Advances in Cognitive Sciences
Year:2019 | Volume:21 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:10

Introduction: Decision making is the most important aspect of both cognitive sciences and management. In most decision making models, cognitive components of decision making such as worldview, values and beliefs of the individual--which have a determinant role--are ignored. The goal of this study was to identify the cognitive components of decision making and develop a conceptual cognitive model. Method: To this end, content analysis method was carried out, and the relevant literature published between 1950-2018 in English and Persian articles, research reports, and books were reviewed until theoretical saturation of cognitive categories was reached. The cognitive components of decision making as reflected in 72 articles, 3 book chapters, 4 research reports, and 7 books were collected and analyzed in three cycles of iterative bottom-up processes of conceptualization, categorization and theorization which resulted in an interrelated set of concepts, categories and sub-categories. Results: The cognitive components of decision making as reflected in 72 articles, 6 book chapters, 4 research reports, and 7 books were collected and analyzed in three cycles of iterative bottom-up processes of conceptualization, categorization and theorization which resulted to an interrelated set of concepts, categories and sub-categories. Conclusion: The finding of the study was a set of eight cognitive categories effective in decision making. These categories which constitute the building blocks of a cognitive decision making model are described in the article in detail.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-talk on psychological and physiological responses of competitive anxiety of elite taekwondo athletes. Method: For this purpose, 33 male elite taekwondo athletes were selected and randomly divided into two groups: control (n= 16) and experiment (n= 14). In the pre-test (first competition), the cognitive components of competitive anxiety (cognitive anxiety, confidence and physical anxiety) and the physiological component of salivary cortisol were measured in both groups. The experimental group performed10 sessions of self-talk exercises and the control group had only physical exercises, and after the intervention, the post-test (second competition) was taken. One-variable covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that cognitive and physical anxiety decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group, and self-confidence increased. Also, salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test in experimental group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested to use self-talk to reduce the cognitive and physiological components of competitive anxiety.

Introduction: The Face Detection System is a biometric system which applies smart automatic methods to detect and/or verify a person’ s identity based on physiological features. The current study aims to use the improved HMAX model for face recognition. HMAX is a biological model inspired by the human vision system. Hence, to improve the function of HMAX model we used learning automata as it has free parameters of Alpha and Beta. Learning automata is able to predict in uncertain environments and is applied to increase the rate of human face recognition. Method: In this study used the standard FEI dataset as the input of the proposed model which incorporates 200 photos of Brazilian people. When the photos are read by the MATLAB software commands, they enter the phase of feature extract which is done through HMAX model filters. To measure the rate of face detection, all the extracted characteristics are categorized. The HMAX model parameters are determined through learning automata. HMAX is a hierarchical model with a four-layered system of C2, S2, C1, S1 for recognizing the fine features of photos. Moreover, we compared the improved HMAX model with the Genetic algorithm to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model. Results: The results of dataset analyses show a 94. 08 percent of face detection. Conclusion: So, we conclude that the face detection rate in the improved HMAX is more than the Genetic algorithm.

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of the type of feedback on learning a shooting task in high-and low-working memory individuals. Method: A quasi-experimental research was conducted on 40 students of the University of Isfahan with a mean age of 20. 65 years (SD = 2. 5) who were selected through convenience sampling and were assigned to high-and low-working memory groups based on memory quotient scores. The task required participants to shoot with an air rifle and then they were provided with knowledge of the result and performance. Wechler digit span adults test and Scatt Shooter software were used to collect the data, evaluate working memory quotient, and knowledge of performance respectively. All participants performed 30 trials during the practice phase, and 10 trials during the immediate and delayed retention phases. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance and two-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the collected data. Conclusion: The analyses demonstrated that during acquisition phase, high-working memory and knowledge of results groups’ shooting mean scores were significantly higher than the low-working memory and knowledge or performance groups. Moreover, in the immediate and delayed retention phases, shooting mean scores were significantly higher for high-working memory groups with knowledge of performance results, but not for the knowledge of results groups. In addition, shooting mean scores were significantly higher for low-working memory groups with knowledge of results, but not for the knowledge of performance groups. Therefore, it seems that working memory capacity may have an effect on learning motor task during feedback presentation.

