This thesis introduces a novel situated interactive composition system called the SMuSe (for Situated Music Server) that is grounded on principles of modern cognitive science, provides perceptual control of sound synthesis and includes emotional feedback. It illustrates both a new music composition paradigm and a synthetic psychology approach to the study of music perception, emotion and cognition. The SMuSe is composed of cognitively plausible modules implemented as a hierarchy of musical agents and relies on distributed control, parallelism, emergence and embodiment. By interacting with its environment, which provides feedback via multiple sensors, the system generates complex adaptive affective musical structures. Focusing on the micro-level of sound generation, we present two complementary techniques that give high-level perceptual control over low-level sound synthesis parameters. In a first implicit approach, a support vector machine algorithm learns to automatically map perceptual features such as loudness, pitch and brightness onto additive synthesis parameters. In a second approach, a physically-inspired synthesis model provides explicit access to perceptual and physical parameters such as pitch, loudness, brightness, attack time, inharmonicity and damping. Moving from the study of music generation and control towards the study of the musical experience itself, we then evaluate how the music generated by the SMuSe influences the listeners' emotional responses. A first psychoacoustics experiment shows the significant influence of structural (scale, register, harmony), expressive (velocity, tempo, articulation) and timbre (brightness, attack time, spectral flux) parameters on the emotional scales of valence, arousal and dominance. An additional large scale experiment involving dementia patients (an illness known to induce cognitive and affective deficits) shows that specific sound features (e.g. low loudness, low brightness) provoke specific emotional responses within the patients (e.g. low stress). Moreover, the patients' emotional responses differ from the age-matched control group, and the analysis shows an increased emotional sensitivity to sounds as the severity of the disease increases. These results suggest that sound-based therapy and diagnosis for dementia are possible. Finally, the maturity and flexibility of the SMuSe music system are demonstrated by a series of real-world applications including the sonification of a mixed-reality space, a study on physiologically-based musical interaction, a neurofeedback musical interface, a closed loop system based on reinforcement learning of emotional feedback, and a large scale multimedia performance using brain-computer interfaces. A situated, perceptive, emotive and cognitive approach to the design of musical systems paves the way for new applications for therapy but also for interactive gaming and novel physiologically-based instruments. Our approach provides a well-grounded paradigm to develop advanced synthetic aesthetics system that can inform our understanding of the psychological processes on which they rely. / Esta tesis introduce un nuevo sistema de composición situada e interactiva llamado SMuSe (por Situated Music Server). Dicho sistema está basado en principios extraídos de la ciencia cognitiva moderna, proporciona control perceptual sobre la síntesis sonora e incluye feedback emocional. Por lo tanto, ilustra tanto un paradigma nuevo para la composición musical, como un sintético enfoque psicológico al estudio de la percepción musical, las emociones y la cognición. SMuSe consta de diversos modulos, plausibles desde un punto de vista cognitivo, implementados como una jerarquía de agentes. El funcionamiento de SMuSe explota los principios de control distribuido, paralelismo, emergencia y embodiment. En función del feedback obtenido por la interacción con el entorno, el sistema genera complejas estructuras musicales afectivas. En concreto, a nivel de generación de sonido, presentamos dos técnicas complementarias que proporcionan un control perceptivo de alto nivel sobre parámetros concretos de síntesis sonora. En un primer método implícito, un algoritmo de support vector machine aprende a traducir automáticamente características perceptuales, como volumen, tono y brillo en parámetros de síntesis aditiva. En el segundo método, un modelo físico de síntesis proporciona explícitamente acceso a parámetros perceptivos y físicos, tales como tono, volumen, brillo, tiempo de ataque, inarmonía y factor de amortiguamiento. En lo que respecta al estudio de la experiencia musical en sí misma, evaluamos la influencia de la música generada por SMuSe en las respuestas emocionales del sujeto. Un primer experimento psicoacústico muestra la influencia significativa que tienen parámetros estructurales (escala,registro, armonía), expresivos (velocidad, tempo, articulación) y de timbre (brillo, ataque, flujo espectral) en la escalas emocionales de valencia, activacíon y dominancia. Adicionalmente, un experimento de gran escala realizado con pacientes de demencia, una patología que asociada a déficits afectivos y cognitivos, demuestra que los pacientes responden emocionalmente a rasgos específicos del sonido (e.g. bajo volumen y brillo inducen poca tensión). Además, la respuesta emocional de los pacientes difiere si se compara con la mostrada por un grupo de control con la misma edad media. De tal manera, una mayor respuesta emocional aparece asociada a un mayor grado de demencia. Estos resultados sugieren que sería posible desarrollar técnicas basadas en el uso de música tanto para el tratamiento de la demencia como para su diagnóstico. Para concluir, la madurez y flexibilidad de SMuSe se demuestra con una serie de aplicaciones que incluyen la sonificación de un espacio de realidad mixta, un estudio acerca de la interacción musical mediante datos fisiológicos, un interfaz musical basado en feedback neurológico, un sistema basado en aprendizaje por refuerzo del feedback emocional, y una performance multimedia de gran escala controlada mediante interfaces cerebro-máquina. Este enfoque situado, perceptivo, emocional y cognitivo al diseño de sistemas musicales abre la posibilidad de desarrollar aplicaciones no sólo terapéuticas sino también para los juegos interactivos y nuevos interfaces que empleen fisiología. Nuestra propuesta proporciona un sólido paradigma para el desarrollo de sistemas de síntesis de estéticas avanzadas, que puedan servir para entender los procesos psicológicos subyacentes

