Music,
2015
Bucknell University
Music, Andrea R. Halpern, Robert J. Zatorre
Faculty Contributions to Books
Neuroimaging has contributed greatly to our understanding of the sensory, motor, and cognitive systems involved in musical processing. Cortical loops connecting auditory with parietal, premotor, and prefrontal cortices are important for encoding pitch and temporal relationships from which music is built and for generating musical expectancies. These circuits are also important for holding information in working memory and for interfacing perceptual and motor representations. Musical imagery recruits auditory areas together with frontal and supplementary motor regions. Musical emotion emerges from the interaction of these systems with the reward circuit. All of these systems are modifiable functionally and structurally following training.
Different Levels Of Negative Emotions And Their Impact On Prosocial Behavior,
2015
University of Northern Iowa
Different Levels Of Negative Emotions And Their Impact On Prosocial Behavior, Tsamchoe Dolma
Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
In this fast and competitive world, people are becoming less likely to help others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014), the volunteerism rate reached the lowest point in 2013 since 2002. This decrease in prosocial behavior makes the study of prosocial behavior important, especially with the increasing numbers of charitable organizations and their competition to attract more donors and volunteers. Public service advertisements (PSA) are used as a common medium to garner help and support, and many of them use emotional appeals to enhance persuasion. The literature on persuasion shows that emotions have persuasive power to change people's …
Absolute Pitch In Naturalistic Singing: A Commentary On Olthof Et Al.,
2015
Bucknell University
Absolute Pitch In Naturalistic Singing: A Commentary On Olthof Et Al., Andrea R. Halpern
Faculty Journal Articles
The parent article looks at pitch stability in an archive of folksongs recorded over several decades. Some evidence for pitch stability was found. Here, I consider some additional aspects of the archive that could be examined, offer some extensions to relevant laboratory studies, and consider some inherent strengths and limitations of the naturalistic, archival approach.
Differences In Auditory Imagery Self-Report Predict Neural And Behavioral Outcomes,
2015
Bucknell University
Differences In Auditory Imagery Self-Report Predict Neural And Behavioral Outcomes, Andrea R. Halpern
Faculty Journal Articles
Mental imagery abilities vary among individuals, as shown both by objective measures and by self-report. Few imagery studies consider auditory imagery, however. The Bucknell Auditory Imagery Scale is a short self-report measure encompassing both Vividness and Control subscales for musical, verbal, and environmental sounds. It has high internal reliability, no relation to social desirability, and only a modest relation to musical training. High scores on Vividness predict fewer source memory errors in distinguishing heard from imagined tunes on a recognition test, and better performance on pitch imitation tasks. Furthermore, higher scores are related to hemodynamic response and gray matter volume …
The Cognitive Basis Of Social Behavior: Cognitive Reflection Overrides Antisocial But Not Always Prosocial Motives,
2015
Chapman University
The Cognitive Basis Of Social Behavior: Cognitive Reflection Overrides Antisocial But Not Always Prosocial Motives, Brice Corgnet, Antonio M. Espín, Roberto Hernán-González
Economics Faculty Articles and Research
Even though human social behavior has received considerable scientific attention in the last decades, its cognitive underpinnings are still poorly understood. Applying a dual-process framework to the study of social preferences, we show in two studies that individuals with a more reflective/deliberative cognitive style, as measured by scores on the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT), are more likely to make choices consistent with “mild” altruism in simple non-strategic decisions. Such choices increase social welfare by increasing the other person's payoff at very low or no cost for the individual. The choices of less reflective individuals (i.e., those who rely more heavily …
Learning Requires Attention For Binding Affective Reinforcement To Information Content,
2015
Scripps College
Learning Requires Attention For Binding Affective Reinforcement To Information Content, Chia Mun Foo
Scripps Senior Theses
Humans are limited in their capacity to process information about the environment; to choose the most salient details to process, we have to make rapid value appraisals and prioritize our attentional resources. In this proposed study, it is expected that attention is required to learn from affective information. Learning is measured by the difference between update (the difference between the first and second estimation) and the estimation error (the difference between the average likelihood and the first estimation). Using a belief-updating paradigm, participants will be asked to estimate their likelihood of encountering a negative event, once before and once after …
The Outer Limits Of Cognitive Processing: A Closer Look At What Is Desirable,
2015
Butler University
The Outer Limits Of Cognitive Processing: A Closer Look At What Is Desirable, Zachary K. Walter
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection
Cognitive tasks are most satisfying when they include the right balance between ease and difficulty (Labroo & Kim, 2008). This balance is viewed as optimal for high quality and progressive learning in school and societal contexts (Bjork & Bjork, 1992). This idea is the basis of the concept of desirable difficulties, which are defined as certain difficulties in the learning process that can greatly improve long-term retention of learned material (Bjork & Bjork, 1992). Having received a lot of attention in recent research, they allow for one to develop questions about how we, as humans, approach certain tasks and where …
Emotion And Pain Effects On Tunnel Memory,
2015
Butler University
Emotion And Pain Effects On Tunnel Memory, Alexandra Nicolette Robinson-Norris
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection
