@article{BlaserWeymarWendt2023, author = {Blaser, Berenike Lisa and Weymar, Mathias and Wendt, Julia}, title = {The effect of a single-session heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control}, series = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1292983}, pages = {13}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Introduction Vagally mediated heart rate variability is an index of autonomic nervous system activity that is associated with a large variety of outcome variables including psychopathology and self-regulation. While practicing heart rate variability biofeedback over several weeks has been reliably associated with a number of positive outcomes, its acute effects are not well known. As the strongest association with vagally mediated heart rate variability has been found particularly within the attention-related subdomain of self-regulation, we investigated the acute effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control using the revised Attention Network Test. Methods Fifty-six participants were tested in two sessions. In one session each participant received a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention, and in the other session a control intervention of paced breathing at a normal ventilation rate. After the biofeedback or control intervention, participants completed the Attention Network Test using the Orienting Score as a measure of attentional control. Results Mixed models revealed that higher resting baseline vagally mediated heart rate variability was associated with better performance in attentional control, which suggests more efficient direction of attention to target stimuli. There was no significant main effect of the intervention on attentional control. However, an interaction effect indicated better performance in attentional control after biofeedback in individuals who reported higher current stress levels. Discussion The results point to acute beneficial effects of heart rate variability biofeedback on cognitive performance in highly stressed individuals. Although promising, the results need to be replicated in larger or more targeted samples in order to reach stronger conclusions about the effects.}, language = {en} } @article{NguyenGeorgieKayhanetal.2021, author = {Nguyen, Dong Hai Phuong and Georgie, Yasmin Kim and Kayhan, Ezgi and Eppe, Manfred and Hafner, Verena Vanessa and Wermter, Stefan}, title = {Sensorimotor representation learning for an "active self" in robots}, series = {K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz : KI ; Forschung, Entwicklung, Erfahrungen ; Organ des Fachbereichs 1 K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz der Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Informatik e.V., GI / Fachbereich 1 der Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Informatik e.V}, volume = {35}, journal = {K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz : KI ; Forschung, Entwicklung, Erfahrungen ; Organ des Fachbereichs 1 K{\"u}nstliche Intelligenz der Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Informatik e.V., GI / Fachbereich 1 der Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Informatik e.V}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {0933-1875}, doi = {10.1007/s13218-021-00703-z}, pages = {9 -- 35}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Safe human-robot interactions require robots to be able to learn how to behave appropriately in spaces populated by people and thus to cope with the challenges posed by our dynamic and unstructured environment, rather than being provided a rigid set of rules for operations. In humans, these capabilities are thought to be related to our ability to perceive our body in space, sensing the location of our limbs during movement, being aware of other objects and agents, and controlling our body parts to interact with them intentionally. Toward the next generation of robots with bio-inspired capacities, in this paper, we first review the developmental processes of underlying mechanisms of these abilities: The sensory representations of body schema, peripersonal space, and the active self in humans. Second, we provide a survey of robotics models of these sensory representations and robotics models of the self; and we compare these models with the human counterparts. Finally, we analyze what is missing from these robotics models and propose a theoretical computational framework, which aims to allow the emergence of the sense of self in artificial agents by developing sensory representations through self-exploration.}, language = {en} } @article{SchwetlickBackhausEngbert2023, author = {Schwetlick, Lisa and Backhaus, Daniel and Engbert, Ralf}, title = {A dynamical scan-path model for task-dependence during scene viewing}, series = {Psychological review}, volume = {130}, journal = {Psychological review}, number = {3}, publisher = {American Psychological Association}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0033-295X}, doi = {10.1037/rev0000379}, pages = {807 -- 840}, year = {2023}, abstract = {In real-world scene perception, human observers generate sequences of fixations to move image patches into the high-acuity center of the visual field. Models of visual attention developed over the last 25 years aim to predict two-dimensional probabilities of gaze positions for a given image via saliency maps. Recently, progress has been made on models for the generation of scan paths under the constraints of saliency as well as attentional and oculomotor restrictions. Experimental research demonstrated that task constraints can have a strong impact on viewing behavior. Here, we propose a scan-path model for both fixation positions and fixation durations, which include influences of task instructions and interindividual differences. Based on an eye-movement experiment with four different task conditions, we estimated model parameters for each individual observer and task condition using a fully Bayesian dynamical modeling framework using a joint spatial-temporal likelihood approach with sequential estimation. Resulting parameter values demonstrate that model properties such as the attentional span are adjusted to task requirements. Posterior predictive checks indicate that our dynamical model can reproduce task differences in scan-path statistics across individual observers.