Pub Date : 2025-06-09DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101542
Ben Van Dusen , Jayson Nissen
This article explores how critical theory informs quantitative methods to tackle systemic inequities in education. We critique traditional quantitative training that prioritizes procedural rigor without examining assumptions and advocate for intersectional regression models, specifically Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminant Analysis (MAIHDA) and Bayesian approaches. We also address challenges like missing data and model uncertainty through strategies like multiple imputation and compatibility intervals, enhancing methodological robustness, and ethical integrity. We introduce the concept of educational debts to shift the focus from individual deficits to systemic responsibilities, highlighting the practical and theoretical benefits of these approaches. Ultimately, this article guides researchers in using quantitative tools that acknowledge identity and power dynamics, aiming to foster more equitable scientific inquiry.
{"title":"Quantitative rigor through critical consciousness: bridging methods in education research","authors":"Ben Van Dusen , Jayson Nissen","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This article explores how critical theory informs quantitative methods to tackle systemic inequities in education. We critique traditional quantitative training that prioritizes procedural rigor without examining assumptions and advocate for intersectional regression models, specifically Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminant Analysis (MAIHDA) and Bayesian approaches. We also address challenges like missing data and model uncertainty through strategies like multiple imputation and compatibility intervals, enhancing methodological robustness, and ethical integrity. We introduce the concept of educational debts to shift the focus from individual deficits to systemic responsibilities, highlighting the practical and theoretical benefits of these approaches. Ultimately, this article guides researchers in using quantitative tools that acknowledge identity and power dynamics, aiming to foster more equitable scientific inquiry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101542"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-06DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101547
Dhara Yu , Bill D Thompson , Rachit Dubey
Addressing climate change requires passing ambitious green policies, yet these policies often face significant public resistance. In this article, we highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to help overcome this challenge by deepening our understanding of the psychological factors influencing reasoning and decision-making about climate policy. We explore how AI can be leveraged as a tool to gain deeper insights into the factors driving public resistance, improve communication about policies, and aid the design of more effective, human-centered policies.
{"title":"Leveraging AI to advance psychological research for climate policy","authors":"Dhara Yu , Bill D Thompson , Rachit Dubey","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Addressing climate change requires passing ambitious green policies, yet these policies often face significant public resistance. In this article, we highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to help overcome this challenge by deepening our understanding of the psychological factors influencing reasoning and decision-making about climate policy. We explore how AI can be leveraged as a tool to gain deeper insights into the factors driving public resistance, improve communication about policies, and aid the design of more effective, human-centered policies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101547"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-04DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101545
Andrea I Luppi , Dian Lyu , Emmanuel A Stamatakis
We propose an integrative view of the default mode network (DMN) as the anatomical and functional nexus for the interplay of convergence and divergence in the human brain. A growing body of evidence indicates that both DMN convergence and divergence are compromised across pharmacological and pathological perturbations of consciousness. Breakdown of DMN spatiotemporal continuity induces a collapse of the cortical functional hierarchy and failure to integrate self and world into a coherent stream of consciousness. Looking ahead, there is exciting potential for pharmacological and brain stimulation interventions that may be able to rebalance DMN functioning to restore consciousness. Altogether, an integrative understanding of the DMN’s functional role in terms of convergence and divergence sheds light on the mechanisms underlying both normal and perturbed states of consciousness.
{"title":"Core of consciousness: the default mode network as nexus of convergence and divergence in the human brain","authors":"Andrea I Luppi , Dian Lyu , Emmanuel A Stamatakis","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We propose an integrative view of the default mode network (DMN) as the anatomical and functional nexus for the interplay of convergence and divergence in the human brain. A growing body of evidence indicates that both DMN convergence and divergence are compromised across pharmacological and pathological perturbations of consciousness. Breakdown of DMN spatiotemporal continuity induces a collapse of the cortical functional hierarchy and failure to integrate self and world into a coherent stream of consciousness. Looking ahead, there is exciting potential for pharmacological and brain stimulation interventions that may be able to rebalance DMN functioning to restore consciousness. Altogether, an integrative understanding of the DMN’s functional role in terms of convergence and divergence sheds light on the mechanisms underlying both normal and perturbed states of consciousness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"65 ","pages":"Article 101545"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-15DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101535
Li Li
Control theory, a field rooted in engineering and mathematics, aims to understand and influence the behavior of dynamic systems to achieve desired outcomes. Its principles are particularly suited for studying human visuomotor control, as humans inherently operate as dynamic systems. Visuomotor behaviors require the continuous integration of visual input with motor responses, often in the presence of disturbances or unpredictable changes. By applying control theory, researchers gain significant insights into how the visual system processes information to produce adaptive motor outputs, enabling the simulation and prediction of precise movements, such as eye and manual tracking, driving, and playing sports. This review highlights recent progress in applying classical control theory to investigate visuomotor control across diverse populations, including normal adults, athletes, and individuals with neuromotor disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Future directions for research are also discussed, emphasizing the potential of control theory methods to deepen our understanding of visuomotor control and improve therapeutic interventions.
