scholarly journals Working Memory, Fluid Reasoning, and Complex Problem Solving: Different Results Explained by the Brunswik Symmetry

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
André Kretzschmar ◽  
Stephan Nebe

In order to investigate the nature of complex problem solving (CPS) within the nomological network of cognitive abilities, few studies have simultantiously considered working memory and intelligence, and results are inconsistent. The Brunswik symmetry principle was recently discussed as a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings because the operationalizations differed greatly between the studies. Following this assumption, 16 different combinations of operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were examined in the present study (N = 152). Based on structural equation modeling with single-indicator latent variables (i.e., corrected for measurement error), it was found that working memory incrementally explained CPS variance above and beyond fluid reasoning in only 2 of 16 conditions. However, according to the Brunswik symmetry principle, both conditions can be interpreted as an asymmetrical (unfair) comparison, in which working memory was artificially favored over fluid reasoning. We conclude that there is little evidence that working memory plays a unique role in solving complex problems independent of fluid reasoning. Furthermore, the impact of the Brunswik symmetry principle was clearly demonstrated as the explained variance in CPS varied between 4 and 31%, depending on which operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were considered. We argue that future studies investigating the interplay of cognitive abilities will benefit if the Brunswik principle is taken into account.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Kretzschmar ◽  
Stephan Nebe

In order to investigate the nature of Complex Problem Solving (CPS) within the nomological network of cognitive abilities, few studies have simultantiously considered working memory and intelligence, and results are inconsistent. The Brunswik symmetry principle was recently discussed as a possible explanation for the inconsistent findings, because the operationalizations differed greatly between the studies. Following this assumption, 16 different combinations of operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were examined in the present study (N = 152). Based on structural equation modelling with single-indicator latent variables (i.e., corrected for measurement error), it was found that working memory incrementally explained CPS variance above and beyond fluid reasoning in only two of 16 conditions. However, according to the Brunswik symmetry principle, both conditions can be interpreted as an asymmetrical (unfair) comparison, in which working memory was artificially favored over fluid reasoning. We conclude that there is little evidence that working memory plays a unique role in solving complex problems independent of fluid reasoning. Furthermore, the impact of the Brunswik symmetry principle was clearly demonstrated as the explained variance in CPS varied between 4 and 31% depending on which operationalizations of working memory and fluid reasoning were considered. We argue that future studies investigating the interplay of cognitive abilities will benefit if the Brunswik principle is taken into account.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 298-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Greiff ◽  
Katarina Krkovic ◽  
Jarkko Hautamäki

Abstract. In this study, we explored the network of relations between fluid reasoning, working memory, and the two dimensions of complex problem solving, rule knowledge and rule application. In doing so, we replicated the recent study by Bühner, Kröner, and Ziegler (2008) and the structural relations investigated therein [ Bühner, Kröner, & Ziegler, (2008) . Working memory, visual-spatial intelligence and their relationship to problem-solving. Intelligence, 36, 672–680]. However, in the present study, we used different assessment instruments by employing assessments of figural, numerical, and verbal fluid reasoning, an assessment of numerical working memory, and a complex problem solving assessment using the MicroDYN approach. In a sample of N = 2,029 Finnish sixth-grade students of which 328 students took the numerical working memory assessment, the findings diverged substantially from the results reported by Bühner et al. Importantly, in the present study, fluid reasoning was the main source of variation for rule knowledge and rule application, and working memory contributed only a little added value. Albeit generally in line with previously conducted research on the relation between complex problem solving and other cognitive abilities, these findings directly contrast the results of Bühner et al. (2008) who reported that only working memory was a source of variation in complex problem solving, whereas fluid reasoning was not. Explanations for the different patterns of results are sought, and implications for the use of assessment instruments and for research on interindividual differences in complex problem solving are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Zech ◽  
Markus Bühner ◽  
Stephan Kröner ◽  
Moritz Heene ◽  
Sven Hilbert

2018 ◽  
Vol 182 (22) ◽  
pp. 633-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Winter ◽  
Rowena Mary Anne Packer ◽  
Holger Andreas Volk

In humans, epilepsy can induce or accelerate cognitive impairment (CI). There is emerging evidence of CI in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) from recent epidemiological studies. The aim of our study was to assess CI in dogs with IE using two tests of cognitive dysfunction designed for use in a clinical setting. Dogs with IE (n=17) were compared against controls (n=18) in their performance in two tasks; a spatial working memory task and a problem-solving task. In addition, owners completed the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating (CCDR) scale for their dog. The groups did not differ statistically with respect to age and breed. Dogs with IE performed significantly worse than controls on the spatial working memory task (P=0.016), but not on the problem solving task (P=0.683). CCDR scores were significantly higher in the IE group (P=0.016); however, no dogs reach the recommended threshold score for CCD diagnosis. Our preliminary data suggest that dogs with IE exhibit impairments in a spatial working memory task. Further research is required to explore the effect of IE on other cognitive abilities in dogs with a larger sample, characterising the age of onset, nature and progression of any impairments and the impact of anti-epileptic drugs.