Previous work by Andreano and Cahill (2006) has shown the Cold Pressor Stress (CPS) to enhance memory. A similar enhancement can occur with non-physical stressors. Puga & Bohannon (2013) found emotional slides to have an enhancing effect on preceding information. Although it is clear that physical and visual stressors can enhance memory, it is still unclear whether peripheral or central items are better remembered after arousing situations. Safer et al. (1998) suggested that during encoding, arousal creates a "tunnel memory" effect. Participants accurately remember central items but tend to disregard those in the periphery. The study focused on combined visual …
Hemispheric Specialization For Emotion Within First And Second Languages : Emotion Word Processing In Monolingual And Bilingual Speakers,
2015
University at Albany, State University of New York
Hemispheric Specialization For Emotion Within First And Second Languages : Emotion Word Processing In Monolingual And Bilingual Speakers, Jennifer Mary Martin
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Emotion representation in monolingual speakers is complex, and for bilinguals the relationship between emotion and language can be even more intriguing. The present study examined reactions to words of six types, including positive, negative, and neutral words varying in concreteness. Words and nonwords were intermixed in a lexical decision task using hemifield presentation. In Experiment 1, participants were English monolinguals and all stimuli were presented in English. In Experiment 2, participants were Spanish-English bilinguals who were presented with both English and Spanish stimuli. Results revealed a general left hemisphere advantage. Overall, reaction times for positive words were faster than for …
I Can See What You Are Saying : Auditory Labels Reduce Visual Search Times,
2015
University at Albany, State University of New York
I Can See What You Are Saying : Auditory Labels Reduce Visual Search Times, Kit Wing Cho
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The present study explored the mechanisms underlying the self-directed speech effect, the finding that relative to silent reading of a label (e.g., “DOG”), saying it aloud reduces visual search reaction times (RTs) for locating a target picture among distractors. Experiment 1 examined whether this effect is due to a confound in the differences in the number of cues in self-directed speech (two) vs. silent reading (one) and tested whether speech, per se, is required for the effect. Self-directed speech did not reduce search RTs more than hearing only a pre-recorded auditory presentation of a label, both of which reduced RTs …
Key Generalization Of Recognition Memory For Melodies,
2015
University at Albany, State University of New York
Key Generalization Of Recognition Memory For Melodies, Abigail Lincoln Kleinsmith
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
People easily recognize a melody in a previously unheard key, but they also retain some key-specific information. I tested the hypothesis that individuals compare novel melodies to a memory “prototype” representing the central tendency of experienced exemplars. Participants were familiarized with a monotonic eight-note melody in two closely separated keys and tested for discrimination of that melody from others. Test and foil melodies included ones that were the “average” of pitch heights and ones that were more distant in pitch height. Hit rates and discriminability (d') were better for physically closer keys than for harmonically related keys. In follow-up experiments, …
Neural Correlates Of Episodic Memory Formation In Children And Adults,
2015
Wayne State University
Neural Correlates Of Episodic Memory Formation In Children And Adults, Lingfei Tang
Wayne State University Theses
The medial temporal lobe (MTL) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are two key brain regions that support episodic memory formation in both children and adults, but the functional developmental of these regions remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the development of neural correlates of episodic memory formation using functional MRI with a subsequent memory paradigm, administered to a cross-sectional sample of 83 children and adults. We found that MTL subregions showed an age-related increase in activation supporting memory formation of complex scenes. In addition, a functionally defined scene-sensitive region in the posterior MTL also showed similar increase and predicted better …
The Effects Of Tablets On Learning: Does Studying From A Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels,
2015
Claremont McKenna College
The Effects Of Tablets On Learning: Does Studying From A Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels, Devin M. Nishizaki
CMC Senior Theses
In recent years, students and educators alike have utilized new technologies such as tablet computers as a means of enhancing the learning process. While prior research suggests that these implementations within the classroom provide a new and beneficial method of relaying and learning information, scientists have begun to explore the possible side effects that these technologies have on the learning process. Although much of the current literature suggests that learning from an electronic screen does not affect efficacy compared to learning from printed text (Bayliss et al., 2012; Dundar & Akcayir, 2012), researchers continue to explore the possible consequences that …
Reducing Subjectivity: Meditation And Implicit Bias,
2015
Claremont McKenna College
Reducing Subjectivity: Meditation And Implicit Bias, Diana M. Ciuca
CMC Senior Theses
Implicit association of racial stereotypes is brought about by social conditioning (Greenwald & Krieger, 2006). This conditioning can be explained by attractor networks (Sharp, 2011). Reducing implicit bias through meditation can show the effectiveness of reducing the rigidity of attractor networks, thereby reducing subjectivity. Mindfulness meditation has shown to reduce bias from the use of one single guided session conducted before performing an Implicit Association Test (Lueke & Gibson, 2015). Attachment to socially conditioned racial bias should become less prevalent through practicing meditation over time. An experimental model is proposed to test this claim along with a reconceptualization of consciousness …