New advances in computer programming and more powerful technology have opened up new opportunities for learning though immersive virtual reality simulations. This research highlighted the importance of the role of a lecturer in fostering learning in a technology rich learning environment. Undergraduate business studies students worked collectively to try resolve a problem depicted through an immersive simulation involving a burning factory. The simulation provided a rich personal experience that enabled students with lecturer support to generate effective strategies to address the problem.

One of the principles regarding our knowledge about life on earth is that no organism can be fully understood without taking into account its surrounding environment. This study examines the extent to which ecosystem-focused field studies may be associated with students' academic performance and potential to contribute to the advancement of science and conservation. Pilot studies conducted in Panama and California established methods used in this project from 1993-2003. Two hundred and sixty-seven students conducted field studies in either Kenya or Costa Rica. Students worked in cognitive apprenticeships, in which research staff trained each student to conduct field research. At the conclusion of their fieldwork, the research staff assessed the students written field reports. The students' reports were then sorted according to the extent to which their studies were ecosystem-focused. Data analysis through nonparametric, Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests revealed no significant difference in academic performance on field study reports, in regards to whether the studies were narrow in scope (species-specific) or broad (ecosystem-focused). Marginal significance was revealed between ecosystem-focused studies and the potential for students' fieldwork to contribute to the advancement of science and conservation. Also addressed in the data were injuries, disease, and potential hazards, which were influenced by prudent and decisive leadership. Successful field studies require consideration of the content, context, and design of the intended field projects. Many of the solutions to environmental problems on the planet will come from the working hands of teachers and students that conduct explorations in the field. / Life Sciences in Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education)

Persons with intellectual disability have been found to perform more poorly on tasks, demanding the use of executive functions like planning, than their peers. This study investigated difficulties with planning, and how problems with planning ability can be supported by using cognitive artifacts to help performance on activities in everyday life, for adolescents with intellectual disability. The approach taken is one of situated cognition, where the natural environment plays a big role, to see if the same difficulties arise as results from traditional research has shown. The traditional view focuses a lot on executive functions, and experimental studies in controlled settings and often suggests interventions and practice of certain functions to get better abilities. Another way is to focus on the use of cognitive artifact, to support problematic abilities, and to get a well-rounded understanding of how the problems actually appear in everyday life, the alternative view of situated cognition is a way to go. The data was gathered through interviews and surveys with the individual’s parents and analyzed through categorization and a repeated measures ANOVA, with a bonferroni corrected post hoc test. Results show several problematic areas, and that there is a difference in how problematic these areas are estimated to be when it comes to planning in everyday situations. It is discussed how the natural contexts helps knowing what planning really means for the group, as well as how it can help finding properties in cognitive artifacts that can help raise the level of independence in planning related tasks.

Persons with intellectual disability have been found to perform more poorly on tasks, demanding the use of executive functions like planning, than their peers. This study investigated difficulties with planning, and how problems with planning ability can be supported by using cognitive artifacts to help performance on activities in everyday life, for adolescents with intellectual disability. The approach taken is one of situated cognition, where the natural environment plays a big role, to see if the same difficulties arise as results from traditional research has shown. The traditional view focuses a lot on executive functions, and experimental studies in controlled settings and often suggests interventions and practice of certain functions to get better abilities. Another way is to focus on the use of cognitive artifact, to support problematic abilities, and to get a well-rounded understanding of how the problems actually appear in everyday life, the alternative view of situated cognition is a way to go. The data was gathered through interviews and surveys with the individual’s parents and analyzed through categorization and a repeated measures ANOVA, with a bonferroni corrected post hoc test. Results show several problematic areas, and that there is a difference in how problematic these areas are estimated to be when it comes to planning in everyday situations. It is discussed how the natural contexts helps knowing what planning really means for the group, as well as how it can help finding properties in cognitive artifacts that can help raise the level of independence in planning related tasks.