Author(s):  
Sara J. Czaja ◽  
Joseph Sharit ◽  
Sankaran Nair

The objective of the current research was to evaluate the impact of age on the performance of computer-based work in order to develop design interventions that enhance the ability of older adults to perform these tasks. Specifically, two computer tasks, data entry, and a complex problem solving were investigated. Participants ranged in age from 20–75 years. Overall, the results indicted age differences in performance of both tasks. The younger participants had higher levels of performance Further, the results indicated that age-related differences in component cognitive abilities were related to performance. These data were used to develop design interventions such as modifying the layout of screen information. This paper presents data from the intervention studies. Overall the findings indicate that the interventions improved performance for all participants. For example, there were fewer keystroke errors for the data entry task and problem solving time was reduced for the problem solving task. These data are discussed in terms of understanding the extent to which fundamental interface design interventions can benefit older adults.


Author(s):  
Erwin Akib

Tujuan dari penulisan ini adalah untuk menjabarkan dan menjawab tantangan yang dihadapi ­edu-Tourism di era revolusi industri 4.0. Metode yang digunakan adalah dengan pendekatan kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan penelitian perpustakaan, yang difokuskan pada pembuatan proses desisi dan menganalisis hubungan fenomena yang dinamis dengan logis ilmiah. Hasil dari pembahasan ini adalaha 1) dalam pengembangan pariwisata, ada beberapa aspek yang diperlukan untuk mendukung pengembangan tersebut seperti aspek fisik, aspek daya tarik pariwisata, aspek aksesibilitas, aspek aktivitas dan fasilitas, serta aspek sosial ekonomi dan budaya, 2) konsep wisata pendidikan sengaja didisain khusus untuk memenuhi kapasitas ilmu pengetahuan para pelajar untuk mengisi wawasan kebangsaan dengan kegiatan perjalanan wisata mengenal wilayah dan potensi sumber daya lokal antardaerah, kabupaten, provinsi serta antarpulau di seluruh negeri ini, 3) implementasi industri 4.0 dapat menjadi salah satu strategi untuk menciptakan Ekonomi berbasis digital terutama dalam pengembangan pendidikan pariwisata yang sesuai dengan arah peta jalan Making Indonesia 4.0 dalam upaya meningkatkan kinerja industri nasional dalam bidang pariwisata pendidikan, 4) ada lima keterampilan yang menjadi top dalam perkembangan revolusi industri 4.0. adapun skill tersebut adalah Cognitive Abilities, System Skills, Complex Problem Solving, Content Skills, dan Process Skills. Untuk merespon masa depan perkembangan revolusi industri 4.0, dibutuhkan komitmen yang kuat.


2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas R. Burns ◽  
Ted Nettelbeck ◽  
Jason McPherson

Carroll (1993 ) found few factor-analytic studies that addressed attentional abilities. We reviewed and reanalyzed some of these studies and concluded that an exploratory approach to the study of the relationships between tests of attention and cognitive abilities was warranted. We sampled N = 147 adults from the general community and administered 17 tests of attention, including well-known neuropsychological tests along with tests drawn from the differential and experimental literatures on attention. We also administered 14 tests of cognitive ability designed to measure constructs described in Carroll’s taxonomy of intelligence, including a higher-order general ability factor. Regression of a general factor from the abilities battery onto a general factor from the attentional battery showed these two latent variables to be near identical (β = .98). Exploratory structural equation modeling, which allowed a model wherein the abilities part of the model was a confirmatory measurement model but the attention variables were modeled by three rotated exploratory factors, clarified this outcome. There were two sustained attention factors and one working-memory capacity factor with differential relationships with the latent abilities variables and with age. Results are discussed in the context of the network of processes that underlies a description of general cognitive ability at the psychological level, which includes mental speed, working memory, and sustained attention.


2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 502-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charly Eielts ◽  
Wim Pouw ◽  
Kim Ouwehand ◽  
Tamara van Gog ◽  
Rolf A. Zwaan ◽  
...  

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