{"title":"Using control theory to study visuomotor control abilities in normal adults, athletes, and patients with neuromotor disorders","authors":"Li Li","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Control theory, a field rooted in engineering and mathematics, aims to understand and influence the behavior of dynamic systems to achieve desired outcomes. Its principles are particularly suited for studying human visuomotor control, as humans inherently operate as dynamic systems. Visuomotor behaviors require the continuous integration of visual input with motor responses, often in the presence of disturbances or unpredictable changes. By applying control theory, researchers gain significant insights into how the visual system processes information to produce adaptive motor outputs, enabling the simulation and prediction of precise movements, such as eye and manual tracking, driving, and playing sports. This review highlights recent progress in applying classical control theory to investigate visuomotor control across diverse populations, including normal adults, athletes, and individuals with neuromotor disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Future directions for research are also discussed, emphasizing the potential of control theory methods to deepen our understanding of visuomotor control and improve therapeutic interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101535"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144068726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-14DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101540
Tal Ohad , Yohay Zvi , Yaara Yeshurun
The default mode network (DMN) has been linked to self-reflection and theory of mind, suggesting that it facilitates understanding others by reflecting on ourselves. This raises the question of whether shared (synchronized) DMN responses are associated with mutual understanding. The current paper reviews studies on DMN synchronization during shared understanding of external events, regarding experimentally manipulated states (with presentation of external contexts), inherent traits (e.g. paranoia), interpersonal closeness (e.g. friends), and group identity (e.g. political affiliation). It also reviews DMN synchronization in shared understanding of interpersonal events, as in communication (e.g. teachers and students). We propose four research directions: investigating the role of DMN synchronization in simulating others’ mental states, testing if DMN synchronization is a trait, exploring its causal role in shared understanding, and testing coupling beyond synchronization. Advancing knowledge on DMN synchronization could answer fundamental questions about shared understanding and foster positive interactions among individuals and groups.
{"title":"Default mode network synchrony reflects shared understanding","authors":"Tal Ohad , Yohay Zvi , Yaara Yeshurun","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101540","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101540","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The default mode network (DMN) has been linked to self-reflection and theory of mind, suggesting that it facilitates understanding others by reflecting on ourselves. This raises the question of whether shared (synchronized) DMN responses are associated with mutual understanding. The current paper reviews studies on DMN synchronization during shared understanding of external events, regarding experimentally manipulated states (with presentation of external contexts), inherent traits (e.g. paranoia), interpersonal closeness (e.g. friends), and group identity (e.g. political affiliation). It also reviews DMN synchronization in shared understanding of interpersonal events, as in communication (e.g. teachers and students). We propose four research directions: investigating the role of DMN synchronization in simulating others’ mental states, testing if DMN synchronization is a trait, exploring its causal role in shared understanding, and testing coupling beyond synchronization. Advancing knowledge on DMN synchronization could answer fundamental questions about shared understanding and foster positive interactions among individuals and groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101540"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143943491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-13DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101537
Sauro Civitillo , Eduardo Campbell-Bethancourt , Philipp Jugert
Quantitative studies in education often treat race, ethnicity, culture, or migration status as natural, fixed units of analysis, perpetuating oversimplified views of education inequities. While uncritical, poorly theorized, and retrospective group comparisons may reinforce deficit perspectives of marginalized communities, comparative research also has the potential to highlight the unique strengths and resources these groups possess. However, conducting group-based comparisons and showcasing ethno-racial heterogeneity remains a complex challenge. To highlight critical approaches informed by the QuantCrit framework, our review describes the importance of using alternative operationalizations of ethno-racial categories, effect coding, and person-centered analysis. It also summarizes recent educational studies that have employed these approaches to critically engage with group-based comparisons in education. Our insights aim to promote conducting group-based educational studies with quantitative approaches upholding critical reflexivity.
