Cognitive Shift Research Articles

The historical opposition to psychedelic research and implications for credibility in psychiatry.

Psychedelics are a group of psychoactive substances that alter consciousness and produce marked shifts in sensory perception, cognition, and mood. Although psychedelics have been used by indigenous communities for centuries, they have only recently been investigated as an adjunctive therapeutic tool in psychotherapy. Since the early twentieth century, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has been explored for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by rigid thought patterns and treatment resistance. However, this rapidly emerging field of neuroscience has evolved alongside opposition in several areas, including the affiliation with mid-twentieth century counterculture movements, media sensationalization, legislative restriction, and scientific criticisms such as "breaking the blind" and "excessive enthusiasm." This perspective article explores the historical opposition to psychedelic research and the implications for the credibility of the field. In the midst of psychedelic drug policy reform, drawing lessons from historical events will contribute to clinical research efforts in psychiatry.

Digital Competence Among Older Adults: Is Self-Assessment Reliable?

Digital technology holds promise for addressing age-related challenges such as diminished physical and cognitive abilities, chronic conditions, and shifts in social connections. Individual proficiency in computer and internet skills influences technology adoption, correlated with advanced usage, positive attitudes, and self-efficacy. Despite extensive research on digital competence among younger demographics, there is a noticeable gap in inclusive design and research for older adults, with existing assessments often overlooking user ability diversity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of self-assessment as a method for measuring digital skills among older adults by comparing self-reported competence with objective assessments using the digital foundation skills framework. Abetween-subjects design was used to explore the reliability of self-assessment in evaluating digital skills among older adults, comparing self-assessed and objective assessments using the digital foundation skills framework. This framework encompasses six domains and provides statements and practical examples for self-assessment and objective evaluation of digital competence. Data were collected from 51 Romanian adults over the age of 60 using an online survey for the subjective assessment and laboratory testing for the objective assessment. Significant disparities were found between self-assessed and actual performance in three domains: digital foundation skills, communicating, and problem-solving. However, older adults accurately assessed their performance in handling information and content, transacting, and being safe and legal online. Given the lack of a consistent pattern of overestimation or underestimation, objective assessment is recommended for precise digital competence evaluation.

Cognitive disparity in online rumor perception: a group analysis during COVID-19.

The harmonious cognitive alignment among various netizen groups is pivotal for the spread and amplification of online rumors. This alignment, characterized by shared cognitive inclinations, fosters uniformity in attitudes and perspectives, thereby precipitating synchronized engagement in the dissemination of such rumors. Notably, discernible disparities emerge in group cognition as different types of rumors pertaining to the same event propagate. This research endeavors to dissect the roles of netizen groups through the lens of cognitive variance, thereby attaining a more profound comprehension of the distinctive traits and behavioral dynamics of various netizen factions in the context of online rumor dissemination. By integrating Bloom's taxonomy and crafting a survey questionnaire, this study captured the cognitive responses of netizens to various online rumor themes across two critical dimensions: (1) Information Cognition: exploring cognitive processing levels from basic recall to application and analysis and (2) Attitude Change: evaluating higher-order cognitive processes such as evaluating and creating in response to complex rumor scenarios. The decision tree classification algorithm was meticulously applied to dissect the catalysts behind the cognitive shifts among netizens. Additionally, the K-Means clustering algorithm was effectively utilized to categorize netizen groups along thematic lines, offering a nuanced view of their cognitive engagement. The initial impression of a rumor significantly influences netizens' final cognitive perceptions. Twelve characteristics were observed in netizen groups during the dissemination of rumors on different themes, and these groups were classified into four categories: knowledge-oriented, competition-oriented, social-oriented, and entertainment-oriented, based on their cognitive differences. Throughout the lifecycle of online rumors, from inception to dissemination, diverse netizen groups assume distinct roles, each exerting a unique influence on the spread and reception of information. By implementing tailored governance strategies that are sensitive to the characteristics of these groups, it is possible to attain substantially more effective outcomes in managing the propagation of online rumors. This nuanced approach to governance recognizes the heterogeneity of the online community and leverages it to enhance the efficacy of interventions.

