Cognitive Theory Research Articles

Comparing the distinctive influences of physical and social servicescapes on brand love for internet‐famous restaurants

Purpose This study aims to investigate the different effects of physical and social servicescapes on brand love for internet-famous restaurants, focusing on their pathways and strengths of influence. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze data from 387 online questionnaires in China. Findings Results indicate that social servicescape directly influences brand love for internet-famous restaurants, while physical servicescape does not. The effect of physical servicescape on brand love for internet-famous restaurants is mediated by perceived coolness and perceived enjoyment, whereas social servicescape’s influence is mediated solely by perceived enjoyment. Overall, physical servicescape has a stronger impact on brand love for internet-famous restaurants compared to social servicescape. Practical implications The findings help internet-famous restaurants create effective physical and social servicescapes to enhance brand love, underscoring that physical servicescape is more crucial than social servicescape for cultivating this love. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the heterogeneous pathways and strengths of physical and social servicescapes influencing brand love for internet-famous restaurants, while highlighting the mediating role of perceived coolness and expanding the application scope of cognitive appraisal theory.

A systematic review on mediators and moderators of job insecurity–health relation before and after COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeJob insecurity is one of the most hazardous work stressors in the twenty-first century, placing employees between employment and unemployment may threaten employees’ health in the workplaces. Using a systematic review, the first aim of this study is to list the mediators and moderators of the link between job insecurity and health-related outcomes, and second, to explain and discuss the mechanisms that could explain the mediating and moderating effects.Design/methodology/approachWe searched four databases (Science Direct, PubMed, Springer Link and Google Scholar) from 2008 to 2018 to detect these mediators and moderators. Also, as the study was conducted during COVID-19 pandemic, we particularly searched and reported the same associations over this period (2019–2022).FindingsThe results of the review suggest that job insecurity negatively influences a wide range of both health- and safety-related outcomes in the workplace. The results also showed that the most studied mediator and moderator of the job insecurity-health link over the past 10 years has been workload and employability. During COVID-19, the number of studies on mediators were more than moderators and coping strategies appeared to gain more research attention. Additionally, this review suggests that, to explain the mediation and moderation effects, a combination of cognitive appraisal theory and the conservation of resources theory can be used.Originality/valueAlthough this review suggests that job insecurity detrimentally influences employee health, the severity of this impact on health-related outcomes may vary by the effects of various moderators.

The impact of review sentiment complexity on perceived helpfulness: an information overload perspective

PurposeThis study investigates how the complexity of sentiment in online reviews affects perceived helpfulness. Analyzed over 730,000 reviews from Tripadvisor.com, the research explores how information overload and increased cognitive load impact consumer decision-making.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied the BERT deep learning model to analyze sentiment complexity in online reviews. Based on cognitive load theory, we examined two key factors: the number of attributes mentioned in a review and the variation in sentiment valence of across attributes to evaluate their impact on cognitive load and review helpfulness.FindingsThe results show that a higher number of attributes and greater variation in sentiment valence increase cognitive load, reducing review helpfulness. Reviewers’ expertise and review readability further moderate these effects, with complex or expert-written reviews worsening the negative impact.Originality/valueThis research introduces a method for measuring attribute-level sentiment complexity and its impact on review helpfulness, emphasizing the importance of balancing detail with readability. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on review characteristics and consumer behavior.

A comparative study on the impact of four different SVVR-supported intercultural learning environments on learners’ intercultural competence and learning engagement

ABSTRACT In the digital age, spherical video-based virtual reality (SVVR) emerges as a powerful tool for intercultural education, enabling immersive experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. However, prevalent research often reduces learners to passive observers, constraining the cultivation of intercultural competence. This study addresses the gap in current research by examining the effects of learning devices and interaction components within SVVR environments, based on embodied cognition theory, on intercultural competence. Additionally, it also focuses on student engagement during intercultural learning in SVVR environments, an aspect that previous studies have insufficiently explored. Using a mixed-methods approach with 80 participants from China and Indonesia, we compared four distinct learning environments: Basic Learning Environment (BLE), Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE), Basic Guide Learning Environment (BGLE), and Embodied interactive Learning Environment (EILE). The findings indicate that the EILE, which achieves a higher level of embodied interaction, significantly enhances intercultural competence and learning engagement compared to other conditions. Specifically, EILE group showed superior emotional and cognitive engagement, as well as diverse and proactive behavioural patterns. This study underscores the importance of educational design in SVVR, showing that careful consideration of learning devices and interactive components can promote active learning, deeper understanding, and positive learning behaviours.

