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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
671

Predicting Lineup Identifications

Baldassari, Mario J. 20 January 2014 (has links)
Witnesses sometimes mistakenly identify innocent suspects in lineups from which the real culprit is absent, and those errors can have tragic consequences. Can we estimate in advance a witness’s susceptibility to making false identifications in culprit-absent lineups? Kantner and Lindsay (2012) found that response criterion on a standard test of old/new recognition (of faces or words) correlated with the likelihood of making lineup identifications. Four experiments tested the predictive utility of a two-alternative forced choice facial recognition test that included trials in which neither face had been studied. Through Experiment 3 we observed several weak predictive relationships, including confidence on the facial recognition test with confidence on the lineup test, but not the hypothesized relationship: that the rate of false alarms on the TA face recognition trials would predict false alarm rates on the target-absent lineup trials. Experiment 4 implemented a substantial increase in the number of face recognition trials displaying two non-studied faces (from 4 trials to 30) and the originally hypothesized relationship was found (r=.45). Implications for future research aimed at developing measures with real-world utility are discussed. / Graduate / 0633 / 0623 / 0384 / mjbldssr@uvic.ca
672

Working memory constellations

Morris, Neil Gerald January 1986 (has links)
Evidence is presented that supports the view that most models of short-term memory cannot account for the flexibility of the primary memory system. It is argued that the working memory model outlined by Baddeley and Hitch (1974) is, however, a potentially adequate model. Working memory, in this thesis, is depicted as a system that assembles 'constellations' consisting of the central executive and one or more sub-systems. This view suggests a formulation that is considerably more complex than the 1974 model. The empirical studies examine the role of the visuo-spatial scratch pad in the formation and maintenance of working memory constellations. It is concluded from these studies that the scratch pad is independent of the articulatory loop but is usually coupled to the central executive except during maintenance rehearsal. Furthermore, it can be used concurrently with the articulatory loop to process spatial aspects of highly verbal tasks. However a constellation consisting of the executive, the loop and the scratch pad is vulnerable to a wider range of interference effects than a simpler constellation. Paivio (1971) suggested that 'dual coding' leads to better memory performance, however, this is only the case when no distractors are present. The final two chapters present some speculations on how working memory research might proceed in the future. It is concluded that the current trend towards collecting convergent evidence and the emphasis on testing theory in applied situations should give us insights into memory that were not available to Ebbinghaus and other early memory researchers.
673

Small urban centres in Sierra Leone : a geographical study with particular reference to their role in rural development

Kargbo, T. O. January 1982 (has links)
Regional inequalities in the developing countries have in recent years led to increasing attention to various proposals of deconcentration and decentralization, which in turn have triggered renewed interest in rural developnent and the potential significance of small urban centres. Yet little is known about the social, econanic and geographical relations of these centres with whom the majority of the rural population have contact. This thesis is a geographical study of small urban centres paying particular attention to their role in rural development in Sierra Leone. In choosing these centres as subjects of study, the author echoes other scholars, that the instances where they play a positive role are few and that to get than to do so would entail transformations within the economy and society which though necessary may prove so difficult under the present political and economic structures. The study is divided into two sections. Section I (Chapters IIII) forms the theoretical framework. Section II (Chapters IV - VII) is devoted to testing the hypotheses in the study area. The thesis starts with introducing the aims and objectives of the study, definition of tents and concepts used and justifies their application in the study area. The data and methodology are also fully discussed and the structure of the study outlined (Chapter I). The second chapter reviews various economic and spatial theories and literature on small urban centres forming the theoretical framework on which the hypotheses drawn are based. Studying small urban centres without paying attention to the macro-economic. and political context in which they are set and operate may prove futile. The third chapter therefore examines those aspects bf the study area which are considered relevant to this investigation. Section II of the thesis starts with tracing the origins of these centres and finds out how these origins have influenced their functions and thereby structures. Here a retrospective approach is adopted by tracing their pre-urban origins and discussing the factors which contributed to their urban status. The implications of these origins for rural development are pointed out (Chapter IV). In assessing their present role (Chapter V) the numbers and spatial distribution of these centres and their relative centrality are examined. From the furtional units within these centres, centrality ratios are calculated to determine whether these centres are adequately provided for. The limitations imposed on the positive role they can play in rural development by their lack of adequate numbers and low centrality is examined and their implication on using the present framework for the delivery of goods and services is assessed. Chapter VI is devoted to an examination of the relationships of small urban centres and their immediate rural hinterlands, through the consumer travel patterns to secure goods and services fron these centres. Where no positive links exist the chances of such centres acting as stimuli for rural development are indeed limited. The functional relationships of these centres through consumer travel patterns form the subject of investigation in Chapter VII. These relationships give us an idea on the way these centres function with other members in the urban hierarchy. The analysis is based on the hierarchical concepts of central place theory. The conclusion (Chapter VIII) sunmarizes the findings of the study and makes recamiendations where it is deemed necessary and in each case pointing out the implications of, such recaT1m ndations.
674

Pettyfogging to respectability : a history of the development of the profession of solicitor in the Manchester area, 1800-1914