This study explores the concept of feedback from various perspectives in psychology and cognitive science. Specifically, the theories of ecological psychology, situated and Distributed Cognition, Cognitive Systems Engineering and Embodied cognition are investigated and compared. Cognitive Systems Engineering provides a model of feedback and related constructs, to understand human behavior in complex working environments. Earlier theories such as ecological psychology, considered feedback as direct perception. Situated cognition clearly inherits ideas from ecological psychology, whereas distributed cognition provides a deeper understanding of feedback through artifact use. Cognitive Systems Engineering provides a systematic view of feedback and control. This framework is a suitable perspective to understanding feedback in human-machine settings.

Poor mathematics performance in South African schools is of national concern. An attempt to gain insight into the problem prompted a study into the possibility of a relationship between visual perceptual skill and mathematic ability. A theoretical review revealed that inherent limitations of traditional psychological theories hinder an adequate explanation for the possible existence of such a relationship. The theory of situated cognition seems to be better suited as an explanatory model, and simultaneously clarifies the nature of both visual perception and mathematics. A small exploratory study, with a sample of 70 Grade 6 learners, provided empirical evidence towards the plausibility of the relationship. Specifically, it proved the hypothesis that visual perceptual skill positively correlates with scholastic mathematics achievement. The results of the study, interpreted within the situated cognitive framework, suggest that a conceptual emphasis in mathematics education – as opposed to a factual emphasis – might improve mathematic ability, which may credibly reflect in scholastic performance. / Psychology / M. Sc. (Psychology)

本篇論文重組並重現一個合作敘事探究的生命經驗。在這集體的生命故事中，研究者與四位女性英語實習教師，透過一個全校性的英語同儕輔導計畫，一同探究學習如何教英語。本研究包含兩個研究重點：（一）探索英語實習教師在教學實習過程中對英語教學的概念覺知與教學發展;（二）檢視機構與社會情境與英語實習教師之教學發展的互動關係。本研究提出三個研究問題核心，協助對於現象的分析與詮釋：（一）英語實習教師在實境教學中教學發展之轉化歷程;（二）驅動英語實習教師之教學發展轉化的支配力類型;（三）英語實習教師對於實境教學之生命經驗的理解與覺知。 本研究發現，英語實習教師的教學發展，呈現前進式的結構模式。教學行動系統中的內、外部矛盾，引發一連串的衝突與失序，直接衝擊英語實習教師的教學發展轉化。在問題解決的轉化過程中，有三種主要的驅動能量，對教學發展轉化形成支配：情境支配力、策略支配力、情意支配力。在故事的尾聲，英語實習教師對於英語教學有新的覺知：對於教學行為及身為英語教師本體的覺知、對於英語學習者的認知、對於英語學習的本質的理解。 本研究回應相關文獻，提出三點新發現。首先，學習如何教的過程，包含持續性的觀察、分析、評量和反思。其次，英語實習教師的教學發展，透過跨層次行動系統的比對與分析，發現並理解可能存在的失序、衝突與解決方案，進而從事教學改變與教學發展轉化。最後，本研究提出，有關教師學習、學習如何教的相關研究，應該採用一種全方位的研究方法、一種廣泛理解的觀點，用以分析詮釋實作教學中既存的知識斷層。 / This collaborative narrative inquiry reconfigures and represents the lived experiences of four female prospective TESOL teachers’ learning to teach through a campus-based tutoring program. The research foci of this inquiry-based study are twofold. Firstly, the research aims at exploring how prospective TESOL teachers learn to teach through practical teaching experiences, as they examine the definition of learning to teach itself and the understanding of the what and how of the learning process evolves. Secondly, the research investigates the role of the social and institutional context in prospective TESOL teachers’ learning to teach, in examining how activity setting shapes the process of learning to teach. Drawing on the research approach of narrative inquiry, prospective TESOL teachers’ stories are told in their own voices while the school’s stories, and the stories about the school are told by the supervisor of the structured program in this research, the researcher, for purpose of providing a context to the prospective TESOL teachers’ stories. Following such respects, research questions are generated with special emphasis on (a) the transformational process of the prospective TESOL teachers’ learning to teach in situ; (b) the driving forces for the transformation to take place; (c) how the prospective TESOL teachers make sense of the lived experiences of learning to teach. The prospective teachers’ collective story appeared to be a progressive mode of development. The transformational process was overwhelmingly influenced by the dissonance and conflicts emerging from the contradictions within and across the collective activity system of teaching, namely primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary contradictions. In order to solve the problems resulting from the contradictions, the prospective teachers undertook changes and transformation in their teaching. Three types of driving force appeared to be significant for the transformation in the process of the prospective teachers’ learning to teach, including contextual force, strategic force, and attitudinal force. During the process of engaging in the socially situated activity of teaching, the prospective teachers formulated new conceptualizations of teaching, inclusive of the understanding of their teaching and of themselves as English teachers, of the students as English learners, and of the nature of English learning. The findings of the research suggest that a campus-based tutoring EFL program could be an alternative form of practicum teaching. Corresponding to previous research into teachers’ learning and learning to teach in second and foreign languages, three notions are provided. Firstly, the process of learning to teach prospective teachers includes continuous observation, analysis, evaluation and reflection on the entirety of the teaching activity embedded within a specific context, rather than shifting their focus from one entity to another entity, such as focusing on themselves at early stage and then shifting their focus to either on students or instructional techniques. Secondly, the process of prospective teachers’ learning to teach includes changes and transformation following iterative analysis and interpretations of cross-level activity systems to determine possible dissonance and solutions with the help of structured resources. Thirdly, research into teachers’ learning should employ a holistic research approach with a comprehensive perspective in analyzing and interpreting existing gaps in teaching practice.