Consumers' Expectations of Liking, Emotional, Conceptual and Sustainability Characteristics of Dairy, Plant‐Based and Sustainable Yoghurts

ABSTRACTAn online survey of consumers' liking, emotional, conceptual and sustainability expectations in response to traditional, plant‐based (PB), and sustainable yoghurt product names was conducted with 1206 New Zealanders. Results showed that consumers' sensory expectations are associated with hedonic and non‐sensory expectations. Consumers' sensory, emotional, conceptual and sustainability ideations and the impact of these variables on expected liking parallel the findings from recent tests of tasted yoghurts. Per cognitive theories of predictive processing, the results support the hypothesis that judgments of sensory expectations may provide important insights into likely product perceptions. The results also support the notion that surveys of consumer product expectations can be a tool to obtain consumer insights about new products, including PB and sustainable alternatives. Since sensory expectations were associated with non‐sensory expectations, modifying the sensory attributes of PB or other innovative yoghurt products may enhance consumers' conceptualizations of these products and improve their market acceptance.

To Hear or Not to Hear: Cognitive Load Theory and Learning

ABSTRACT Background: Cognitive load is the amount of information one’s working memory can process at any given time. Key components of cognitive load include germane load, intrinsic load, and extraneous load. Learning is hindered if overload occurs, thus reducing cognitive performance. This study addresses the impact of auditory stimulation on cognitive load through repeated recognition tasks. Methods: Twenty-eight Queen’s University students were recruited and randomly allocated to control and experimental groups who completed the experiment with noise-cancelling headphones and with ambient noise, respectively. The experiment consisted of learning and testing phases. The learning phase involved memorizing a series of words. Subsequently, the testing phase required participants to recall words from the list. Each trial consisted of one learning and one testing phase, with three trials per participant. Cardiovascular measurements were taken prior to the experiment, at the beginning of each phase, and after each trial was completed. Results: Primary outcomes demonstrated that the experimental group experienced greater percent changes in heart rate and rate pressure product, higher perceived mental effort, and greater within-group variation for heart rate compared to controls. Scores decreased as trials progressed. Secondary outcomes showed that the top 33% of participants were less susceptible to changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Overall, four heart rate or blood pressure responders were identified. Conclusions: Exposure to 70 decibels of ambient noise contributes to cognitive load as noted by elevated cardiovascular measure and perceived mental effort. Results can inform educational platforms and hospital logistics.

Research on motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image analysis

Muscle training is an important part of athletes’ physical training. Its goal is to keep athletes in high intensity and improve sports performance in physical training. With the continuous improvement of the level of competitive sports, there are still many problems in the training of competitive athletes. The research on the control strategies of some technical movements in the process of athletes’ muscle development would help to improve the efficiency and effect of athletes’ training. By analyzing and quant description of muscle movement control process based on blockchain and visual image processing technology, the muscle movement control rule is discussed and then a complete movement database is constructed. At the same time, combined with the sports experiment method and cognitive behavioral theory, this paper analyzed the exercise load, exercise time allocation, muscle training time allocation methods and the corresponding muscle training strategy selection methods under different muscle states, providing theoretical basis for athletes to conduct muscle strength training scientifically and efficiently. This paper first analyzed the importance of athletes’ muscle training action control. After that, the research was mainly carried out from the following two aspects. The first is to analyze the motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image, and summarize its characteristics. The second is to use electronic imaging technology to analyze the data related to posture control in athletes’ muscle training, and explore the characteristics and changes of muscle posture. At last, this paper put forward relevant algorithms about visual images and conducted experimental research on athletes’ physical indicators and performance under different muscle training according to the research in this paper. It was concluded that the score ratio of athletes’ performance after muscle training action control was 7.39% higher than that of general muscle training. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the research of movement technology in muscle training and analyze the influence of some training control strategies on the development of athletes’ muscles in training.

Career Interventions at a Distance: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Due to global technological advances, psychology professionals have experienced constant changes in their daily routines. The field of career development and vocational psychology is no different. Amplified by the adjustments brought about by the circumstances of the pandemic, there has been an increased demand for and development of various distance intervention methodologies. Methods: This study presents a systematic review of distance career interventions, focusing on (1) rationale, (2) groups of the population, (3) structure, (4) evaluation, and (5) outcomes and recommendations. Eleven keywords, three databases, and five eligibility criteria were defined. Results: Sixteen articles were collected for analysis. The results showed a predominance of (1) career construction theory and social cognitive theory rationales, (2) a sample of university students, (3) group career intervention, (4) pre- and post-test evaluation systems, and (5) effects in different dimensions and recommendations about intervention research design. Conclusions: Although there has been an increase in the number of publications in recent years, few studies evaluate distance career interventions. There are also few studies with different target populations. In this sense, indications for future interventions and studies are given, as well as the implications of these studies for practice.