}, language = {en} } @article{deCarvalhoSouzaBarrocasFischeretal.2023, author = {de Carvalho Souza, Alyson Matheus and Barrocas, Roberta and Fischer, Martin H. and Arnaud, Emanuel and Moeller, Korbinian and Renn{\´o}-Costa, C{\´e}sar}, title = {Combining virtual reality and tactile stimulation to investigate embodied finger-based numerical representations}, series = {Frontiers in psychology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, volume = {14}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-1078}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1119561}, pages = {13}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Finger-based representation of numbers is a high-level cognitive strategy to assist numerical and arithmetic processing in children and adults. It is unclear whether this paradigm builds on simple perceptual features or comprises several attributes through embodiment. Here we describe the development and initial testing of an experimental setup to study embodiment during a finger-based numerical task using Virtual Reality (VR) and a low-cost tactile stimulator that is easy to build. Using VR allows us to create new ways to study finger-based numerical representation using a virtual hand that can be manipulated in ways our hand cannot, such as decoupling tactile and visual stimuli. The goal is to present a new methodology that can allow researchers to study embodiment through this new approach, maybe shedding new light on the cognitive strategy behind the finger-based representation of numbers. In this case, a critical methodological requirement is delivering precisely targeted sensory stimuli to specific effectors while simultaneously recording their behavior and engaging the participant in a simulated experience. We tested the device's capability by stimulating users in different experimental configurations. Results indicate that our device delivers reliable tactile stimulation to all fingers of a participant's hand without losing motion tracking quality during an ongoing task. This is reflected by an accuracy of over 95\% in participants detecting stimulation of a single finger or multiple fingers in sequential stimulation as indicated by experiments with sixteen participants. We discuss possible application scenarios, explain how to apply our methodology to study the embodiment of finger-based numerical representations and other high-level cognitive functions, and discuss potential further developments of the device based on the data obtained in our testing.}, language = {en} } @article{AgtheKayserSchwarzetal.2023, author = {Agthe, Maria and Kayser, Daniela Niesta and Schwarz, Sascha and Maner, Jon K.}, title = {Antecedents of the red-romance effect}, series = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, volume = {18}, journal = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, number = {4}, publisher = {PLOS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0284035}, pages = {19}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The color red has been implicated in a variety of social processes, including those involving mating. While previous research suggests that women sometimes wear red strategically to increase their attractiveness, the replicability of this literature has been questioned. The current research is a reasonably powered conceptual replication designed to strengthen this literature by testing whether women are more inclined to display the color red 1) during fertile (as compared with less fertile) days of the menstrual cycle, and 2) when expecting to interact with an attractive man (as compared with a less attractive man and with a control condition). Analyses controlled for a number of theoretically relevant covariates (relationship status, age, the current weather). Only the latter hypothesis received mixed support (mainly among women on hormonal birth control), whereas results concerning the former hypothesis did not reach significance. Women (N = 281) displayed more red when expecting to interact with an attractive man; findings did not support the prediction that women would increase their display of red on fertile days of the cycle. Findings thus suggested only mixed replicability for the link between the color red and psychological processes involving romantic attraction. They also illustrate the importance of further investigating the boundary conditions of color effects on everyday social processes.}, language = {en} } @article{WarschburgerKamrathLanzingeretal.2023, author = {Warschburger, Petra and Kamrath, Clemens and Lanzinger, Stefanie and Sengler, Claudia and Wiegand, Susanna and G{\"o}ldel, Julia Marlen and Weihrauch-Bl{\"u}her, Susann and Holl, Reinhard and Minden, Kirsten}, title = {A prospective analysis of the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and health care among children with a chronic condition and their families}, series = {BMC pediatrics}, volume = {23}, journal = {BMC pediatrics}, number = {1}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1471-2431}, doi = {10.1186/s12887-023-03912-7}, pages = {15}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background There is consistent evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased psychosocial burden on children and adolescents and their parents. Relatively little is known about its particular impact on high-risk groups with chronic physical health conditions (CCs). Therefore, the primary aim of the study is to analyze the multiple impacts on health care and psychosocial well-being on these children and adolescents and their parents. Methods We will implement a two-stage approach. In the first step, parents and their underage children from three German patient registries for diabetes, obesity, and rheumatic diseases, are invited to fill out short questionnaires including questions about corona-specific stressors, the health care situation, and psychosocial well-being. In the next step, a more comprehensive, in-depth online survey is carried out in a smaller subsample. Discussion The study will provide insights into the multiple longer-term stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic in families with a child with a CC. The simultaneous consideration of medical and psycho-social endpoints will help to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interactions affecting family functioning, psychological well-being, and health care delivery.}, language = {en} } @article{MichirevKuehneLindemannetal.2023, author = {Michirev, Alexej and K{\"u}hne, Katharina and Lindemann, Oliver and Fischer, Martin H. and Raab, Markus}, title = {How to not induce SNAs}, series = {PLoS one}, volume = {18}, journal = {PLoS one}, number = {6}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0288038}, pages = {23}, year = {2023}, abstract = {People respond faster to smaller numbers in their left space and to larger numbers in their right space. Here we argue that movements in space contribute to the formation of spatial-numerical associations (SNAs). We studied the impact of continuous isometric forces along the horizontal or vertical cardinal axes on SNAs while participants performed random number production and arithmetic verification tasks. Our results suggest that such isometric directional force do not suffice to induce SNAs.