Poor mathematics performance in South African schools is of national concern. An attempt to gain insight into the problem prompted a study into the possibility of a relationship between visual perceptual skill and mathematic ability. A theoretical review revealed that inherent limitations of traditional psychological theories hinder an adequate explanation for the possible existence of such a relationship. The theory of situated cognition seems to be better suited as an explanatory model, and simultaneously clarifies the nature of both visual perception and mathematics. A small exploratory study, with a sample of 70 Grade 6 learners, provided empirical evidence towards the plausibility of the relationship. Specifically, it proved the hypothesis that visual perceptual skill positively correlates with scholastic mathematics achievement. The results of the study, interpreted within the situated cognitive framework, suggest that a conceptual emphasis in mathematics education – as opposed to a factual emphasis – might improve mathematic ability, which may credibly reflect in scholastic performance. / Psychology / M. Sc. (Psychology)

A literatura filosófica sobre a Psicologia do Senso Comum se estende desde a década de 1970, e abrange diversas questões sobre nosso entendimento interpessoal cotidiano, nossa capacidade de interação e coordenação de atividades, o arcabouço conceitual intuitivo que relaciona estados mentais e atitudes proposicionais a comportamentos, e os mecanismos cognitivos de leitura mental que nos permitem atribuir estados mentais a outras pessoas. Nesta dissertação eu examino o desenvolvimento histórico desta literatura, identificando dois debates distintos, o primeiro (principalmente entre Paul Churchland e Jerry Fodor dos anos 70 aos anos 90) tendo como foco a relação entre a teoria da Psicologia do Senso Comum e teorias científicas (da neurociência e das ciências cognitivas), e o segundo (o debate contemporâneo) tendo como foco os mecanismos cognitivos de leitura mental e o papel das atribuições de estados mentais e atitudes proposicionais nas teorias da cognição corporificada, situada e estendida. Além do exame histórico do que argumento serem dois debates distintos e da transição conceitual entre ambos, também apresento aqui minha crítica à abordagem eliminativista contemporânea de Matthew Ratcliffe e, como alternativa, articulo os princípios de uma abordagem pluralista que combina leitura mental e interpretação contextual situada como fundamentais para a cognição social / The philosophical literature on Folk Psychology began in the 1970s, and encompasses various questions about our everyday interpersonal understanding, our ability to interact and coordinate activities, the intuitive conceptual framework that relates mental states and propositional attitudes to behaviors, and the cognitive mechanisms of mindreading that allow us to attribute mental states to other people. In this thesis I examine the historical development of this literature, identifying two distinct debates, the first (mainly between Paul Churchland and Jerry Fodor from the 70s to the 90s) focusing on the relationship between the theory of Folk Psychology and scientific theories (in neuroscience and cognitive science), and the second (the contemporary debate) focusing on the cognitive mechanisms of mindreading and the role played by attributions of mental states and propositional attitudes in theories of embodied, situated and extended cognition. In addition to the historical examination of what I argue are two distinct debates as well as of the conceptual transition between them, here I present my criticism of Matthew Ratcliffe\'s contemporary eliminativist approach and, as an alternative to it, I articulate the principles of a pluralistic approach that combines both mindreading and situated contextual interpretation as fundamental for social cognition