Using AR to Enhance the Learning of Chirality

This study investigates the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to teach the concept of chirality—a fundamental topic in organic chemistry. Building on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and previous research on AR’s educational benefits, we designed an AR learning environment to facilitate students’ understanding of chirality by allowing them to interact with and superimpose virtual and physical models of chiral molecules. An initial pilot study involving 11th-grade students revealed positive student attitudes towards AR, with participants reporting enhanced comprehension of chirality and a preference for AR-based learning over traditional methods. The follow-up study refined the AR lesson based on pilot feedback, extending its scope to introduce, rather than review, the concept of chirality. Results indicated significant learning gains, low extraneous cognitive load, and high acceptance of AR technology among students. These findings underscore the potential of AR to support complex spatial learning in chemistry, though further research, such as value-added studies, is recommended to explore the generalizability and long-term impacts of AR on different student populations.

The Differential Effects of Augmented Reality and Product Presentation Strategies on Brand Recall: An Embodied Cognition Perspective

As augmented reality (AR) technology becomes more prevalent in marketing, its impact on consumer memory processes, particularly brand recall, remains underexplored. This study primarily employs an empirical research method, using two lab experiments to examine the interaction between product presentation formats (AR vs. non-AR) and presentation strategies (separate vs. collocation) in brand recall. Across two experiments, we showed that AR enhances brand recall only in collocation presentations, where multiple products are displayed together, but not in separate presentations of individual products. In single-product contexts, AR formats do not demonstrate a significant advantage over non-AR formats. These findings suggest that AR’s effectiveness is contingent on presentation strategy, highlighting the contextual boundaries of AR’s utility in influencing consumer memory. By integrating embodied cognition theory with associative network theory, this research advances our understanding of how immersive technologies shape brand recall, offering strategic insights for marketers seeking to leverage AR in diverse product presentation scenarios.

Exploring career choice and retention among engineering undergraduate students and systems engineers: A gender perspective

The underrepresentation of women in engineering is a significant concern. This study applies the social cognitive theory and the social career cognitive theory (SCCT) to investigate gender differences in engineering career choices. We examined reasons given by 19 systems engineers and 330 undergraduate engineering students for choosing engineering and categorizing them according to SCCT themes. We compared the distribution of reasons across themes and categories by career stage and gender. For engineers, the category <i>self-efficacy</i> correlated significantly with <i>challenges and opportunities</i> and <i>current job suitability</i> categories, and women engineers cited challenges mainly with work-life balance and the gender glass ceiling. Undergraduate students cited personal reasons more frequently than environmental ones, with behavioral reasons being the least common. The extended SCCT model includes the categories <i>challenges and opportunities</i> and <i>current job suitability</i> within the behavioral theme, with the latter pertaining specifically to career retention. This research the set of provides insights into gender-dependent engineering career choice and retention by expanding the set of SCCT categories.

Toward a better approach for measuring visual-search slopes.

The slope of the function relating response times to the number of stimuli in a visual-search display is commonly considered a measure of search speed and is extensively used to test theories of visual cognition. Unfortunately, this important measure is confounded in multiple ways so that many classical findings in the literature must be called into question. As a way out of this predicament, we here develop a new technique to measure search speed (data collected in 2022 and 2023): Instead of manipulating the number of stimuli that need to be searched via a set-size manipulation, we achieve the intended purpose by placing the search target at different spatial positions with respect to an a-priori-known search order. Reliably inducing such a search order is the main achievement of the present study, but we also report several additional data patterns that might turn out instrumental for future research on visual attention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

XKT: Toward Explainable Knowledge Tracing Model With Cognitive Learning Theories for Questions of Multiple Knowledge Concepts

XKT: Toward Explainable Knowledge Tracing Model With Cognitive Learning Theories for Questions of Multiple Knowledge Concepts

Social media use by teachers during work and its effects on their performance: the role of teacher’s wellbeing and social media addiction