}, language = {en} } @article{WarschburgerGmeinerBondueetal.2023, author = {Warschburger, Petra and Gmeiner, Michaela Silvia and Bond{\"u}, Rebecca and Klein, Alexandra-Maria and Busching, Robert and Elsner, Birgit}, title = {Self-regulation as a resource for coping with developmental challenges during middle childhood and adolescence}, series = {BMC Psychology}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMC Psychology}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {London}, issn = {2050-7283}, doi = {10.1186/s40359-023-01140-3}, pages = {21}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background Self-regulation (SR) as the ability to regulate one's own physical state, emotions, cognitions, and behavior, is considered to play a pivotal role in the concurrent and subsequent mental and physical health of an individual. Although SR skills encompass numerous sub-facets, previous research has often focused on only one or a few of these sub-facets, and only rarely on adolescence. Therefore, little is known about the development of the sub-facets, their interplay, and their specific contributions to future developmental outcomes, particularly in adolescence. To fill these research gaps, this study aims to prospectively examine (1) the development of SR and (2) their influence on adolescent-specific developmental outcomes in a large community sample. Methods/design Based on previously collected data from the Potsdam Intrapersonal Developmental Risk (PIER) study with three measurement points, the present prospective, longitudinal study aims to add a fourth measurement point (PIERYOUTH). We aim to retain at least 1074 participants now between 16 and 23 years of the initially 1657 participants (6-11 years of age at the first measurement point in 2012/2013; 52.2\% female). The study will continue to follow a multi-method (questionnaires, physiological assessments, performance-based computer tasks), multi-facet (assessing various domains of SR), and multi-rater (self-, parent-, and teacher-report) approach. In addition, a broad range of adolescent-specific developmental outcomes is considered. In doing so, we will cover the development of SR and relevant outcomes over the period of 10 years. In addition, we intend to conduct a fifth measurement point (given prolonged funding) to investigate development up to young adulthood. Discussion With its broad and multimethodological approach, PIERYOUTH aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the development and role of various SR sub-facets from middle childhood to adolescence. The large sample size and low drop-out rates in the first three measurements points form a sound database for our present prospective research.Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, registration number DRKS00030847.}, language = {en} } @article{DumontReady2023, author = {Dumont, Hanna and Ready, Douglas D. D.}, title = {On the promise of personalized learning for educational equity}, series = {npj science of learning}, volume = {8}, journal = {npj science of learning}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2056-7936}, doi = {10.1038/s41539-023-00174-x}, pages = {6}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Students enter school with a vast range of individual differences, resulting from the complex interplay between genetic dispositions and unequal environmental conditions. Schools thus face the challenge of organizing instruction and providing equal opportunities for students with diverse needs. Schools have traditionally managed student heterogeneity by sorting students both within and between schools according to their academic ability. However, empirical evidence suggests that such tracking approaches increase inequalities. In more recent years, driven largely by technological advances, there have been calls to embrace students' individual differences in the classroom and to personalize students' learning experiences. A central justification for personalized learning is its potential to improve educational equity. In this paper, we discuss whether and under which conditions personalized learning can indeed increase equity in K-12 education by bringing together empirical and theoretical insights from different fields, including the learning sciences, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. We distinguish between different conceptions of equity and argue that personalized learning is unlikely to result in "equality of outcomes" and, by definition, does not provide "equality of inputs". However, if implemented in a high-quality way, personalized learning is in line with "adequacy" notions of equity, which aim to equip all students with the basic competencies to participate in society as active members and to live meaningful lives.}, language = {en} } @article{KuehneJeglinskiMende2023, author = {K{\"u}hne, Katharina and Jeglinski-Mende, Melinda A.}, title = {Refraining from interaction can decrease fear of physical closeness during COVID-19}, series = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, journal = {Scientific reports}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature portfolio}, address = {London}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-34667-x}, pages = {12}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Perception of peripersonal space (PPS) and interpersonal distance (IPD) has been shown to be modified by external factors such as perceived danger, the use of tools, and social factors. Especially in times of social distancing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to study factors that modify PPS and IPD. The present work addresses the question of whether wearing a face mask as a protection tool and social interaction impact the perception of IPD. We tested estimated IPD in pictures at three distances: 50 cm, 90 cm, and 150 cm in both social interaction (shaking hands) and without interaction and when the two people in the pictures wore a face mask or not. Data from 60 subjects were analyzed in a linear mixed model (on both difference in distance estimation to the depicted distance and in absolute distance estimation) and in a 3 (distance: 50, 90, 150) x 2 (interaction: no interaction, shake hands), x 2 face mask (no mask, mask) rmANOVA on distance estimation difference. All analyses showed that at a distance of 50 and 90 cm, participants generally underestimated the IPD while at an IPD of 150 cm, participants overestimated the distance. This could be grounded in perceived danger and avoidance behavior at closer distances, while the wider distance between persons was not perceived as dangerous. Our findings at an IPD of 90 cm show that social interaction has the largest effect at the border of our PPS, while the face mask did not affect social interaction at either distance. In addition, the ANOVA results indicate that when no social interaction was displayed, participants felt less unsafe when depicted persons wore a face mask at distances of 90 and 150 cm. This shows that participants are on the one hand aware of the given safety measures and internalized them; on the other hand, that refraining from physical social interaction helps to get close to other persons.}, language = {en} }