Volume 1 Issue 2
Authors: Heidi Kloos; Guy Van Orden
Abstract: Children can link facts and events into integrated beliefs. This ability of the mind to combine facts to form higher-order Gestalts is central to many cognitive activities, including problem solving, analogical reasoning, and creative thought. In fact, it is central to the abduction of meaning: the creation of a self-sustaining pattern of ordered facts that are combined in the larger Gestalt. Abduction has mostly escaped experimental investigation, possibly because it often emerges instantly and non-linearly, and is thus difficult to trace with traditional models of cognition. In the current paper, we take steps towards filling this gap, using ideas from nonlinear dynamics and complexity science. The assumption is that products of abductive reasoning can emerge from competing sources of constraint, namely constraints that favor local facts (and contradict a congruent Gestalt) versus constraints that favor the congruent Gestalt (and override contradictory local facts). The experiments reviewed in this paper exploit situations of such conflicting constraints. The goal is, first, to provide evidence of congruent-Gestalt constraints in young children, and second, to explore the interaction among competing constraints. The outcome is a qualitative evaluation of parameter dynamics, the dynamics of a control parameter of abductive reasoning.
Keywords: Abduction; Reasoning; Nonlinear Dynamics; Constraints; Parameter Dynamics
Authors: Milad Jasemi
Abstract: Stock markets modeling to maximize stock traders incomes has always been a major concern. However, this field still suggests the need for more accurate and comprehensive models. In this paper subsequent to an introduction to the field of portfolio optimization, the main challenges of the field in development of new models are discussed, and then the potentiality of TA in improving the level of portfolio models is justified. The paper also proposes the general structure in which TA would be helpful.
Keywords: Psychology Of Market; Portfolio Selection; Emotional Models; Technical Analysis; Investment Decisions
Authors: Helene S. Wallach; David Yagil
Abstract: We examined if supervision of students performing field placement can enhance self concept. Third year Psychology (22) and Criminology (48) students took part in supervised field placement and filled out SDQ III, at the beginning and end of school year. Compared to first year students who did not take part in field placement, Psychology students reduced physical ability self concept, Criminology students reduced general self concept and total self concept, and combined group improved mathematical, academic and physical ability self concept less than the control group. Ratings of their experience demonstrate the importance of field placement to enhancing self-confidence, integrating theoretical knowledge, acquiring practical experience and deciding on their future. Thus, we found a confusing picture relating to the importance of supervision of field placement.
Keywords: Field Placement; Practicum; Clinical Training; Self-Concept; Self Confidence
Authors: Andrea Guazzini; Franco Bagnoli; Rosapia Lauro-Grotto; Alessandro Cini
Abstract: We present a research framework consisting of a standard chat environment and a set of analytical tools, able to detect some relevant characteristics of the group dynamics of interacting people. The analysis is independent of the semantic content of the exchanged messages, and the standardized interface avoids hard-to-detect non-verbal communications, still providing the expression of emotional contents. This study proposes a quantitative approach to the investigation of the cognitive small group dynamics, considering the personal representation of the others, and communication dynamics. We developed a framework for the analysis that merges the complex network theory with concepts from social psychology and sociophysics. The focus of the framework is a quantitative investigation of how people explore and build their cognitive representation of the social space. Moreover two different experimental tasks have been proposed in order to investigate the role of some ecological constraints on the cognitive heuristics used by the subjects. The results show how people behave differently with respect to the task they are facing. In particular the absolute and the relative frequencies of the messages and their qualitative aspects significantly differ between the two conditions, as so as the cognitive strategies used by subjects to assess the affinity with the others.
Keywords: Virtual Dynamics; Small Group; Social Psychology; Complex Systems