Lifespan trajectories of negative and positive affect: A coordinated analysis of 14 longitudinal studies

Lifespan developmental theories suggest age-related shifts in motivation, cognition, emotion regulation, and stressor experience lead to changes in mean levels of negative and positive affect across the lifespan. The present research used coordinated data analysis to examine mean-level affective trajectories in 186,752 participants ranging from 11–104 years old across 14 longitudinal studies. Random-effects models were used to estimate meta-analytic effect sizes. On average, negative affect decreased until early older adulthood, and then remained stable throughout older adulthood. Meanwhile, positive affect remained stable across most of the younger and middle-aged adult lifespan, before starting its descent in later middle-aged adulthood and continuing to decline throughout older adulthood. Studies with older samples showed a clearer flattening effect of negative affect and steeper decline of positive affect in late-life relative to younger samples. These findings suggest that lifespan developmental affect trajectories are nuanced and not a direct inverse of each other.

α-Synuclein Strain Dynamics Correlate with Cognitive Shifts in Parkinson's Disease.

α-Synuclein (α-syn) strains can serve as discriminators between Parkinson's disease (PD) from other α-synucleinopathies. The relationship between α-syn strain dynamics and clinical performance as patients transition from normal cognition (NC) to cognitive impairment (CI) is not known. Here, we show that the biophysical properties and neurotoxicity of α-syn strains change as PD cognitive status transitions from NC to mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and dementia (PD-D). Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses reveal distinct α-syn strains in PD patients correlating to their level of cognitive impairment. This study presents evidence that individuals with PD have different α-syn strains that change in accordance with their cognitive status and highlights the potential of α-syn strain dynamics to guide future diagnosis, management, and stratification of PD patients.

Artificial Intelligence Assistance and Cognitive Abilities: Harnessing AI-Assisted Heuristic Methods for Transitioning from Critical to Creative Thinking in English Language Learning

Transitioning from critical to creative thinking is an essential component of English language learning, fostering problem-solving abilities, innovative idea generation, and effective communication skills. Purpose. This study examines the potential of AI-assisted heuristic methods in facilitating this cognitive shift. Methodology. Three distinct AI-driven approaches are investigated: adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring, and data-driven feedback. A mixed-methods approach is employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI-assisted heuristic methods and learners' experiences during the intervention. The study involves 60 participants, divided into three groups of 20, each exposed to one of the three AI-driven methods. English language learning resources, including reading passages, audio recordings, and interactive exercises, are integrated with the AI-assisted techniques. The 8-week intervention commences with a pre-test assessing participants' initial critical and creative thinking skills. Post-tests and surveys are administered following the intervention to measure cognitive development and gather feedback on learners' experiences. Results. Results demonstrate significant improvements in problem-solving and originality of idea generation among participants. Furthermore, learners report positive experiences and recognize the value of AI-driven approaches in personalizing learning and promoting cognitive growth. However, challenges such as technological barriers and teacher training needs are highlighted. The current research underscores the potential of AI-assisted heuristic methods in English language learning, offering valuable insights into effective teaching strategies, learning tools, and platforms. Conclusion. Findings contribute to the development of innovative interventions supporting learners in acquiring essential thinking skills amidst rapid technological advancements, ultimately empowering them to succeed in today's interconnected and knowledge-driven world.

Questions of (un)framedness in the post-cinematic road movie/travelogue

Image of the Road and Virtual Realis (Pruciak 2023) are travelogue video projects selected as a vantage point from which to examine our understanding of image since the disappearance of the frame and collapse of the cinematic form in VR video. Exploring the concept ‘frame’ in dialogue with theories of cinema and VR and an analysis of VR video’s characteristics, we question whether it may effect changes of perception and new understandings of the road as a virtual site/sight explored by travellers. We suggest that VR video’s ‘unframedness’ gives the unlimited freedom that allows a cognitive shift in the experience of non-narrative travelogues. This allows an inherent potential for an experience of transcendence akin to the overview effect. VR video gives spectators the opportunity of making autonomously their own journey and thus encountering new understandings and experiences in the travelogues presented to them.

Ventral attention network connectivity is linked to cortical maturation and cognitive ability in childhood.

The human brain experiences functional changes through childhood and adolescence, shifting from an organizational framework anchored within sensorimotor and visual regions into one that is balanced through interactions with later-maturing aspects of association cortex. Here, we link this profile of functional reorganization to the development of ventral attention network connectivity across independent datasets. We demonstrate that maturational changes in cortical organization link preferentially to within-network connectivity and heightened degree centrality in the ventral attention network, whereas connectivity within network-linked vertices predicts cognitive ability. This connectivity is associated closely with maturational refinement of cortical organization. Children with low ventral attention network connectivity exhibit adolescent-like topographical profiles, suggesting that attentional systems may be relevant in understanding how brain functions are refined across development. These data suggest a role for attention networks in supporting age-dependent shifts in cortical organization and cognition across childhood and adolescence.

From inspiration to restoration: Moral elevation as a catalyst for improving intergroup relations in contexts of conflict.

