome of this research concerns the circumstances that might allow PAR to flourish

A structural model of wealth, obesity and health in the UK

Based on a household health production framework, this paper exploits the combination of socioeconomic, health and nutrition information from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey to analyze the endogenous relationship among wealth, nutrition, weight and the final health outcomes. Results show that higher wealth determines lower weight and better health as expected, but through a better diet rather than extra exercise or lower calorie consumption.Structural Equation Modelling, Body Mass Index, Diet, Blood Pressure, Income, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Evaluation of Policies to Promote Healthy Eating in the EU

Unhealthy diets lead to a range of serious conditions such as diabetes, cancers, cardio-vascular disease and stroke which, as well as individual pain and suffering and shortened life, create a burden for the state in the form of health care costs and lost economic production; diseases linked to overweight and obesity account for around 5% of total health care costs in Europe, and at least as much again in lost economic production. In this context it is no surprise that healthy eating has become a major public health concern, prompting many European Member States to take measures to improve their citizens’ diets. Neither is it a surprise that governments are at least paying lip-service to a desire that their interventions should be evidence-based, meaning there should be evidence that they are effective and cost effective. Probably, though less explicitly stated, politicians would like evidence that interventions will be acceptable to the public. These wishes are more complex than appears at first sight

Book review: re:development: voices, cyanotypes and writings from the green backyard edited by Jessie Brennan

In Re:development: Voices, Cyanotypes and Writings from the Green Backyard, editor and artist Jessie Brennan brings together a range of contributors to reflect on a grassroots communal growing project in Peterborough, ‘The Green Backyard’. Including the voices of those involved in the development of the site, this beautifully presented volume offers materially grounded insight into the importance of communal urban green spaces, writes Helen Traill

Book review: engaged urbanism: cities and methodologies edited by Ben Campkin and Ger Duijzings

In Engaged Urbanism: Cities and Methodologies, editors Ben Campkin and Ger Duijzings bring together contributors who are challenging assumptions surrounding urban research methodologies. Exploring questions of authorship, expertise and situated knowledge, this is a well-designed and timely book that showcases an array of creative and critical approaches to urban research, finds Helen Traill

Food banks, community gardens and I, Daniel Blake

My research into community growing projects and the film I, Daniel Blake seem initially to have little in common. Yet they both engage with a critique of the way our society deals with people in need. The indictment of the benefits systems in I, Daniel Blake is a powerful one. In moving, simple terms, it provokes the audience with its portrayal of the effects of the benefits system on human lives. I left the cinema with one question: how is it possible to help? Community growing projects do offer a possible answer, but a limited one