Parrott, V. R. January 1992 (has links)
The thesis presents a social history of the development of solicitors as a professional group in Manchester during the period 1800-1914. This is the first work on the history of Manchester solicitors and one of the few histories of the profession outside London. It is based on primary source material which has not previously been subject to investigation. The study explores the development of solicitors through the period by examining their reaction to the pressures imposed by an increasingly industrial and urbanizing society. It considers the importance of the role of provincial solicitors in the development of the profession nationally and the part Manchester solicitors played in this development. The relationship between Manchester solicitors and the community and their place in the local societal structure is also examined.
675

The teaching of Arabic in the Faculty of Islamic Studies in the National University of Malaysia

Ismail, A. R. B. H. January 1993 (has links)
This study is concerned with the teaching and learning of Arabic as a second or a foreign language in Malaysia in general and in the Faculty of Islamic Studies of the National University of Malaysia in particular. Its main purpose is to evaluate the existing Arabic program in the Faculty, and to provide some suggestions for its improvement. This thesis is divided into seven chapters. Chapter one provides some background to the teaching and learning of Arabic in Malaysia. The historical development of religious teaching and learning institutions in Malaysia, and the teaching and learning of Arabic in the existing Arabic and religious institutions in Malaysia are discussed. In addition, this first chapter also discusses the role and the status of Arabic in Malaysia in order to lay the ground for understanding the actual needs for Arabic in Malaysia. Chapters two and three are concerned with the review of the literature in second and foreign language program design. They discuss the factors involved in SL teaching and learning, the general framework to be used in designing SL program, methods and approaches for specifying goals and objectives for such program, and the syllabuses and teaching methodologies for SL teaching and learning. At the end of chapter three, general criteria for the design and evaluation of Arabic programs are described. Chapter four is concerned with the teaching and learning of Arabic to noi cttive speakers. It focuses on the historical development in TASL, issues and problems in TASL, and the teaching and learning of Arabic in the Faculty of Islamic Studies. In addition, this chapter defines the research problem, scope of the study, hypo thesis, and the research methods followed. Chapters five, six and seven are concerned with the description, analysis and discussions of the results. The results reveal that the existing Arabic program in the Faculty of Islamic Studies is not compatible with the needs for Arabic in Malaysia and in the Faculty itself. It is found that the major components of the existing program, namely objectives, syllabus content and teaching methodologies, are not compatible with the present stated goal of the program. The prescription and the design of the program components do not seem to comply with general principles for SL program design. In the light of these conditions, suggestions are provided for the improvement of the Arabic program in the Faculty. These suggestions include some important areas for further research.
676

The changing position of women in Arabia under Islam during the early seventh century

Sulaimani, F. A. A. January 1986 (has links)
This study of the position of women in Islamic society during the period of the Prophet in the early seventh century A.D. compares their status with the status of women in pre-Islamic Arabia, and investigates the changes, if any, which the new faith brought to the women believers. The thesis is composed of three chapters. The purpose of the first chapter is to outline the nature of the socio-economic and legal status of women in Arabia before Islam; it surveys the concept of Jahiliyyah, the tribal society as a whole, the practice of burying daughters alive, marriage, polygamy and divorce. The second chapter contains an over view of the new moral and legal status granted to women under Islamic law, according to the specific rules governing the rights and duties of the people as laid down by the Prophet himself. This can therefore be taken as the ideal example, in all aspects. of the true Islamic community. The third chapter contains cases of illustrious and influential women in the first seminal period of Islam: Khadija, the first believer and first wife of the Prophet, Aisha, the young wife and important transmitter of tradition and Faimah, the Prophet's daughter and other various examples of women in different aspects.
677

An empirical study of family group visitors to a millennium art gallery in the UK

Beaumont, E. January 2004 (has links)
This thesis describes the results of an empirical study addressing the nature of family group visitors to a recently built art gallery. Specifically, the aims of this research were: To clarify what 'family' means in the context of family group visitors to a new art gallery * To explore the motivations of family group visitors in new art galleries * To explore the experience of family group visitors looking at modem art in new art galleries * To observe the behaviour of family group visitors looking at modem art in new art galleries * To provide evidence about family groups by collecting empirical data rather than relying on assumptions about family group visitors The research findings were obtained using qualitative and qualitative methods, analysis of interviews, survey data and statistical analysis, empirical observation, from the literature, from the researcher's own interpretation and the comments and quotations gathered throughout the research. The study begins by presenting a comprehensive taxonomy of family visitor studies research to date. A case study then tests seven hypotheses, shedding light on aspects of family group visiting that have been only partially illuminated in previous studies. The case study demonstrates the significance of the demographic findings; defining, accurately measuring and describing family group visitors to temporary exhibitions of modern art and makes an original contribution to methodology by advancing previous video observational research, harnessing the potential of CCTV film footage as an observational tool using existing in-house surveillance technology. Conclusions include: *A high proportion of grandparent family visitor groups within the sample, with important implications for the future development of the over 50 age group and their grandchildren, as an audience for contemporary art. * Family group visitors expect to enjoy looking at modem art, and typically visit several times, without however, increasing their knowledge of modem art; the study shows that family visitors are 'perpetual beginners' despite previous visits to modern art exhibitions. * Children are instrumental in the visit and engage in 'teaching behaviour' towards adult family members, showing and discussing the exhibits with parents and particularly, grandparents. The significance of the research is highlighted and future research topics are suggested.
678

