May 05, 2023 at 10:00 (MEZ - in-person)

Title: Semester Welcome Meeting

Speaker: Thomas Lachmann

Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 6

May 26, 2023 at 10:00 (MEZ - in-person)

Title: Are words special in early cognition?

Speaker: Ricarda Bothe (Göttingen Universtiy; invited by Thomas Lachmann & Shanley Allen)

Abstract: In the realm of early development, words have been considered as unique due to their ability to facilitate the formation of physical object categories by highlighting common visual features among them. Nevertheless, infants are frequently exposed to words from an early age, and as such, they are highly familiar with words which can potentially explain word effects in category formation. In two studies, I compared the influence of words to that of equally familiar visual cues, namely actions, in association with objects and facilitating category formation. Previous research has shown that infants struggle to learn word-object associations in the presence of actions, despite their synchronous presentation in natural interactions. To investigate this discrepancy, the first study was conducted with infants exposed to synchronous or sequential presentations of words, actions, and objects. The results indicate that only 2-year-olds successfully learned word-object and action-object associations when presented synchronously, while 1-year-olds did not show learning for either cue. However, in terms of shaping object categories, words demonstrated an advantage over actions or their combination, as evidenced by 1-year-olds forming a mental representation of objects based on visual novelty preference. Overall, this research highlights the unique role of words in early concept formation, aiding infants in grouping physical objects into mental representations.

Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 6

OR 

Zoom Link: https://uni-kl-de.zoom.us/j/63069181898?pwd=OG5HQzNQdzJnTFhqVC9ORnM1Yml5UT09

June 16, 2023 at 10:00 (MEZ - in-person)

Title: What Mechanism Underlies the Irrelevant Speech Effect: Phonological Processing or Serial Rehearsal?

Speaker: Abdullah Jelelati (PhD sutdent; Supervisor - Thomas Lachmann & Maria Klatte)

Abstract: The disruption of visual-verbal serial recall performance through task-irrelevant background speech is called the irrelevant speech effect (ISE). This effect, according to the changing state-account, results from sound-induced impairments of the serial rehearsal process that participants use to maintain the item sequence. In a series of experiments, we explored role of rehearsal in the ISE. To do so, we minimized rehearsal use through rapid visual presentation of the list items. In contrast to the prediction of the changing state account, the ISE was not abolished or diminished with a rapid when compared to a slow presentation rate. We argue that irrelevant speech does not specifically affect serial rehearsal, but impairs phonological processing in general. In the current experiment, we investigate the ISE in the standard serial recall task, and in a phonological processing
task that does not require serial order retention and strongly discourages a rehearsal strategy. This allows direct comparison of the ISE on both tasks. The results will be compared with those from earlier experiments, and implications for dominant accounts of the ISE are to be discussed.

Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 6

OR 

Zoom Link: https://uni-kl-de.zoom.us/j/63069181898?pwd=OG5HQzNQdzJnTFhqVC9ORnM1Yml5UT09

June 23, 2023 at 10:00 (MEZ - in-person)

Title: Trajectory tracking in VR: a brief overview

Speaker: Omar Jubran (PhD student; Supervisor - Thomas Lachmann)

Abstract: Classical behavioral experiments to date are still largely conducted using computer displays, where responses are evaluated by reaction times and error rates. Conducting experiments in Virtual Reality (VR) offers advantages for behavioral experiments, which we aimed to demonstrate by comparing a classical experiment to a VR counterpart. In VR, stimuli can be presented in immersive 3D environments, in which real-time response trajectories can be tracked. In this talk, a couple of paradigms in which movement trajectories were recorded in VR will be presented, as well as different ways to analyze such data.

Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 6

OR 

Zoom Link: https://uni-kl-de.zoom.us/j/63069181898?pwd=OG5HQzNQdzJnTFhqVC9ORnM1Yml5UT09 

July 07, 2023 at 10:00 (MEZ - in-person)

Title: Reviewing Elizabeth Loftus’s Contributions

Speaker: Ann-Kathrin Beck, Laís Muntini & Zhino Ebrahimi 

Abstract:  We are delighted to announce the visit of Elizabeth F. Loftus, an American psychologist, to our university. With her contributions to the field of psychology, Prof. Loftus has revolutionized our understanding of memory, uncovering the phenomena of the misinformation effect, false memory, and the critique of recovered memory therapies. The renowned American psychologist Elizabeth F. Loftus will visit RPTU on July 13-14, 2023. In preparation for her visit, we will discuss her work and prepare questions to ask her in the Grad School session on July 7. To help with this, we summarize below the key aspects of her career. In the face of controversy and skepticism, Prof. Loftus challenged the status quo. Notably, she has served on the executive council of the esteemed Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and her captivating keynote address at the British Psychological Society's 2011 annual conference captivated audiences worldwide. In addition, her scientific work, Prof. Loftus's impact extends into the realm of justice. She has provided her expertise as a consultant and expert witness in over 300 court cases, including many high-profile trials. Her profound insights have guided legal teams in navigating the complexities of memory and have played a pivotal role in the pursuit for truth. Prof. Loftus's prolific writings have captivated readers, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in her field. Particularly noteworthy among her publications is "The Myth of Repressed Memory: False Memories & Allegations of Sexual Abuse," a seminal work that challenges long-held beliefs and memory retrieval techniques. Her book "Witness for the Defense" further showcases her exceptional ability to bridge academia and the courtroom. Acknowledged worldwide for her contributions, Prof. Loftus was included in the prestigious list of the world's top female scientists in 2022. Her studies have prompted heightened security measures due to threats and intimidation she has faced for her unwavering pursuit of truth and reason. Nevertheless, her dedication has not gone unnoticed, as she received the In Praise of Reason award from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, further affirming to her remarkable courage and resilience. Prof. Loftus's influence extends beyond academia and the courtroom. She has played an instrumental role in shaping legal precedents and was elected as a fellow of the esteemed American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2003, highlighting the profound impact of her research on the broader intellectual community. Her talk on the 13.07 promises to be an enlightening experience, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the pioneering mind that has reshaped our understanding of memory, truth, and the complexities of the human mind. On the following day, on 14.07, Elizabeth Loftus will be present at the Special Program of the Graduate School of the Center for Cognitive Science, where we will hold a "Meet the Expert" session titled "A Conversation with Elizabeth Loftus."