The Effects Of Social Anxiety And
State Anxiety On Visual Attention:
Testing The Vigilance–Avoidance Hypothesis,
2015
Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies
The Effects Of Social Anxiety And State Anxiety On Visual Attention: Testing The Vigilance–Avoidance Hypothesis, J. Suzanne Singh, Michelle C. Capozzoli, Michael Dodd, Debra Hope
Department of Psychology: Faculty Publications
A growing theoretical and research literature suggests that trait and state social anxiety can predict attentional patterns in the presence of emotional stimuli. The current study adds to this literature by examining the effects of state anxiety on visual attention and testing the vigilance– avoidance hypothesis, using a method of continuous visual attentional assessment. Participants were 91 undergraduate college students with high or low trait fear of negative evaluation (FNE), a core aspect of social anxiety, who were randomly assigned to either a high or low state anxiety condition. Participants engaged in a free view task in which pairs of …
Developing Executive Functions Through Mindfulness Training In School-Aged Children,
2015
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Developing Executive Functions Through Mindfulness Training In School-Aged Children, Ashley Black Adams
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Well-developed executive functions are necessary for successful classroom functioning. Students with executive function deficits can fall behind academically as well as socially and emotionally, relative to their same-aged peers. Effective interventions for developing executive functions within the school environment are essential for addressing this issue. This study examines changes in students’ executive functions as a result of their participation in a mindfulness training intervention. Participants included four ten-year old elementary school boys who took part in a ten-week mindfulness training intervention. The data were generated through pre and post assessments with an executive function teacher rating scale and a Goal-Attainment …
The Development And Tryout Of A Program Designed To Increase Students' Multiplication Fact Fluency,
2015
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Development And Tryout Of A Program Designed To Increase Students' Multiplication Fact Fluency, Linton D. Williams
PCOM Psychology Dissertations
Fluency skills are fundamental to the ability to complete relatively more complex problems using less mental energy. Most math curriculums do not stress the importance of automaticity of math facts. Variations in teaching styles and teaching modality seem to negate the true purpose for cementing and rapidly retrieving math facts. This study put to the test a program that was designed to increase students’ ability to retrieve multiplication facts fluently. The program exercised cognitive structures and enabled students to retrieve multiplication facts quickly. The results of a matched-pairs t-test indicated that after the students completed the course of the program, …
Emotional Enhancement And Repetition Effects During Working Memory In Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment,
2015
University of Kentucky
Emotional Enhancement And Repetition Effects During Working Memory In Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Lucas S. Broster
Theses and Dissertations--Clinical and Translational Science
This dissertation introduces a framework for understanding differences in how emotional enhancement effects might influence memory in aging adults and then summarizes the findings of three studies of how repetition effects and emotional enhancement effects influence working memory in older adults without cognitive impairment (NC), older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and older adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In these experiments, individuals with AD showed cognitive impairment in terms of accuracy and reaction time, but individuals with MCI showed milder behavioral impairment that was confined to manipulations of working memory. Individuals with AD showed relative sparing of …
The Educational Potential Of Alcohol-Related Flushing Among Chinese Young People,
2015
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Educational Potential Of Alcohol-Related Flushing Among Chinese Young People, Ian M. Newman, Duane F. Shell, Zhaoqing Huang, Ling Qian
Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications
Aim: This paper describes Chinese university students’ understanding of the meaning of the alcohol-related flushing response and how they reacted to their own and someone else’s flushing in a group drinking situation. Method: The researcher surveyed 530 Chinese university students about their understanding of flushing and their perception of how people respond to a person who visibly flushes while drinking alcohol. Findings: Most students did not know about the physiological cause of flushing. There were significant gender differences in both reactions to and perception of responses to a person who flushes. There was no direct relationship between flushing and drinking …
Teachers Matter: An Examination Of Student-Teacher Relationships, Attitudes Toward Bullying, And Bullying Behavior,
2015
University of Maryland at College Park
Teachers Matter: An Examination Of Student-Teacher Relationships, Attitudes Toward Bullying, And Bullying Behavior, Cixin Wang, Susan M. Swearer, Paige T. Lembeck, Adam Collins, Brandi Berry
Department of Educational Psychology: Faculty Publications
This study investigated the influence of student-teacher relationships and attitudes toward bullying on middle school students’ bullying behaviors. Gender and grade differences were also examined. Data were collected from 435 middle school students. Results indicated that students’ attitudes toward bullying mediated the relationship between student-teacher relationships and physical and verbal/relational bullying. There was a significant group difference on student-teacher relationships and attitudes toward bullying between bully, bully-victim, victim, and bystander groups and students not involved in bullying. In addition, sixth graders reported significantly more positive student-teacher relationships than seventh and eighth graders. Implications for the role of both cognitive and …
