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Inzlicht M, Cameron CD, D'Cruz J, Bloom P. In praise of empathic AI. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:89-91. [PMID: 38160068 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
In this article we investigate the societal implications of empathic artificial intelligence (AI), asking how its seemingly empathic expressions make people feel. We highlight AI's unique ability to simulate empathy without the same biases that afflict humans. While acknowledging serious pitfalls, we propose that AI expressions of empathy could improve human welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Inzlicht
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E6, Canada.
| | - C Daryl Cameron
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; The Rock Ethics Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Jason D'Cruz
- Department of Philosophy, University at Albany SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Paul Bloom
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8047, USA
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Braund H. Thinking about Kindergarten thinking: A mixed methods study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:933541. [PMID: 36118420 PMCID: PMC9481266 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.933541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metacognition, otherwise known as ‘thinking about one’s thinking,’ leads to greater academic success and is foundational. Given this importance, metacognitive behaviors need to be developed within early years contexts to provide young children the opportunity to practice these behaviors and receive feedback. However, literature continues to focus on the development of metacognition in later grades. This mixed methods study explored metacognition in eight Kindergarten classrooms. Participants included eight Kindergarten teachers, six early childhood educators (ECEs), and 80 students. Data collection was conducted at two time periods separated by 12 weeks. Data collection included the Children’s Independent Learning Development (CHILD) measure, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. The quantitative data from the CHILD were analyzed using a paired samples t-test in SPSS. All qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Qualitatively, three themes were identified: (1) Conceptualization of metacognition, (2) Barriers to developing metacognition, and (3) Operationalization of strategies to facilitate metacognitive development. Evidence demonstrated that participants had incomplete conceptualizations of metacognition. Some articulated simple understandings by reporting the literal translation and were unable to articulate more fulsome conceptions. However, some teachers had more developed conceptions of metacognition that included different facets such as planning and reflective thinking. All participants were forthcoming with identifying ways in which they struggled with implementing metacognitive practices or encouraging the development of metacognition. These barriers included large classroom sizes, developmental readiness, and wide student ability. Despite having an incomplete understanding of metacognition, early years educators were trying a variety of different strategies to help promote metacognitive thinking within their Kindergarten classrooms. Surprisingly, teacher ratings using the CHILD did not change significantly from Time 1 (M = 1.88, SD = 0.744) to Time 2 (M = 1.85, SD = 0.66), t (72) = 0.72, p > 0.05. A similar trend was observed for ECE ratings using the CHILD as they did not change significantly from Time 1 (M = 1.89, SD = 0.70) to Time 2 (M = 1.80, SD = 0.79), t (52) = 1.36, p > 0.05. This research highlights empirical practices that Kindergarten educators can use to help facilitate metacognitive thinking. Furthermore, it identifies a need to better support Kindergarten educators by integrating practices aimed at developing metacognitive thinking in their students through explicit examples of strategies.
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Barbeau AK, Generale M, Creech A. Online Group Music-Making in Community Concert Bands: Perspectives From Conductors and Older Amateur Musicians. Front Psychol 2022; 13:878307. [PMID: 35846627 PMCID: PMC9285893 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.878307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At the beginning of the pandemic, many music ensembles had to stop their activities due to the confinement. While some found creative ways to start making music again with the help of technologies, the transition from "real" rehearsals to "online" rehearsals was challenging, especially among older amateur musicians. The aim of this case study was to examine the effects of this transition on three community band conductors and three older amateur musicians. Specific objectives were to explore (1) intergenerational relationships to support online group music-making; (2) digital literacy and access in later life; and (3) online music-making in a COVID-19 context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and theoretical thematic analysis was undertaken (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Results were analyzed from the conductors' and older musicians' perspectives, and common trends were combined to facilitate interpretation. The first theme showed that being part of an intergenerational ensemble contributed positively to the learning experience online. The second theme demonstrated that because both conductors and musicians were new to the online rehearsals, it contributed to attenuate the age-related digital divide that may have been observed in other studies. Regarding access in later-life, older musicians reported benefits associated with rehearsing online, specifically in terms of distance/commute, time, energy, and cost. However, for those who did not already have internet and electronic devices, the cost of acquiring all the necessary equipment to make music online could have been too high. Finally, the third theme revealed that musicians appreciated the opportunity to make music online and indicated that it was definitely better than having nothing, especially for its social aspects. In conclusion, while participants noted several challenges associated with online music-making (e.g., zoom fatigue and technological issues), they were also appreciative of the opportunity to continue making music at a time when in-person rehearsals were not possible. Pedagogical implications are discussed, specifically the importance of the support network, of meeting people where they are, of learning to adapt, and of collaborative teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey-Kristel Barbeau