BackgroundAlthough extant literature has investigated the impacts of social sites on employees’ job performance in different sectors, scholars have given little attention to teachers’ job performance (TJoP) in higher educational institutes.PurposeWe aimed to investigate the direct and mediating impact of social media use (SMU) on TJoP. Based on social cognitive theory, this study proposed a model that consists of six hypotheses.Methodology: To empirically test the model, we develop a survey link to collect data from respondents working in universities in Jiangsu province, China. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) using SmartPLS 4 has been used for analyzing 454 respondents.ResultsResearch findings demonstrate the significant effects of SMU on TJoP, well-being, and social media addiction (SMAdd). In addition, teachers’ well-being and SMAdd have a positive and negative significant effect, respectively, on TJoP. Moreover, this research evidenced a significant partial mediation of teachers’ well-being and SMAdd.ConclusionThis study points out the key role of SMU in the direct and indirect influences of TJoP through well-being and SMAdd. Further, it brings into view the urgency of higher education to prudently consider the implications of SMU on performance and general well-being among its faculty.

The bioSocial Cognitive Theory of Eating (bSCT-e): Applying and Elaborating on a Biopsychosocial Substance Use Theory for Food Addiction

Obesity rates are increasing globally, and food addiction (FA1) may be an important contributing factor but there is a lack of understanding of the key psychological mechanisms that contribute to FA. The bioSocial Cognitive Theory (bSCT) proposes that substance use is predicted by biologically based personality traits and their influence on social cognitive mechanisms. While validated in substance use, bSCT has not been applied to a behavioural or non-substance addiction. However, the bSCT does not include a negative affective personality component, of which there is clear theoretical and empirical support as risk factors for FA. Thus, this study sought to test both the original bSCT model and an elaborated version related to eating (bSCT-e) that included direct and indirect punishment sensitivity pathways to identify the individual risk factors of FA.Data were collected from 204 university students (75.5% female; Mage = 24.82, SD = 9.17) via an online survey. Both original bSCT and bSCT-e models provided a good fit to the data, with the latter providing slightly better fit and accounting for more variance in FA. The findings suggest that individuals who are more reward driven and punishment sensitive hold exaggerated beliefs about the reinforcing and emotion regulation effects of eating, which may undermine eating control and increase risk of FA. This study provides potential new insights into the complex biopsychosocial mechanisms of FA, and points to potential intervention targets.

Randomised trial of Mentored ‘Planning to be Active+Family’ [MPBA+F] for Appalachian youth at risk for diabetes: virtual delivery protocol

IntroductionObesity (OB) in children remains a national epidemic. This trial targets children suffering from overweight (OW) and OB living in rural Appalachia. Rural Appalachia is fraught with unhealthy behaviours, high rates of OB, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes among children. Diabetes prevalence in Appalachia is nearly double that of other regions. The prevalence of Appalachian children suffering from OB and extreme obesity (EO) increases the severity of diabetes.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a stratified randomised-controlled trial to evaluateMentored Planning to be Active+Family (MPBA+F) among seventh grade children with OW/OB/EO from rural Appalachian counties. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory,MPBA+Fcurriculum is a self-regulation approach to physical activity (PA) developed at The Ohio State University and successfully tested for feasibility in rural Appalachian middle schools.MPBA+F(a) incorporates active skill-building activities; (b) reinforces self-regulating activities; (c) engages in individual and group PA; (d) builds the link between PA, hydration and physical health and (e) actively supports weekly PA goals. Weekly skills are incorporated into reinforcement assignments verified at the beginning the following week. The primary outcome is the average daily minutes of moderate-vigorous PA. We will stratify by sex assigned at birth and conduct intent-to-treat analysis. We use descriptive statistics to summarise cohort and group (MPBA+F or comparison) baseline characteristics and examine variable distributions. Bivariate tests examine the balance of baseline characteristics by intervention groups. Mixed-effects linear modelling will be our more primary regression strategy. A potential problem is loss of curricular integrity. Our process assessment, structured mentor training and Instructor’s Guide reduce this concern. Another concern may be the lack of reliable broadband access. Participating counties exceed 75% broadband access. Those who lose internet access may have materials mailed to their home or accessed on the study website.Ethics and disseminationThis study was reviewed and approved by the American Diabetes Association Grants Review Committee (Grant number 11-22-ICTSN-30), the host institution’s Social and Behavioral Human Subjects Review Committee (Protocol 2022B0149) and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ProtocolNCT05758441). All data that can be shared without compromising human subject protections will be shared to an approved open data repository within six months of publication or 18 months of the conclusion of the funding period (November 2025) if the study remains unpublished. Dissemination to families and stakeholders is by project newsletters. Public presentation of findings will be shared at the Annual Appalachian Translational Research Network and local health department meetings.Trial registration numberNCT05758441.

