Abstract This paper explains that risk perception examines the opinions of people when asked to evaluate hazardous activities, substances and technologies, which helps policy-makers by improving communication between them and the public, by directing educational effort and by predicting public responses to new technologies, events and new risk management strategies. The author points out that the fields that have the most important influence in evaluating risk perception are (1) geography because of the recent broadening of focus on technological hazards, (2) sociology and anthropology because risk perception is influenced by friends, family and co-workers, and (3) psychology because of the use of psycho-physical scaling and multivariate analysis techniques to produce quantitative representations or'cognitivemaps' of risk attitudes and perceptions, which demonstrate that every hazard has a unique pattern of qualities related to its perceived risk. The paper states that, for the last 30 years, instead of asking how to prevent lead poisoning, the medical community has taken a risk assessment approach, asking, "How much lead is safe for industry to put into children?"
From the Paper "The present 'risk balance' situation also does not appear to differentiate between different sorts of risk. For example, a one in 1000 risk imposed on someone is different to a one in 1000 risk accepted by someone. It is often the case that the risk from using a chemical, say, is borne by the population as a whole, whereas the benefits accrue only to a minority. This is inequitable, and a new focus in risk - allowing a product on the market only if it passes a criterion of 'social need' for example, would ensure that inequitable distributions of costs and benefits were reduced."
This paper reviews and analyzes Simon Winchester's biography, "The Map that Changed the World," which describes how William Smith indelibly changed the face of geological science.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the life and accomplishments of William Smith, the English geologist credited for creating the first geological map. This paper examines how Smith's maps shifted public perception regarding the creation of the universe. This paper reviews Simon Winchester's biography, "The Map that Changed the World," which summarizes Smith's life, his achievements and the impacts made on the scientific community due to his research. Smith's early work with canal digging companies and within the mining industry enabled him to become more aware of what lie beneath the surface of the land. This paper focuses on Smith's fascination with the earth, rocks and fossils, which led to the creation of his first geological map of Bath. Influenced by other cartography and on extant atlases, Smith devised special colorization systems for his geological maps, which are discussed in this paper. This paper also examines Smith's longing for more recognition than he was afforded during his lifetime. While Smith's maps were published during his lifetime, what should have been the high point of his life marked the beginning of a downward spiral, when many of his personal and professional relationships fell apart. This paper examines why centuries after his death, geologists still pay homage to William Smith, the father of modern geology.
From the Paper "His early work with canal digging companies and within the mining industry enabled William Smith to become more aware of what lie beneath the surface of the land. There could be no better situation for a man who loved geology in the eighteenth century than being paid to dig deep under the ground. Thus, his professional work offered him a private pleasure and a convenient means by which to formulate, develop, and prove his theories. On his own, while he traveled as a surveyor for the Somerset Coal Canal Company, Smith observed how sedimentary layers of rock were arranged in patterns across the land. Somerset Coal Canal Company was not so much interested in the scientific implications for Smith's findings as in their financial implications. For instance, when he was first hired, Smith noticed how English villages rest on top of "a score of complex, broken, twisted, and contorted seams of coal." For Smith, his work meant unlocking some of the earth's deepest secrets."
Abstract This paper discusses the methodology described in an article by Christopher J. Moran and Elisabeth N. Bui entitled "Spatial Data Mining for Enhanced Soil Map Modeling". This paper notes the terrain attributes the researchers saw as better-suited to landscape description as predictors of soil type, using a map sampling strategy and testing it on a region in eastern Australia.
From the Paper "Christopher J. Moran and Elisabeth N. Bui test a new methodology for improving the quality of the soil map models generated by rule induction. In their method, the researchers considered terrain attributes they saw as better-suited to landscape description as predictors of soil type, using a map sampling strategy. The authors use the Murray-Darling Basin (MBD) in eastern Australia as an example of an area not now covered by any detailed form of land-resource inventory, and the authors use their method of spatial modeling to develop soil-landscape models in areas that have been surveyed and then to extend these across the unmapped areas. While this is a logical approach, it raises the question of how certain the authors can be that the model for mapped areas can be extended across unmapped areas. "
Abstract This paper begins with a review of the literature on the cognitive and affective bases of behavior. The review is followed by a brief description of neural networking model of cognition. The paper concludes with an attempt to answer the central question, the purposes of affect in the neural networking model.