- Département de Musique, Faculté des Arts, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mariane Generale
- Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Creech
- Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Laird MF, Sawchuk EA, Kwekason A, Mabulla AZP, Ndiema E, Tryon CA, Lewis JE, Ranhorn KL. Human burials at the Kisese II rockshelter, Tanzania. Am J Phys Anthropol 2021; 175:187-200. [PMID: 33615431 PMCID: PMC8248353 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Late Pleistocene and early Holocene in eastern Africa are associated with complex evolutionary and demographic processes that contributed to the population variability observed in the region today. However, there are relatively few human skeletal remains from this time period. Here we describe six individuals from the Kisese II rockshelter in Tanzania that were excavated in 1956, present a radiocarbon date for one of the individuals, and compare craniodental morphological diversity among eastern African populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study used standard biometric analyses to assess the age, sex, and stature of the Kisese II individuals. Eastern African craniodental morphological variation was assessed using measures of dental size and a subset of Howells' cranial measurements for the Kisese II individuals as well as early Holocene, early pastoralist, Pastoral Neolithic, and modern African individuals. RESULTS Our results suggest a minimum of six individuals from the Kisese II collections with two adults and four juveniles. While the dating for most of the burials is uncertain, one individual is directly radiocarbon dated to ~7.1 ka indicating that at least one burial is early Holocene in age. Craniodental metric comparisons indicate that the Kisese II individuals extend the amount of human morphological diversity among Holocene eastern Africans. CONCLUSIONS Our findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that Late Pleistocene and early Holocene eastern Africans exhibited relatively high amounts of morphological diversity. However, the Kisese II individuals suggest morphological similarity at localized sites potentially supporting increased regionalization during the early Holocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra F. Laird
- Department of Integrative Anatomical SciencesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Sawchuk
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
- Department of AnthropologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Audax Z. P. Mabulla
- Department of Archaeology and Heritage StudiesUniversity of Dar es SalaamDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Emmanuel Ndiema
- Department of Earth SciencesNational Museums of KenyaNairobiKenya
| | - Christian A. Tryon
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of Connecticut354 Mansfield Road, StorrsCTUSA
- Human Origins ProgramNational Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian InstitutionWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Jason E. Lewis
- Department of AnthropologyStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
- Turkana Basin InstituteStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Kathryn L. Ranhorn
- Institute of Human OriginsSchool of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State UniversityTempe, ArizonaUSA
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Settels J. Multiple vulnerabilities: The effects of neighborhood structural changes upon older residents' mental health and perceptions of the broader community. J Community Psychol 2021; 49:672-690. [PMID: 33320372 PMCID: PMC7986059 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neighborhoods' structural conditions are consequential for their social circumstances and residents' well-being. Neighborhood effects might be accentuated among older residents because their daily activities and social lives are more confined to their immediate communities. This study examines how changing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage affects older residents' depression and stress, as well as perceptions of neighborhood context. This study employed waves 2 (2010-2011) and 3 (2015-2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project survey (N = 2357) and fixed-effects linear regression models to study these relationships. While rising neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with more depression and stress, it was negatively associated with overall neighborhood social capital and neighborhood social cohesion, and was only associated with lower perceptions of neighborhood safety among respondents who relocated to new neighborhoods. Beyond cross-sectional associations, changing neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with changes in mental health and perceptions of neighborhood social context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Settels
- Department of Social Sciences, Institute for Research on Socio‐Economic InequalityUniversity of LuxembourgEsch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
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Reed G, Brunet ND, Longboat S, Natcher DC. Indigenous guardians as an emerging approach to indigenous environmental governance. Conserv Biol 2021; 35:179-189. [PMID: 32378218 PMCID: PMC7984387 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, indigenous guardian programs (also known as indigenous rangers or watchmen) have emerged as an institution for indigenous governments to engage in collaborative environmental governance. Using a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature for research conducted in Australia, Canada, Aotearoa-New Zealand, and the United States, we sought to characterize the emergence of indigenous guardians in the literature and explore whether guardian approaches are representative of Indigenous approaches to environmental governance. Using a multistep relevance-screening method, we reviewed 83 articles published since 1995, that report on, critique, or comment on Indigenous guardians. Our findings indicated that most articles on the topic were published in the last decade (88%), focused on Australia (65%), and were in a social science discipline (53%). The lead author of the majority of articles was an academic, although only half of the articles included an indigenous scholar or member of an indigenous group or organization as a coauthor. Finally, 11 articles were on research of guardian programs that were locally led and only 5 exemplified indigenous governance, based on 2 well-known community-based monitoring typologies. Our findings indicate that more research is required to understand the implications of current guardian programs for indigenous self-determination, particularly when such programs are embedded in a broader western environmental governance structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Reed