Accounting Faculty’s Motivation to Engage in Academic Citizenship: Evidence from Australia and New Zealand

ABSTRACT Academic citizenship, encompassing service and broader community engagement, is declining despite its pivotal role in the academic ecosystem, largely due to being underrecognized and underappreciated in university reward systems. This study identified factors that support and inhibit faculty engagement in academic citizenship so that initiatives to reverse this trend can be designed. We interviewed 24 accounting faculty from 11 universities across Australia and New Zealand. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study identified personal factors such as faculty self-efficacy, goal commitment, and self-evaluation of progress as drivers of engagement. Our findings underscore the urgent need for university management to support academic citizenship, particularly among junior faculty, and to formally recognize it in institutional workload models, performance evaluations, and reward systems, to ensure the sustainability of the academe ecosystem. JEL Classifications: M49.

An Exploration of the Barriers and Facilitators Shaping Vaping Cessation Among Australian Young Adults

This study of 18–24-year-old young adults (YAs) in Australia who use, or used to use, nicotine vape products (NVPs) sought to explore their experiences when attempting to quit vaping to understand the barriers and identify facilitators of cessation. We analysed data from a survey (n = 532) of 422 YAs who vape and 110 YAs who used to vape, as well as interactive workshops (n = 12) and semi-structured interviews (n = 3), which included 7 YAs using and 8 no longer using NVPs. Social Cognitive Theory informed the data collection, with open-ended questions exploring how personal, environmental and behavioural factors shaped vaping cessation. Qualitative analyses revealed 11 themes shaping vaping cessation, including the normalisation of vaping, easy access and a desire to fit in. Vaping cessation was complicated by using NVPs to manage symptoms of mental ill-health. Additionally, former vapers reported using combustibles to replace vaping, highlighting the risk of health impacts from smoking. Potential support sources included friends and general practitioners, or family doctors. Support service development must consider de-normalising vaping, addressing underlying mental health issues and providing effective campaigns around the health risks of vaping and smoking. The findings highlight the need to invest in vaping cessation, and they can inform the design of vaping cessation programs to better support those trying to quit and ensure the success of their quit attempts.

Evaluation Of The Influence Of Reframing On Intermittentexplosive Disorder Among Female Inmates’ Violence Towards Male Partner In Selected Women Prisons, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive restructuring strategies on intermittent explosive disorder among female inmates’ violence towards male partners in selected women prisons in Kenya. The study helped to evaluate the influence of reframing on intermittent explosive disorder. The study was anchored on Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura and self-evaluation maintenance theory by Abraham Tesser. The study used an Ex Post Facto research design. The study was carried out at Langata and Thika Women Prisons. Quantitative data was obtained from the sampled inmates using questionnaires; while qualitative data was collected using interview guides from the prison key informants. The study incorporated 8 constables, 4 counsellors, 3 chaplains as key informants. Stratified and proportionate simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 307 inmates. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential tests. Hypotheses were tested at p=.05 using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically according to the study objectives. The findings showed there was a statistically nonsignificant positive relationship between reframing and intermittent explosive disorder as, [r (257) = .051, p = .417]. Increase in intensity of frame shift, target thoughts and evidence of thoughts led to increased traits of intermittent explosive disorder. Based on these findings, the study recommends that prison management through the ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, enhance provision of counselling programmes mbased on cognitive restructuring techniques in the prisons. Reframing as a technique would provide solutions on the past painful memories of the inmates; optimistically avoid violence and keep away from crime

Meta-analysis of chemistry-based interdisciplinary informal research experience program for high school students

Research-based learning models, particularly interdisciplinary programs, are crucial in promoting STEM skills and fostering positive attitudes among students. This study presents a meta-analysis evaluating the impact of a chemistry-based interdisciplinary research experience program on high school students in Qatar. Over ten cohorts from 2010 to 2020, 230 students participated in multidisciplinary, hands-on research experiences. The study used pre-post questionnaires and t-test analyses, with further meta-analysis conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in shaping STEM attitudes. Significant findings emerged, with a notable large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.885), underscoring the program’s efficacy in bolstering positive STEM attitudes among students. The study observed that research complexity and gender do influence the outcome of the program, aligning with the tenets of Social Cognitive Theory, which posits that both individual and contextual elements are influential in attitude formation and learning processes. Conclusively, the research substantiates that interdisciplinary, experiential learning significantly heightens student interest in STEM fields. It also points to the potential benefits of further explorations into the nuances of gender disparities and the complexity of research in enhancing the scope and impact of such educational programs.