Articles tagged with Cognitive Psychology
A new review article identifies major themes in AI application to neurosciences, including a 5-fold increase in AI-related publications. The study also notes a surge of over 13-fold in clinical neurology AI-related publications in the past decade.
A new study of over 1,500 individuals in the US and Europe found that those prone to nostalgia have more close friends and work harder to maintain their relationships. Nostalgia is associated with a greater number of strong social ties and better overall health and wellbeing.
Research at Michigan State University found that dopamine plays a key role in reshaping memories of past rewarding events. This unexpected function challenges existing theories of dopamine and has implications for understanding addiction, depression, and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
A new study reveals that integrating smoking cessation support into NHS Talking Therapies for depression and anxiety significantly increases quit rates. Patients are more than twice as likely to quit smoking when receiving combined support, improving both physical and mental health outcomes.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact by prioritizing vegetarian and plant-based options on restaurant menus. By strategically framing these dishes as first choices, hotels can guide guests toward more sustainable food choices.
A new review of clinical trials found that single-session interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes for both youth and adults, with 83% reporting positive effects. The approach is poised to fill gaps in the mental health care system, particularly for digital, self-guided therapies.
Researchers found that textisms like adding periods after each word or putting words in individual bubbles can add emotional intensity to messages. The study suggests that readers interpret these textisms as conveying emotion, assuming they were included deliberately.
A UC Merced study revealed a significant gap in false-belief understanding among preschool children, with lower socioeconomic groups showing the most impact. Children from higher-income backgrounds showed little cognitive effect from lockdowns.
Researchers suggest that learning different facets of information in each session and retrieving information from memory in various ways can lead to better memory retention. This method involves creating multiple paths to memorized information, which can be used to retrieve the information more effectively.
Maital Neta, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor, has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Her lab explores how people cope with uncertainty, and her work has been featured in partnerships with Nebraska Athletics and the National Institutes of Health.
Researchers investigated how individuals with anorexia and eating disorders perceive body weight, finding they underestimate the weight of smaller hands and overestimate the weight of larger hands. This study suggests two different mechanisms for weight perception in body parts versus objects.
Dr. Cathy Barr's groundbreaking research sheds light on the genetic foundations of conditions including depression, ADHD, reading disabilities, and Tourette syndrome. Her work has the potential to lead to more targeted treatments and reduce stigma around psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Waseda University found that somatosensory electrical stimulation on the wrist can bias subsequent motor decisions, increasing the likelihood of using the stimulated hand. This phenomenon highlights a connection between sensory input and motor choices, with potential implications for individuals with motor impairments.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that older adults in the U.K. are more likely to be repeatedly victimized by cybercrime, resulting in significant financial loss. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to factors such as health conditions and social isolation.
A US study found that mothers carry the majority of the 'mental load' in managing daily household tasks. The imbalance affects not only family life but also women's careers and public life. Researchers encourage families to share the workload more fairly, benefiting everyone.
A new study from UC San Diego reveals that dogs trained on soundboards can make deliberate two-word button combinations to express their needs and desires. The research found that these sequences are not random but rather reflect specific requests, such as accessing the outdoors or obtaining treats.
A new study from Kessler Foundation scientists examines the determinants of feedback-seeking behavior and its impact on learning. The findings suggest that low confidence in task performance significantly motivates individuals to seek corrective feedback, which enhances learning outcomes.
A Tel Aviv University study identified key brain mechanisms disrupted by SHANK3 gene mutations, leading to autism. The research found that genetic treatment improved oligodendrocytes' communication sites, promoting proper development and function.
Researchers created digital reconstructions of Aztec death whistles and found they produce unique air turbulence, creating a chilling sound. Listeners perceived the whistle's sound as natural and organic, similar to human voices or screams, suggesting a symbolic association with mythological entities.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that teenagers become more sensitive to threats after a few hours alone, regardless of digital connection. This increased threat response can lead to anxiety and unease, even in the presence of online interactions.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that brief cognitive behavioral therapy via video telehealth reduces suicide attempts and suicidal ideation, providing critical insight into treatment options for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. The study also shows that this therapy is effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
Children with asthma show lower scores on episodic memory tasks compared to their peers without the condition. Earlier onset and longer duration of asthma also contribute to slower memory development over time.
A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.
A new study from UT Arlington found that setting reminders can significantly reduce age-related declines in memory, particularly in prospective memory. The study suggests that reminders help counteract cognitive strain by making memory retrieval less reliant on internal processes.
A new study by Concordia researchers found that one-third of adult childhood cancer survivors experience a severe fear of cancer recurrence, which can cause real distress. The study highlights the need for improved treatment and screening for this understudied population.
Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.
A recent study published in PNAS found that Japanese macaques do not experience maternal mortality during childbirth despite having a similar pelvis-to-head ratio to humans. The researchers believe that the flexibility of their pelvic girdle and birth dynamics may be key factors contributing to this lack of risk.
A new study published in Current Biology found that our brains organize experiences into individual events based on what we currently care about and are paying attention to. The researchers used audio narratives to test this hypothesis, finding that people's brain activity creates new chapters depending on their perspective.
Research reveals people's perception of a food's appeal and calorie content is biased towards their previous rating, creating a chain reaction. This 'serial dependence' can inform strategies for food marketers and have potential applications in addressing eating disorders.
