May 09, 2025 at 10am (Online Talk)
Title: Visual awareness is more graded for high load on attention compared to low load
Speaker: Suraj Kumar (Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur - India; invited by Aleksandar Bulajic)
Abstract: Whether visual awareness is a discrete or graded phenomenon is still a topic of contention among the theories of consciousness. Furthermore, how different attentional processes influence discreteness/gradedness of awareness is also contended. Recent empirical findings show that different processes associated with attention influence gradedness of awareness differently. For example, Thiruvasagam & Srinivasan (2021) found that awareness is more graded when scope of attention is broad compared to when it is narrow. However, how does other processes associated with attention (e.g., load on attention) influence gradedness of awareness is still not clear. In the current study, we investigated this issue by using Lavie’s load paradigm in a dual task framework in which load was manipulated in a concurrent/primary task while the task of interest was a secondary task. We used letter identification task (to identify X or N; presented among distractors) for the primary task and scene identification task (indoor/outdoor) for the secondary task. The contrast of the scene images presented for the secondary task was varied to nine levels to obtain a psychometric curve and extract the slope and threshold parameters for both objective performance (accuracy) as well as subjective clarity ratings of the scenes. We hypothesized more graded awareness for high load condition compared to low load condition since less processing resources are available during high load due to its engagement in the primary task. Thirty-three participants (mean age: 24.21 years) participated in the experiment. Similar to previous studies available in the literature, we used slope parameter to infer for gradedness of awareness. Results showed higher slope values for high load condition compared to low-load condition for both objective performance as well as subjective clarity ratings of the scenes. From these results, we conclude that visual awareness for scene perception is more graded when load on attention is high compared to when it is low. These findings support the proposals of the theories of consciousness which postulate awareness to be graded and dependent on different attentional processes. Furthermore, these findings put challenge to the proposals existing in the literature which postulate gist perception to be attention-free.
Zoom Link: uni-kl-de.zoom-x.de/j/67529416901
May 16, 2025 at 10:15am (MEZ - in-person)
Title: Managing Expectations of University students in Human-Robot Interaction: Integrating Open-Source Generative AI on a Highly Anthropomorphic Humanoid
Speaker: Ashita Ashok (Robotics Research Lab, RPTU Kaiserslautern)
Abstract: This talk explores the integration of open-source generative AI models, including large language models (LLMs), visual question answering (VQA) systems, and speech recognition libraries, onto the highly anthropomorphic, upper-torso humanoid robot Ameca. Designed as a social robot for university settings, Ameca’s humanlike appearance, coupled with advanced AI capabilities, aims to support interactive conversations with students in a university setting. However, user studies reveal a striking expectation mismatch: while some students perceive the robot as conscious or highly intelligent, others quickly deem it unintelligent when it makes typical actuator or AI errors, both reactions linked to the uncanny valley phenomenon. This discrepancy hinders effective interaction and evaluation of developed systems and raises questions about whether highly humanoid robots are needed in all human-robot interaction (HRI) contexts. These reactions further highlight the risks of deploying such humanlike embodiments without clear communication of their limitations. The thesis argues that although anthropomorphism can foster engagement, it also amplifies misunderstanding, especially when the robot’s appearance exceeds its actual capabilities. Two strategies are proposed to mitigate this mismatch: (1) interactive teaching, where users teach the robot as a tutee, leading to recalibrated expectations; and (2) use in foreign language learning contexts, where the robot’s role as a non-judgmental peer supports speaking practice. The work underscores the need for transparency in communicating the role of generative AI, model limitations, and biases to ensure ethical and trustworthy HRI. Ultimately, we aim to provide guidelines for designing socially acceptable humanoid robots, emphasizing better alignment of appearance with capabilities to improve user trust and engagement.
Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 57, Room 315
Zoom Link: uni-kl-de.zoom-x.de/j/67529416901
May 23, 2025 at 10:15am (MEZ - in-person)
Title:
Speaker: Baharan Taleghani (Cognitive Science RPTU Kaiserslautern - supervisors: Thomas Lachman & Omar Jubran)
Abstract:
Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 57, Room 315
Zoom Link: https://uni-kl-de.zoom-x.de/j/67529416901?pwd=Q8aeQg0ZCKoR5Jz8bgqwjfwY7K7g3i.1
June 06, 2025 at 10:15am (MEZ - in-person)
Title:
Speaker: Zhino Ebrahimi (Cognitive Science RPTU Kaiserslautern - supervisors: Thomas Lachman & Saskia Jaarsveld)
Abstract:
Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 57, Room 315
OR
Zoom Link: https://uni-kl-de.zoom-x.de/j/67529416901?pwd=Q8aeQg0ZCKoR5Jz8bgqwjfwY7K7g3i.1
July 04, 2025 at 10:15am (MEZ - in-person)
Title: Suppression of Afferent Visual Information in a Patient with Dissociative Identity Disorder and State-Dependent Blindness
Speaker: Torsten Wüstenberg (University of Heidelberg; invited by Zhino Ebrahimi)
Abstract: Dissociative identity disorder (DID, DSM-IV-TR: 330.14) is one of the most mysterious – very likely trauma associated – psychiatric disorders. This disorder is characterized by a spectrum of symptoms that can range from highly cognitive to basal sensori-motor. Patients were often suspected of only simulating these symptoms. Due to the stochastic nature of symptom expression and remission, data on the neurophysiological basis of this disorder are rare. I’m going to present the case of patient BT suffering from DID after trauma who had been diagnosed as legally blind by neuro-ophthalmic examination including visual evoked potentials (VEPs). After 15 years of blindness, she regained sight and showed normal VEPs in one of her personality states although VEPs are still absent in a remaining blind state. Retinotopic mapping with functional MRI (fMRI) revealed that V1 and thalamic activity were absent during the blind but normal during the sighted state. Findings suggest that BT responded to her trauma with a blind personality state that was attained by complete suppression of visual input at the thalamic level. This case demonstrates a fundamental ability of the brain to block early visual processing in rapid response to personality changes to prevent conscious visual processing at cortical levels. This case is used to explain the use and possibilities of modern neuroscientific methods (EEG, fNRI: retinotopy, brain response and functional connectivity) for investigating extreme brain states and their value for our understanding of basic brain mechanisms like conscious vision.
Location: RPTU - Campus Kaiserslautern, Building 57, Room 315
OR
Zoom Link: https://uni-kl-de.zoom-x.de/j/67529416901?pwd=Q8aeQg0ZCKoR5Jz8bgqwjfwY7K7g3i.1