Existing research examining the creation of positive and prosocial interpersonal relations has established moral elevation as an approach-oriented emotion to be associated with a range of positive and prosocial outcomes. In this article and with the goal to identify emotional mechanism for improving intergroup relations in contexts of conflict, we examined the effects of moral elevation on enhancing intergroup relations. Across four experimental studies (Ns = 1,131), conducted in four understudied countries directly affected or threatened by intergroup conflict, we demonstrated that induced moral elevation elicits important cognitive and emotional shifts toward adversarial groups, resulting in improved intergroup relations. Specifically, we show that inducing moral elevation through stories of outgroup moral exemplars (individuals who have risked their life to save the life of an outgroup member) enhanced perceptions of intergroup moral similarity and positive emotions toward the outgroup, consequently fostering greater approach and prosocial intergroup behaviors. This pattern proved consistent across four distinct contexts: nonconflict (Sweden), ongoing conflict (Pakistan), protracted conflict (Serbia), and postconflict (Bosnia and Herzegovina). This article advances existing theory on positive emotions by identifying a novel emotional mechanism conducive to improving intergroup relations in contexts of conflict and extends the impact of learning about exemplary moral behaviors performed by relevant others. Ultimately, this article underscores the relevance of moral elevation in mitigating intergroup conflicts using intergroup interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Efficient predefined time adaptive neural network for motor execution EEG signal classification based brain-computer interaction

Nowadays, Electroencephalogram (EEG) devices that do not require invasive procedures get more attraction. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems use EEG analysis to identify users' mental states, cognitive shifts, and stimuli-induced reactions. The Motor Execution (ME) paradigm is a vital control paradigm that holds great significance in this framework. In this manuscript, an Efficient Predefined Time Adaptive Neural Network for EEG-Based Brain-Computer Interaction in Motor Execution Classification (EPTNN-BCI-EEG) is proposed. Initially, the input signals are collected from EEG Dataset. The input signals are preprocessed using Robust M-Type Error-State Kalman Filter (RMESKF) to remove the artifacts and baseline signals. Then, the pre-processed signals are given to Signed Cumulative Distribution Transform (SCDT) for feature extraction. SCDT is used to extract Spatial and temporal features. Afterward, Efficient Predefined Time Adaptive Neural Network (EPTNN) is used to classify the EEG gender and signal, such as Audio/Video and Male/Female. In General, EPTNN does not expose any adoption of optimization systems to determine optimal parameters to classify the EEG gender and signal. Hence, Bitwise Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (BAOA) is proposed to optimize the EPTNN. The proposed EPTNN-BCI-EEG approach is implemented in MATLAB and the performance metrics, such as Recall, Accuracy, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), F1-score, Specificity, ROC, Computation time are assessed. The performance of EPTNN-BCI-EEG approach provides 17.82 %, 28.95 %, and 19.2 % higher accuracy, 24.38 %, 34.53 %, and 18.78 % higher recall, 26.7 %, 24.2 %, and 32.7 % higher specificity when analysed with the existing methods.

Antigliadin antibodies and the brain in people without celiac disease: a case-control study.

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) occur in approximately 10% of the general population, produced as a response to gluten. Autoimmune gluten-related disorders can have detrimental neurological effects if not properly controlled but the relevance of such "incidental" AGA is not properly established; any harm caused would indicate the gluten-free diet as a means for affected people to protect their brain health. We explored this question by comparing brain MRI scanning, cognitive testing and other measures between healthy volunteers with and without AGA. Healthy volunteers aged 50-70 (without celiac disease, on a gluten-containing diet) underwent blood testing to confirm AGA status. Any AGA+ subjects were matched to AGA- controls on age, sex, BMI, level of education, hypertension diagnosis and smoking history. These subgroups underwent a cognitive test battery, quality-of-life (QoL) surveys and brain MRI scanning. Groups were compared between all outcome measures. Secondary analyses correlated AGA titre with outcomes across the whole cohort. Groupwise comparisons of cognitive, QoL and MRI studies were all negative. Repeating these analyses as correlations with AGA titre across the cohort, a single significant result was found concerning the error rate on the subtle cognitive impairment test, in a direction indicating increased IgG AGA to predict worse performance. This did not survive multiple comparisons correction. Our analysis is the most comprehensive to date and utilises a number of outcome measures known to be sensitive to subtle shifts in neurophysiology and cognition. Incidental AGA does not appear to be associated with any indications of neuropsychological deficit.