{"title":"A review of QuantCrit-informed approaches to group participants and explore ethno-racial heterogeneity in educational research","authors":"Sauro Civitillo , Eduardo Campbell-Bethancourt , Philipp Jugert","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quantitative studies in education often treat race, ethnicity, culture, or migration status as natural, fixed units of analysis, perpetuating oversimplified views of education inequities. While uncritical, poorly theorized, and retrospective group comparisons may reinforce deficit perspectives of marginalized communities, comparative research also has the potential to highlight the unique strengths and resources these groups possess. However, conducting group-based comparisons and showcasing ethno-racial heterogeneity remains a complex challenge. To highlight critical approaches informed by the QuantCrit framework, our review describes the importance of using alternative operationalizations of ethno-racial categories, effect coding, and person-centered analysis. It also summarizes recent educational studies that have employed these approaches to critically engage with group-based comparisons in education. Our insights aim to promote conducting group-based educational studies with quantitative approaches upholding critical reflexivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101537"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143943490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-13DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101539
Kathryn Thier , Eryn Campbell , Sri Saahitya Uppalapati , John Kotcher , Edward Maibach
Motivating people to take collective climate action is an ongoing challenge. Recent research suggests that focusing on climate change as a human health issue is an encouraging approach. Here, we review the persuasive potential of health-framed climate messages and the importance of health professionals as trusted messengers in engaging audiences and increasing support for collective action, especially among people with lower levels of climate concern. We also examine the current state of the climate–health information environment. Our review suggests that: 1) communicating the health relevance of climate change and the health benefits of climate solutions has considerable potential to promote collective action, especially when communicated by health professionals; 2) many health professionals are motivated to communicate about this topic; and 3) information about this important topic is under-represented in the broader information environment.
{"title":"The impact of public health messages on audience engagement and collective climate action","authors":"Kathryn Thier , Eryn Campbell , Sri Saahitya Uppalapati , John Kotcher , Edward Maibach","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101539","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101539","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Motivating people to take collective climate action is an ongoing challenge. Recent research suggests that focusing on climate change as a human health issue is an encouraging approach. Here, we review the persuasive potential of health-framed climate messages and the importance of health professionals as trusted messengers in engaging audiences and increasing support for collective action, especially among people with lower levels of climate concern. We also examine the current state of the climate–health information environment. Our review suggests that: 1) communicating the health relevance of climate change and the health benefits of climate solutions has considerable potential to promote collective action, especially when communicated by health professionals; 2) many health professionals are motivated to communicate about this topic; and 3) information about this important topic is under-represented in the broader information environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101539"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143943489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-12DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101536
Matthew A Diemer , Michael B Frisby , Kelly M House
This paper examines the evolution of quantitative approaches in critical consciousness (CC) research through a critical quantitative (CritQuant) perspective. Historically, CC scholarship relied on qualitative methods due to concerns about the restrictive assumptions and historical biases of quantitative methodologies. However, since 2005, quantitative methods have become common in CC research. We reflect on five principles of CritQuant — foundation, goals, parity, subjectivity, and self-reflexivity — to demonstrate how they align with past and present CC research. Our hope is that CritQuant, QuantCrit, and allied methodologies will continue to inform and be informed by CC and related research.
{"title":"Looking backward to look forward: Tracing critical quantitative perspectives in critical consciousness research","authors":"Matthew A Diemer , Michael B Frisby , Kelly M House","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the evolution of quantitative approaches in critical consciousness (CC) research through a critical quantitative (CritQuant) perspective. Historically, CC scholarship relied on qualitative methods due to concerns about the restrictive assumptions and historical biases of quantitative methodologies. However, since 2005, quantitative methods have become common in CC research. We reflect on five principles of CritQuant — foundation, goals, parity, subjectivity, and self-reflexivity — to demonstrate how they align with past and present CC research. Our hope is that CritQuant, QuantCrit, and allied methodologies will continue to inform and be informed by CC and related research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101536"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143935374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101538
Bruce A Carlson
Understanding neural mechanisms underlying behavioral diversity is a fundamental challenge in neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Weakly electric fish provide an excellent system for studying this, as they exhibit convergent evolution between distantly related clades and fine-scale neural adaptations linked to behavioral divergence within clades. These fish actively generate electric fields to communicate and sense their environment. Electric organs that generate these fields and electroreceptors that detect them have evolved multiple times independently. Despite their independent origins, these clades share numerous similarities in their electrosensory and electromotor systems across several levels of biological organization. On the other hand, studies in one particular clade have related evolutionary divergence in sensory perception and behavior to changes in electroreceptor physiology and central processing in sensory and sensorimotor pathways. Together, these findings reveal both predictability in the evolution of neural mechanisms for behavior and ways in which neural adaptations can drive behavioral diversification.
{"title":"Evolution of neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral diversification of weakly electric fishes","authors":"Bruce A Carlson","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101538","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding neural mechanisms underlying behavioral diversity is a fundamental challenge in neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Weakly electric fish provide an excellent system for studying this, as they exhibit convergent evolution between distantly related clades and fine-scale neural adaptations linked to behavioral divergence within clades. These fish actively generate electric fields to communicate and sense their environment. Electric organs that generate these fields and electroreceptors that detect them have evolved multiple times independently. Despite their independent origins, these clades share numerous similarities in their electrosensory and electromotor systems across several levels of biological organization. On the other hand, studies in one particular clade have related evolutionary divergence in sensory perception and behavior to changes in electroreceptor physiology and central processing in sensory and sensorimotor pathways. Together, these findings reveal both predictability in the evolution of neural mechanisms for behavior and ways in which neural adaptations can drive behavioral diversification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101538"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143922220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}