Programming frameworks for performance driven speculative parallelization

Ravichandran, Kaushik 12 January 2015 (has links)
Effectively utilizing available parallelism is becoming harder and harder as systems evolve to many-core processors with many tens of cores per chip. Automatically extracting parallelism has limitations whereas completely redesigning software using traditional parallel constructs is a daunting task that significantly jeopardizes programmer productivity. On the other hand, many studies have shown that a good amount of parallelism indeed exists in sequential software that remains untapped. How to unravel and utilize it successfully remains an open research question. Speculation fortunately provides a potential answer to this question. Speculation provides a golden bridge for a quick expression of "potential" parallelism in a given program. While speculation at extremely fine granularities has been shown to provide good speed-ups, speculation at larger granularities has only been attempted on a very small scale due to the potentially large overheads that render it useless. The transactional construct used by STMs can be used by programmers to express speculation since it provides atomicity and isolation while writing parallel code. However, it was not designed to deal with the semantics of speculation. This thesis contends that by incorporating the semantics of speculation new solutions can be constructed and speculation can provide a powerful means to the hard problem of efficiently utilizing many-cores with very low programmer efforts. This thesis takes a multi-faceted view of the problem of speculation through a combination of programming models, compiler analysis, scheduling and runtime systems and tackles the semantic issues that surround speculation such as determining the right degree of speculation to maximize performance, reuse of state in rollbacks, providing probabilistic guidance for minimizing conflicts, deterministic execution for debugging and development, and providing very large scale speculations across distributed nodes. First, we present F2C2-STM, a high performance flux-based feedback-driven concurrency control technique which automatically selects and adapts the degree of speculation in transactional applications for best performance. Second, we present the Merge framework which is capable of salvaging useful work performed during an incorrect speculation and incorporates it towards the final commit. Third, we present a framework which has the ability to leverage semantics of data structures and algorithmic properties to guide the scheduling of concurrent speculative transactions to minimize conflicts and performance loss. Fourth, we present DeSTM, a deterministic STM designed to aid the development of speculative transactional applications for repeatability without undue performance loss. These contributions significantly enhance the use of transactional memory as a speculative idiom improving the efficiency of speculative execution as well as simplify the development process. Finally, we focus on a performance oriented view of speculation, namely choose one of many speculative semantics, dubbed as algorithmic speculation. We present, the Multiverse framework which scales algorithmic speculation to a large distributed cluster with thousands of cores while maintaining its simplicity and efficiency. To conclude, speculative algorithms are benefited by the contributions of this thesis due to the enhancements to the transactional and the algorithmic speculative paradigms developed in this work, laying the foundation for the development and tuning of new speculative algorithms.
679

Supporting interrupted programming tasks with memory-based aids

Parnin, Christopher Joseph 12 January 2015 (has links)
Despite its vast capacity and associative powers, the human brain does not deal well with interruptions. Particularly in situations where information density is high, such as during a programming task, recovering from an interruption requires extensive time and effort. Although researchers recognize this problem, no programming tool takes into account the brain's structure and limitations in its design. In this dissertation, I describe my research collecting evidence about the impact of interruptions on programmers, understanding how programmers manage them in practice, and designing tools that can support interrupted programmers. I present a conceptual framework for understanding human memory organization and its strengths and weaknesses, particularly with respect to dealing with work interruptions. The framework explains empirical results obtained from experiments in which programmers were interrupted. For researchers, the intent is to use the framework to design development tools capable of compensating for human memory limitations. For developers, the insights and strategies from the framework should allow reflection on our own programming habits and work practices and how they may be tailored to better fit our human brain. The framework is evaluated by conducting two experiments that find that 1) developers can recall nearly twice as many past programming events using a tool designed with the framework over traditional tools, with comparable recall effort and 2) developers can remember to perform nearly twice as many prospective actions using a tool designed with the framework over traditional tools, with limited impact to cognitive load.
680

The role of working memory capacity and fluid intelligence in the organization of memory

Harrison, Tyler Leland 12 January 2015 (has links)
One of the best ways to increase memory performance on a task is to organize the to-be-remembered material (Postman, 1972). Throughout a number of experiments, the amount a subject organizes a list of words has been shown to be related to their overall recall performance (e.g., Mandler & Pearlstone, 1966). However, few studies have investigated whether other cognitive abilities are related to the organization of memory and whether these other abilities contribute to the relationship between organization and memory performance. In the present study subjects completed four sets of multitrial free recall and the consistency in which subjects recalled words (a measure of organization) was compared to performance on multiple measures of working memory capacity and fluid intelligence. I show that working memory capacity is related to the organization of memory particularly when subjects were told to use an organizational strategy and that fluid intelligence is related to organization regardless of strategy. Additionally, both working memory capacity and organization predict unique variance in immediate free recall performance.

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