- School of Environmental Design and Rural DevelopmentUniversity of Guelph50 Stone Road EastGuelphONN1G 2W1Canada
| | - Nicolas D. Brunet
- School of Environmental Design and Rural DevelopmentUniversity of Guelph50 Stone Road EastGuelphONN1G 2W1Canada
| | - Sheri Longboat
- School of Environmental Design and Rural DevelopmentUniversity of Guelph50 Stone Road EastGuelphONN1G 2W1Canada
| | - David C. Natcher
- Department of Agricultural and Resource EconomicsUniversity of SaskatchewanRoom 3D34, Agriculture Building 51 Campus DriveSaskatoonSKS7N 5A8Canada
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Côté MK, Gagné MH. Changes in practitioners' attitudes, perceived training needs and self-efficacy over the implementation process of an evidence-based parenting program. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:1092. [PMID: 33246447 PMCID: PMC7694945 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05939-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based family support programs such as the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program have the potential to enhance the well-being of children and families. However, they cannot achieve their expected outcomes if insufficient attention is paid to the implementation process. It has been demonstrated that practitioners' attitudes towards evidence-based programs (EBPs), perceived training needs and self-efficacy for working with parents influence implementation outcomes (e.g., program acceptability, adoption, adherence and sustainability). At the same time, the experience of being involved in the implementation process of an EBP could enhance practitioners' perceptions of the initiative. This study aimed to assess changes in practitioner's attitudes, perceived training needs and self-efficacy over a two-year EBP implementation process, in interaction with their appraisal of their organization's capacity to implement the EPB. METHODS In the province of Quebec, Canada, Triple P was implemented and evaluated in two communities. Ninety-nine practitioners from various organizations completed questionnaires shortly before their training in Triple P and two years later. RESULTS Findings show that practitioners who displayed more initial skepticism regarding their organization's capacity to implement the program reported greater improvements in attitudes over time, while practitioners who showed more optimism at baseline reported a greater decrease in their perceived training needs. Practitioners' self-efficacy increased moderately regardless of perceived organizational capacity. CONCLUSIONS These results are encouraging given that more positive perceptions of EBPs could foster the systematic use of these programs in communities, for the potential benefit of a greater number of families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kim Côté
- Université Laval, 2325 rue de l’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6 Canada
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Dumitrica D. Voice and Listening in Social Media Facilitated Activist Collectives. Can Rev Sociol 2020; 57:582-603. [PMID: 33156971 PMCID: PMC7756881 DOI: 10.1111/cars.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the articulation of Canadian civic culture from below. Focusing on digitally mediated grassroots mobilizations, it asks how citizens construct and discursively deploy voice and listening as civic values. The paper draws from three empirical cases: the 2014 mobilization of parents during the teachers' strike in British Columbia; the 2015 citizen mobilizations in support of Syrian refugees; and the 2016 sit-in protest outside the Toronto Police headquarters. Citizens participating in these initiatives were keen to "speak up," establishing voice as a civic value. Yet, this is not accompanied by equal attention to the role of listening. This invites simplistic takes to citizen participation, leaving it vulnerable to populist hijackings.
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Ban NC, Wilson E, Neasloss D. Historical and contemporary indigenous marine conservation strategies in the North Pacific. Conserv Biol 2020; 34:5-14. [PMID: 31682284 PMCID: PMC7027820 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Strategies to reduce, halt, and reverse global declines in marine biodiversity are needed urgently. We reviewed, coded, and synthesized historical and contemporary marine conservation strategies of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation in British Columbia, Canada to show how their approaches work. We assessed whether the conservation actions classification system by the Conservation Measures Partnership was able to encompass this nation's conservation approaches. All first-order conservation actions aligned with the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation's historical and contemporary marine conservation actions; hereditary chief management responsibility played a key role. A conservation ethic permeates Kitasoo/Xai'xais culture, and indigenous resource management and conservation existed historically and remains strong despite extreme efforts by colonizers to suppress all indigenous practices. The Kitasoo/Xai'xais's embodiment of conservation actions as part of their worldview, rather than as requiring actions separate from everyday life (the norm in nonindigenous cultures), was missing from the conservation action classification system. The Kitasoo/Xai'xais are one of many indigenous peoples working to revitalize their governance and management authorities. With the Canadian government's declared willingness to work toward reconciliation, there is an opportunity to enable First Nations to lead on marine and other conservation efforts. Global conservation efforts would also benefit from enhanced support for indigenous conservation approaches, including expanding the conservation actions classification to encompass a new category of conservation or sacredness ethic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C. Ban
- School of Environmental StudiesUniversity of VictoriaP.O. Box 1700 STN CSCVictoriaBritish ColumbiaV8W Y2YCanada
| | - Emma Wilson
- School of Environmental StudiesUniversity of VictoriaP.O. Box 1700 STN CSCVictoriaBritish ColumbiaV8W Y2YCanada
- Kitasoo/Xai'xais Stewardship AuthorityKitasoo/Xai'xais First NationP.O. Box 87KlemtuBritish ColumbiaV0T 1L0Canada
| | - Doug Neasloss
- Kitasoo/Xai'xais Stewardship AuthorityKitasoo/Xai'xais First NationP.O. Box 87KlemtuBritish ColumbiaV0T 1L0Canada
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