Introduction: This interdisciplinary article is conducted to investigate the effects of the three components of color, illumination, type, and texture of environmental materials on people with dementia of Alzheimer’ s type with a neuropsychological approach. The aim of this article is to respond to the environmental needs of these patients to reduce cognitive impairment, behavioral disorders and improve their daily living activities. Method: is conducted by inductive qualitative content analysis method based on narrative review from 1970 to 2017. Down and Black checklist for quality assessment is used to include interventional research. Results: while color and illumination are classified into four categories, type and texture of environmental materials are categorized into two groups. Conclusion: cross-case analysis and comparative analysis showed that type, color, temperature, and illumination have non-pharmacological treatment on people with dementia and Alzheimer disease. Also, type and texture of environmental materials have an important role in their desired and / or undesirable mental and visual perception, rather than on their physiological state. The synergistic effect of color, illumination, type and texture of environmental materials can enhance the semantic environmental perception for people with dementia and Alzheimer’ s.

Introduction: Facial expressions of emotions are one of the most important tools for trustworthiness judgment among fellowmen, leading to stabilized social interactions. The goal of the current research was to compare judgment bias of individuals with high and low social anxiety relative to various dynamic facial expressions of emotions in different emotional intensity levels. Method: sixty students of Zanjan University were selected and assigned to high and low social anxiety groups based on their scores on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (BFNE) scale, and performed the task of Biased Judgment relative to dynamic facial emotional expressions. Data were analyzed using the mixed analysis of variance. Results: Participants by high levels of social anxiety showed more judgment bias than those by low levels of social anxiety group, and evaluated all of emotional expressions as more untrustworthiness. The faces’ untrustworthiness judgment threshold began at lower intensity in this group, relative to low social anxiety group. The threshold of judgment bias at angry and disgusted emotions in high social anxiety group began at zero intensity (neutral expression) and the bias was enhanced with increasing emotional intensity, but in low social anxiety group. This bias threshold began at 40% intensity. Conclusion: Biased judgment in relation to subtle facial emotions cues and distrust to these cues are among the important factors in etiology and continuation of social anxiety disorder. Therefore, using intervention methods for biased judgment reduction and increment trust to others in social interaction will have effects in anxiety symptoms reduction and quick treatment process.

Introduction: At the beginning of the 21st century, globalisation, as one of the most important scientific debates, has led to the competition of cities to gain economic profit. To be successful in this competition, cities should have some brands which are considered a new paradigm in urban marketing for attracting capital investment. One of the ways which can be used for identifying these brands is taking advantage of the city residents’ mental images. Method: Current study aims to identify the principal components of the Mashhad city, the second most significant religious metropolitan area of the world, through a qualitative approach and using mental images. Through identifying the forgotten districts of the city, some solutions are provided to maximise the use of current potentials. For this purpose, 400 Mashhad residents were reached through targeted sampling and were asked to draw their mental images and mention five most significant and memorable places of the city. Results: Findings show that the most important elements or brands of the Mashhad city are the Razavi Holy Shrine, Mellat Park, Shohada Square, as well as Kouhsangi and Vakil Abad. Also, it is understood that for many residents, Mashhad is mainly limited to the surrounding area of Razavi Holy Shrine or routes leading to it. Furthermore, some important places and routes like Shahid Gharani, Ferdowsi, Moalem and Abdulmutallab Boulevard are found as the forgotten areas and, consequently, incapable of benefiting the city and being attracted by its residents unless they are taken into consideration. Conclusion: The results indicate that the use of the residents’ perceptions of the city has a beneficial role in identifying the unnoticed areas of the city as well as creating branding in the national and transnational areas which need particular attention.

Introduction: Critical thinking refers to an informed and deliberate assessment of information to arrive at the correct judgment. Metacognition is one of the most important predictors of this variable that has been studied in this research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of meta-cognitive reading strategies (general, support, and problem-solving) in predicting Shiraz students-teachers′ critical thinking in the academic year of 2016-2017. Method: 234 students (180 girls and 54 boys) were selected through random cluster sampling and they completed California critical thinking questionnaire (Form B, 1990) and meta-cognitive reading strategies of Mokhtari & Richard(2002). Then, the data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression. Results: Findings indicated that there is a meaningful relationship between general, support and problem-solving meta-cognitive strategies with critical thinking. Also, multiple regression coefficients showed that global meta-cognitive strategy has no role in predicting critical thinking, but support and problem solving meta-cognitive strategies can predict critical thinking, and about 17 percent of the variance of critical thinking is explained through support and problem-solving meta-cognitive strategies. As the field of study, the different educational backgrounds of students before entering university and the different cultural context among the students are not included in this research, such factors could be the reason why the beta coefficient for the global strategy is not meaningful. Conclusion: According to the results of this research, support and problem-solving meta-cognitive reading strategies play role in prediction of critical thinking. Therefore, it is necessary to plan for teaching students-teachers the types of support and problem-solving meta-cognitive strategies.