Researchers found that older adults who were more attuned to their heartbeat were better at spotting liars and phishing emails. This study suggests that training people in body awareness could improve deception detection skills, particularly among the elderly, who lose an estimated $28 billion annually to financial scams.
Researchers are developing AI technology to quantify emotions, improving emotional recognition in fields like healthcare, education, and customer service. This technology can create personalized experiences and enhance comprehension of human emotions, revolutionizing human-computer interactions and mental health assessments.
Researchers discovered that video backgrounds, particularly those with motion, increase cognitive load leading to fatigue. Blurred images and nature-themed backgrounds were found to be less tiring than static images or office settings.
A new study from King's College London found that people often hold incorrect assumptions about others with different political views. Despite seeking more information, participants were unable to accurately predict the thoughts and opinions of those in their out-group.
A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.
Researchers at WVU created a motion-compatible brain scanner that allows patients to move around during imaging. The Ambulatory Motion-enabling PET (AMPET) scanner can help study human behaviors, balance, and emotions, and may be used to monitor brain activity for PTSD treatment and mindfulness meditation.
A meta-analysis of 170 studies found that mental effort is consistently associated with unpleasant feelings such as frustration, irritation, stress or annoyance. The association holds true across different populations, including health care employees, military personnel, amateur athletes and college students.
This study highlights small to moderate effect sizes of early childhood screen use on cognition and social skills, emphasizing the importance of considering context when making recommendations; intentional and productive screen use, age-appropriate content, and co-use with caregivers are key factors.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...
The ZEN-MRI project, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, aims to achieve a congenial co-existence between human beings and robots in public areas. Researchers will investigate how to design robots that are perceived as unthreatening and sympathetic.
A research team led by Professor Yow Wei Quin found that implementing cognitive training in a dual-language mode improves the cognitive abilities of older adults. The Dual-Language Intervention in Semantic memory – Computerised (DISC) tool is a game-based application designed to encourage independent play and improve cognitive function.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as effective as face-to-face CBT in treating anxiety and depression in children and young people. The study highlights the potential of technology-assisted CBT to expand access to mental health treatment.
A pilot study found that methylphenidate enhances oculomotor function in individuals with multiple sclerosis, improving visual processing speed. The treatment also showed promise for mitigating cognitive symptoms associated with MS.
Researchers have published an extensive eye-tracking dataset of over 410,000 words for Japanese students learning English. The Tsukuba Eye-tracking Corpus (TECO) provides valuable data for studying reading comprehension and second language acquisition.
A randomized controlled trial at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that using the SAGE test during routine appointments led to a sixfold increase in early diagnoses. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this simple, self-administered tool for detecting cognitive impairment.
A small study compares healthy brains of young and old, finding normal ageing associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability in Alzheimer's Disease vulnerable areas. This increased permeability may contribute to disease progression.
Research by Niigata University found that people tend to underestimate the probability of minority inclusion, often using heuristics and stereotypes. However, when provided with mathematical probabilities, attitudes towards minorities shifted towards more inclusive views.
A new study at Hebrew University found that guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves depression and insomnia symptoms over time. The study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in predicting treatment outcomes.
Research at Ruhr-University Bochum found that preschool children tend to prepare for upcoming events by considering how bad it will feel to lose, rather than how good it will feel to win. This pessimistic outlook motivates them to behave proactively in the present.
A male Sumatran orangutan applied sap from a climbing plant with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to a facial wound, closing it within five days. This self-medication behavior may have originated in a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.
Researchers at Aston University discovered that experienced Ordnance Survey mapmakers and novices interpret aerial images differently. The experts rely on stereoscopic cues, while novices focus on lighting cues, leading to improved performance through repeated exposure and perceptual learning.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who use willpower to achieve goals are perceived as more trustworthy. Those who rely on external strategies, such as commitment strategies, are viewed as less capable of self-control and therefore less trustworthy.
Research analyzed over 130 studies to find that touch benefits mental health, especially when administered by parents to infants. Touch can reduce pain, depression, and anxiety in adults, with a positive effect on cardiovascular factors.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.
Researchers found that our brain processes vision in a rhythmic manner, increasing sensitivity during steps and decreasing it. This discovery has implications for understanding human behavior, decision-making, and potential applications in sports science and diagnostics.
A new study from Drexel University's Creativity Research Lab reveals that the creative flow state involves two key factors: extensive experience and release of control. High-experience musicians experienced flow more often and intensely than low-experience musicians, suggesting expertise enables flow.
A study published in British Journal of Psychology found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory. They were able to complete number-letter tasks and maze activities faster than non-gamers, with no significant difference in cognitive fatigue experienced.
A recent twin study published in Human Brain Mapping has found that genetics play a significant role in brain activity during emotional and cognitive tasks, with some factors being exclusive to environment. The study used functional MRI scans on twins to analyze the relationship between genetics and environment in brain function.
Research reveals oxytocin neurons in mouse brain modulate object recognition memory, with activation boosting long-term memory and implicating Alzheimer's disease. Oxytocin's role in social memory also highlighted, suggesting a potential link to loneliness or limited social engagement.
Dr. Jean Chen receives grant to investigate cognitive behaviour therapy's effect on caregiver brain health, reducing dementia risk and improving overall wellbeing. The research aims to optimize CBT use for Canadians living with depression.
A recent study found that people are more satisfied in relationships where they feel like they are being supported, rather than when they feel like they know their partner. By highlighting what you want to be known by a potential partner, you can increase your appeal on dating sites.