Introduction
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior - Sampling of literature
Neural Networking Model of Cognition How can you account for the purposes of affect in a neural networking
model of cognition?
From the Paper "Neural network (NN) modeling has developed as a major component of science's attempt to understand the brain. NN modeling attempts to answer the fundamental question of how does the brain's formidable information-processing abilities emerge from the self-organizing behavior of a collection of relatively simple neurons?"
This paper provides a critique of the research paper "Does Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?" by van Hooren et al.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the main hypothesis of the study, "Does Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?", can be stated as follows: while hearing aids show significant results in terms of auditory improvement, there is no proof to suggest a related improvement or increase in cognitive ability as a result of the application of a hearing aid. The writer explains that the study refers to cognitive functions such as memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed. The writer also explains that it should be noted at the outset that this hypothesis presupposes a connection, albeit based on prior research sources, between hearing or hearing enhancements and cognitive functioning. Thus, this is an aspect that forms part of the critique in this analysis of the paper. The writer points out that it is also suggested that the methodology used to ascertain cognitive correlation is to some extent not adequate in terms of the complexity of determining quantitatively a definite link between hearing aids and improved cognition.
From the Paper "The methodology used in this study was comparatively simple and conventionally straight-forward. In essence a relatively small number or participants were used in this study - which is also a point of contention with regard to the results and conclusion of this research. In total there were fifty-six participants (mean age 0/72.5) who were fitted with hearing aids were compared with 46 control participants (mean age 0/74.5) with an equivalent impairment, but who were not fitted with a hearing aid. The study took cognizance of a number of variables and factors that could influence the results of the experiment. These included neurocognitive tests after 12 months. However, it is also possible that these tests in terms of personality and individual psychological components were not sufficient. This aspect is possibly one of the reasons why the study did not return the expected correlation between hearing aids and cognitive improvement."
Tags: memory, attention, cognition, sensory, organ
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts various cognition principles as applied to a high school journalism class. Specifically, the paper examines situated cognition,distributed cognition,and socially shared cognition principles. The paper looks at commonalities and differences and analyzes what objectives are easily assessed from each theoretical framework.
From the Paper "The students in a 12th grade journalism class are learning interviewing skills and how to assemble a news story. The students are assigned to travel to the local government center where reporters are assembling for a statewide video-feed media conference with the governor of the state. There, they will join working reporters who will question the governor after she makes her opening remarks. Instructional Objectives: Each student will be able to: 1. Determine the newsworthiness of topics for a news stories. 2. Select the most newsworthy topic. 3. Plan and write a news story for publication on the same day. 4. Publish the edited story on the class web site as part of the school's intranet. Assessment Methods: 1. News stories will be reviewed for understanding of basic journalistic concepts taught in class."
Abstract This paper discusses IQ tests: their history, their significance and their conclusions. It discusses the first IQ tests in history and explains how the idea came about. It defines several relevant psychological terms such as cognition, intelligence, thinking, and more. It studies the environmental and genetic causes of low cognitive ability: Finally, it concludes that cognition and the study of the brain will develop greatly in the future using FMRI's and other new techniques.
From the Paper "Ever since Simon and Binet developed the first intelligence test in 1905, the field of psychology has maintained a strong interest in the nature of intelligence. How do we think? Why are some people better problem solvers than others? What is cognition, the ability to think about our environment? Why are some people consistently more able to use their brains to think, to remember, and to problem-solve than others?"
An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract The essay evaluates three different intelligence or cognitive tests, namely Raven's test, the Mental Alertness test (HSRC) and the Cognitive Process Profile. These tests are used in both academic and workplace settings and are mainly critiqued in this essay according to their manual information, norm groups, reliability, purpose, and item content.
From the Paper "Intelligence tests are being used increasingly to assist individuals in educational planning, and in making decisions about aspects of their own lives" (Anastasi & Urbina, 1997). Raven's tests have been described as "tests of observation and clear thinking"( Raven et al., 1998, p.657). The Mental Alertness test is to provide measures of general intelligence, arithmetical ability and certain language abilities (Lombard, 1975). A strength of the Cognitive Process Profile is that it measures learning potential and involves a teach-test-teach approach (CPP Manual, 2000).?