The Show, the Game, and the Old Gods: On the Ontological Reframing and the Fiction/Real Boundary

The recent decade brought increasing interest in metareferentiality in video games. The article builds upon the body of research regarding metaleptic transgression in games by discussing examples of specific occurrences in which a text or a character seemingly escapes from within the boundaries of their primary, fictional world in a way that resembles ontological metalepsis. Acknowledging that such transgression is impossible, the article proposes that discussed examples might not be examples of metalepsis but rather ontological reframing, a cognitive shift in perception. The case studies come from games by Daniel Mullins and Sam Lake.

Cognitive Shifts: Exploring the Impact of AI on Generation Z and Millennials

Abstract Our study focuses on exploring the cognitive changes that Artificial Intelligence has on two generational cohorts: Millennials and Generation Z. Artificial Intelligence has developed so much that it can intervene in solving problems, streamlining tasks, and providing information very fast. However, there might be a risk regarding this technology that could have a negative effect on critical thinking, decisionmaking, and memory. Through our research paper, we focused on discovering if Artificial Intelligence has an impact on the cognition of two generations: Millenials and Generation Z. For this, we used an approach in which we integrated mixed research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, to ascertain the complex interaction between AI and cognition. The results indicated that neither the educational background nor the generational differences produced significant outcomes, suggesting that both generations can integrate AI technologies into their everyday lives. Although the benefits are obvious, there are some concerns about cognitive shifts, so that, through a balanced integration of Artificial Intelligence in everyday life, we can end up capitalizing on its potential for a positive cognitive impact. Based on the research findings, we discovered a complex connection between the use of AI among Generation Z and Millennials and cognitive changes, suggesting a uniform cognitive involvement with AI technologies among the respondents. However, certain concerns remain regarding the potential negative effects that can be represented by the addiction that it can cause, and by a certain cognitive laziness. This paper contributes to this field by highlighting the need for a balanced approach to the integration of Artificial Intelligence in educational and professional environments, advocating strategies that capitalize on the advantages of Artificial Intelligence while mitigating the negative impact on cognition

An interhemispheric frontoparietal network supports hypnotic states

Understanding the neural substrate of altered conscious states is an important cultural, scientific, and clinical endeavour. Although hypnosis causes strong shifts in conscious perception and cognition, it remains largely unclear how hypnosis affects information processing in cortical networks. Here we manipulated the depth of hypnotic states to study information processing between cortical regions involved in attention and awareness. We used high-density Electroencephalography (EEG) to record resting-state cortical activity from 30 hypnosis experts during two hypnotic states with different depth. Each participant entered a light and a deep hypnotic state as well as two well-matched control states. Bridging top-down and lateralisation models of hypnosis, we found that interhemispheric frontoparietal connectivity distinguished hypnosis and control conditions, while no difference was found between the two hypnotic states. Using a graph-theoretic measure, we revealed that the amount of information passing through individual nodes (measured via betweenness centrality) is reduced during hypnosis relative to control states. Finally, we found that theta power was enhanced during hypnosis. Our result contributes to the current discussion around a role for theta power in bringing about hypnotic states, as well as other altered conscious states. Overall, our findings support the notion that altered top-down control in frontoparietal regions facilitates hypnosis by integrating information between cortical hemispheres.

Cognitive Phenotype Shifts in Risk Taking: Interplay of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Behaviors and Intensified Depression

BackgroundNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is significantly prevalent in both adolescents and psychiatric populations, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorder. NSSI can be considered a result of risky decision making in response to negative emotions, where individuals choose self-harm over other less harmful alternatives, suggesting a potential decision-making deficit in those engaging in NSSI. This study delves into the complex relationship between NSSI and depression severity in decision making and its cognitive underpinnings. MethodsWe assessed decision behaviors in 57 patients with major depressive disorder and NSSI, 42 patients with major depressive disorder without NSSI, and 142 healthy control participants using the Balloon Analog Risk Task, which involves risk taking, learning, and exploration in uncertain scenarios. Using computational modeling, we dissected the nuanced cognitive dimensions influencing decision behaviors. A novel statistical method was developed to elucidate interaction effects between NSSI and depression severity. ResultsContrary to common perceptions, we found that individuals with NSSI behaviors were typically more risk averse. There was also a complex interaction between NSSI and depression severity in shaping risk-taking behaviors. As depressive symptoms intensified, the individuals with NSSI began to perceive less risk and behave more randomly. ConclusionsThis research provides new insights into the cognitive aspects of NSSI and depression, highlighting the importance of considering the influence of comorbid mental disorders when investigating the cognitive underpinnings of such behaviors, especially in the context of prevalent cross-diagnostic phenomena such as NSSI behaviors.

