This article reviews evidence and theories concerning the nature of stimulus representations in Pavlovian conditioning. It focuses on the elemental approach developed in stimulus sampling theory (R. C. Atkinson & W. K. Estes, 1963; R. R. Bush & F. Mosteller, 1951b) and extended by I. P. L. McLaren and N. J. Mackintosh (2000, 2002) and contrasts…

A biologically detailed computational model is described of how categorization judgments become automatic in tasks that depend on procedural learning. The model assumes 2 neural pathways from sensory association cortex to the premotor area that mediates response selection. A longer and slower path projects to the premotor area via the striatum,…

This article traces the origin of the James-Lange theory of emotion, considers differences in their thinking, and assesses early criticisms and debate. Research on physiological patterns in emotion is reviewed. New paths for emotion research are outlined and homage is paid to the inspiration of William James. (SLD)

The aim of this paper is to attempt to develop a neuropsychological theory of attention which is compatible with contemporary theories of human information processing. (Author/RK)

Describes a neuropsychological theory of motor-skill learning that is based on the idea that learning grows directly out of motor-control processes. The theory accounts for patterns of impairment of motor-skill learning in patient populations and for learning-related changes in activity in functional imaging studies. (SLD)

Anthropomorphism describes the tendency to imbue the real or imagined behavior of nonhuman agents with humanlike characteristics, motivations, intentions, or emotions. Although surprisingly common, anthropomorphism is not invariant. This article describes a theory to explain when people are likely to anthropomorphize and when they are not, focused…

A hyper-emotion theory of psychological illnesses is presented. It postulates that these illnesses have an onset in which a cognitive evaluation initiates a sequence of unconscious transitions yielding a basic emotion. This emotion is appropriate for the situation but inappropriate in its intensity. Whenever it recurs, it leads individuals to a…

Fundamental concepts of Gaussian Recognition Theory are reviewed, and one of the major theorems used to test for perceptual independence among stimulus dimensions is disputed through a relatively simple counterexample. An amended version of the theorem, Theorem 4, is offered, and a simulation demonstrates its utility. (SLD)

It is argued that metaphors, rather than simply being comparison statements, are class-inclusion assertions in which the topic of the metaphor is assigned to a diagnostic category, This provides the basis of a metaphor comprehension theory and clarifies why metaphors are used instead of similes. (SLD)

An explanation of action slips is offered that examines controlled actions in the context of an intentional behavior theory. Actions are considered guided by mentally represented intentions, subdivided into goal intentions and contingent instrumental intentions. Action slips are categorized according to problem areas in the enactment of goal…

R. N. Shepard (1987) has proposed a universal exponential law of stimulus generalization, yet experimental data are often Gaussian in form. Theories have been proposed to reconcile the discrepancy, but as proposed here, a simple discrete diffusion process may underlie both types of gradient. (SLD)

The 1954 review of visual motion perception by James J. GIbson anticipated future developments in the field, but these developments were achieved without closely following Gibson's ideas. Reasons for the dormancy of his ideas are explored, and contemporary work on motion perception is evaluated from Gibson's perspective. (SLD)

Traditional accounts of sequential behavior assume that schemas and goals play a causal role in the control of behavior. In contrast, M. Botvinick and D. C. Plaut (see record 2004-12248-005) argued that, at least in routine behavior, schemas and goals are epiphenomenal. The authors evaluate the Botvinick and Plaut account by contrasting the simple…