Abstract This is a review of a cognitive psychology article that found that older adults can accurately assess the side effects of their own medications -- something that tends to be dismissed by health professionals who do not believe that older adults have sufficient cognitive skills to make such assessments.
Abstract This is a three-page paper on cognitive dissonance. A person who can handle one situation well, but not another tends to experience discomfort from cognitive dissonance. The paper explores How this can affect others in business or at the workplace.
Abstract This paper identifies three assumptions on cognitive development that may already be outdated or no longer apply to current developments and discusses propositions that may be accepted in the current period. Moreover, the paper compares and differentiates two great minds in cognitive theory, Bruner and Vygotsky.
From the Paper "There are many ways in which cognitive development can be learned and studied, but I just want to point out three assumptions on children and human nature which might be problematic for educators, specifically early childhood educators. The separation of mind and body: It is usual to think that thinking from feeling and thinking from social interaction is separate. The cognitive becomes attached to the logical, reasoned, rule-governed, and thoughtful; non-cognitive becomes everything else, including the intuitive, the emotional, and the social. We assume that developments on the cognitive side of the fence can be isolated, observed, described and even fostered without direct involvement of non-cognitive processes (Siefert, 2002). Unfortunately, this assumption is far from the fact, that work with children routinely requires attention to the common influence of the cognitive and non-cognitive. Unfortunately, the facts uncovered about this assumption is still being used today and textbooks, research programs and entire academic careers are arranged in such a way."
Abstract This paper examines cognitive theories and the cognitive approach to treatment of patients with Alzheimer's Disease. The paper focuses on the psychological aspects of treatment.
From the Paper "The paper begins with a brief review of the nature of Alzheimer's Disease. It is then noted that, while historically it has been thought that there was little to be done in order to improve the functioning of people with this disorder, cognitive theories and cognitive interventions have changed this view. The paper then discuses how cognitive theories have helped to produce greater insight and understanding into the..."
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses the process of learning as a global one. The writer discusses that cognitive therapy or behavioral therapy has often been used as a treatment method for various mental disabilities. The writer maintains that the process of cognitive therapy also has universal or global potential in treating psychopathology. The writer continues that this could be the case - although certain individuals - and certain pathologies - are more amenable to such treatment than are others.
From the Paper "Cognitive therapy also called cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be a highly effective method of treatment for a number of different mental disabilities. Cognitive therapy incorporates one of the core models of psychology classical conditioning and learning with the more recently developed concept of cognitive distortion to help individuals change the way in which they interpret the world around them. This paper examines the model of cognitive therapy looking in particular at the function of interpretation in the process of cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapy is based on the ... "
This paper details the primary goal and resulting impact of applying Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory in educational math books geared towards young children.
Abstract This paper defines and details Piaget's theory of cognitive development which became popular in the 1960s. This paper delves into the principles of Piaget's theory pertaining to the human mind and how it processes and retains information in the early stages of life. The writer of this paper analyzes the manner in which Piaget's cognitive development philosophy can be seen in practice in math books geared towards young children. Using Piaget's theory as a guide writers of math books build upon the assumption that children grasp the most basic of concepts thereby giving them the tools necessary to discover and understand the basics of mathematics. This paper details the manner in which this particular theory has already been put into practice and its resulting impact. One of the examples discussed in this paper include the "Monster Math Picnic" by Grace Maccarone which focuses on adding and subtracting by way of rhyming which encourages young children to think about math in a fun yet educational way.
From the Paper "Having an understanding of the stages of learning, according to Piaget helps one to determine the best way to convey information, such as mathematical concepts at certain stages. Rote learning, for example, is one such way very young children retain what they learn. Rather than promoting understanding through illustrating the idea, the author uses "sufficient repetition." Yet while rote learning can be effective in learning to count, it seems to lose its effectiveness when the child more complicated tasks such as addition and subtraction. A book that makes effective use of rote learning is 123 Count with Me! a counting book published by the makers of Sesame Street. In the story, the character of Cookie monster counts to ten by eating cookies. First he puts one cookie in his mouth. And then after he eats it, he then puts two cookies in his mouth."