Exploring the impact of supercrip portrayal in TV drama: assessing attitude shifts toward people with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability

Media’s influence on societal views of disability remains an area of developing understanding. This study scrutinizes how ‘supercrip’ narratives in TV dramas—depictions of individuals with disabilities exhibiting superpowers or conquering challenges—affect public attitudes. Using two different ‘supercrip’ examples and a control, the study explores multidimensional attitude shifts toward individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability (ID) following exposure to ‘supercrip’ portrayals in fiction alongside a control stimulus. While realistic disability narratives did not significantly alter attitudes, responses varied with the disability type. Unrealistic portrayals, though eliciting mixed reactions, notably increased engagement and awareness of disability issues. The study indicates that increased viewer engagement and awareness could lead to nuanced, long-term attitude shifts. Notably, more authentic portrayals of ID did not markedly change attitudes toward ID but influenced cognitive attitudes toward ASD, underlining the complexity of audience responses. Positive disability representations in media can catalyze cognitive attitude shifts, but their broader impact on societal attitudes remains partially understood. This highlights the potential of media portrayals to foster attitude changes through sustained exposure, emphasizing the importance of diverse and thoughtful representations in media.

War Becoming Phantasmal: A Cognitive Shift in Organized Violence beyond Traditional Limits

The entirety of human existence suggests multiple war theories and competing belief systems on what war is and how it can or cannot be exercised, even if we often are preoccupied with the current framework. Premodern societies differed from modern ones on whether humans or something divine or supernatural control the contexts and outcomes of war. Collectively, our species retains a firm appreciation of the assumed limits of what constitutes organized violence for political, social, or cultural aims, depending on the group and context. Yet in the twenty-first century, we may finally have set into motion the seeds of an unfamiliar, potentially incomprehensible, and likely transformative pathway where artificial intelligence or transhuman modifications may reveal what is called a “phantasmal transformation of war.” Complexity science explains reality and war so that earlier attempts—particularly those of the classical or natural science period and earlier prescientific attempts—are illuminated as insufficient or irrelevant outside of narrow or contextual applications. Today, Western militaries remain wedded to what is explained as a “Newtonian-style worldview” for understanding war, with select terms assimilated from complexity science and others ignored entirely. Indeed, modern military theorists assume an almost ideological devotion to what is largely a pseudo-scientific, static mode of framing war. Humans paired with certain advanced technology may also redefine war beyond previous physical domain and kinetic circumstances, including new manifestations in space, in cyberspace, and through accelerated human-machine teaming arrangements. Such novel conflict may in some applications exceed both human design and comprehension, potentially existing in planes or manifestations that are either undetectable by humans, rendered incomprehensible by select human actors, or potentially in modes that exceed the witting participation and awareness of our species.

Category Shifts in the Chinese–English Translation of Animal Idioms in Journey to the West

Idioms are important elements of language and culture, forming the essence of language and the core of vocabulary. Animal idioms naturally have different connotations in the Chinese and Western cultures, which can pose a tremendous challenge for translators. Thus, the reasons for translators’ choices in this context are significant. To better understand this subject, this study investigates the cognitive category shifts in the translations of animal idioms in Journey to the West. Through the theory of cognitive category shifts, the paper finds that translators’ choices are influenced by cognitive concepts derived from their living environments, cultural backgrounds, and knowledge reserves.

Psycholinguistic Approaches to Instructed Second Language Acquisition: Linking Theory, Findings and Practice

Second language acquisition (SLA) has continuously evolved by mainly modelling after first language acquisition, reflecting behavioural, cognitive, social, and affective shifts. Language teaching practices have also been shaped throughout the decades. Yet, the SLA-driven divide between conscious and unconscious processes still prevails. Concomitantly, the title instructed second language acquisition, however much interest it arouses, seems at first sight paradoxical through the dominant epistemological prism.

How and Why Does Social Exclusion Affect Individuals?

This essay explores the various effects of social isolation, emphasizing its psychological, social, and economic repercussions on individuals and society. Based on extensive empirical research, this study investigates the causes of social exclusion, such as cognitive shifts, emotional turmoil, identity conflicts, and economic inequalities. The article shows that social exclusion impacts both the mental and physical health of individuals and contributes to ongoing cycles of adversity, inequality, and social instability. Social exclusion is a widespread problem that weakens community unity and democratic participation. It promotes inclusive policies and structural reforms to tackle its underlying reasons. The essay highlights the significance of comprehending the extensive effects of social exclusion to promote a fairer and more peaceful society.