In preparation for these events and to familiarize ourselves with her contributions and career path, the Graduate School of the Center for Cognitive Science will be meeting on 07.07 to review her most influential publications.

CV can be found here: https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/eloftus/

3 most cited publications:

Collins, A. M., & Loftus, E. F. (1975). A spreading-activation theory of semantic processing. Psychological Review, 82(6), 407–428. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.82.6.407

Loftus, E. F., & Palmer, J. C. (1974). Reconstruction of automobile destruction: An example of the interaction between language and memory. Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 13(5), 585-589. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5371(74)80011-3

Loftus, E. F., Miller, D. G., & Burns, H. J. (1978). Semantic integration of verbal information into a visual memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 4(1), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-7393.4.1.19

3 recent publications:

Otgaar, H., Howe, M. L., Patihis, L., Merckelbach, H., Lynn, S. J., Lilienfeld, S. O., & Loftus, E. F. (2019). The return of the repressed: The persistent and problematic claims of long-forgotten trauma. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 14(6), 1072-1095. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691619862306

Greenspan, R. L., & Loftus, E. F. (2021). Pandemics and infodemics: Research on the effects of misinformation on memory. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 3(1), 8-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.228

Berkowitz, S. R., Garrett, B. L., Fenn, K. M., & Loftus, E. F. (2022). Convicting with confidence? Why we should not over-rely on eyewitness confidence. Memory, 30(1), 10-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2020.1849308

Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 57 Room 315

July 14, 2023 at 8:30 

Graduate School of the Center for Cognitive Science: Special Program

We invite all Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral researchers to submit their Posters (A0) for our upcoming Special Program of the Graduate School of the Center for Cognitive Science.

The event is going to take place on July 14th, 2023, at the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, in building 57 and 6 of the Campus Kaiserslautern.

This event aims to provide a platform for scientists to present the current state of their work, offering the opportunity to receive valuable peer reviews and to draw inspiration from fellow scholars. It also fosters knowledge exchange among different research lines and projects within our institution.

We are particularly thrilled to announce that the Symposium will provide a “Meet the expert” encounter, where participants will have the unique opportunity to interact and learn with the world-renowned memory expert Elizabeth Loftus.

To secure your spot, please submit your Poster abstract (maximum 200 words) to Laís Muntini [muntini@rptu.de]. For any other inquiries, including requests for financial assistance to attend the event, please contact the same email address as we have possible funding opportunities available.

> How to reach Kaiserslautern?

If you are arriving in Germany by plane, we recommend flying to Frankfurt am Main International Airport (FRA), which is approximately 90 km away from Kaiserslautern. From there, you can travel by train to Kaiserslautern via Mannheim Hauptbahnhof, which takes around 1h 30m (please refer to the Deutsche Bahn app and Google Maps for updated travel hours and information). Alternatively, Flixbus operates buses from Frankfurt Airport to Kaiserslautern Hauptbahnhof.

> Where to stay in Kaiserslautern?

Among the various hotel options in the city of Kaiserslautern, we recommend the following accommodations for their convenient access to the Campus:

Zollamt Design Hotel (Buchenlochstr. 1, 67663)       
B&B HOTEL Kaiserslautern (Barbarossastraße 2, 67655)     

We encourage all passionate researchers in the field of Cognitive Sciences to join us in creating this intellectually stimulating environment at the Graduate School of the Center for Cognitive Science.

Submission Deadline: 07.07.2023     
 

Aug 18, 2023 at 10:00 (Location TBA)

Title: Unlocking Creative Potential: The Art of Performative Learning

Speaker: Tamara Nikolić, Ph.D. (University of Belgrade)

Workshop Overview: The workshop aims to provide an enriching and immersive experience for PhD students, exploring the dynamic intersection of performance and learning. With an emphasis on active participation and engagement, this workshop seeks to offer a collaborative space for exchanging ideas, gaining insights, and developing skills related to playful and performative approach to learning. With a brief talk, improvisational exercises and discussion, attendees will be given the opportunity to discover creative ways to engage assumptions, build new insights on learning and creativity, and transform everyday situations into opportunities for growth and development.

Location: TBA via e-mail (The exact location on Campus will depend on the number of registered participants.)

Registration: https://www.sowi.uni-kl.de/ccs.limesurvey/limesurvey/index.php/466158?lang=en

For more information on the workshop, please click here.

Download poster.