Cognitive complexity measurement

The aroma of fmit, the taste of candy, and the texture of bread are examples of flavor perception. In each case, physical and chemical stmctures ia these foods stimulate receptors ia the nose and mouth. Impulses from these receptors are then processed iato perceptions of flavor by the brain. Attention, emotion, memory, cognition, and other brain functions combine with these perceptions to cause behavior, eg, a sense of pleasure, a memory, an idea, a fantasy, a purchase. These are psychological processes and as such have all the complexities of the human mind. Flavor characterization attempts to define what causes flavor and to determine if human response to flavor can be predicted. The ways ia which simple flavor active substances, flavorants, produce perceptions are described both ia terms of the physiology, ie, transduction, and psychophysics, ie, dose-response relationships, of flavor (1,2). Progress has been made ia understanding how perceptions of simple flavorants are processed iato hedonic behavior, ie, degree of liking, or concept formation, eg, crispy or umami (savory) (3,4). However, it is unclear how complex mixtures of flavorants are perceived or what behavior they cause. Flavor characterization involves the chemical measurement of iadividual flavorants and the use of sensory tests to determine their impact on behavior. 

This does, however, raise a number of interesting questions about the way in which social skills relate to neocortex volume. There are, for example, at least three reasons why we might find a relationship between group size and neocortex size (assuming that the latter actually does measure computing power). One is that the animal has to remember all the other individuals with whom it interacts a second is that it has to be able to manipulate the information relating to these individuals in a complex cognitive hyperspace a third is that it has more to do with how the individual relates to a smaller subset of special allies. 

With regard to modafinil s effects on task performance, the drug appears to have minimal impact on simple psychomotor tests (at least in untreated narcoleptics), whereas there are tendencies toward improvement in more complex tasks requiring concentration, dexterity, and the coordination of cognitive and motor resources (215). In non-sleep-deprived normals, it has been determined that 200 mg had no effect on the performance of a digit symbol substitution test despite improved EEG activation (measured by theta/alpha ratios) for up to 6 hr postdose (219). 

As a result of this complexity, skin smoothness is therefore difficult to assess globally in an objective manner. At present, attempts to quantify this cosmetically important quality are only partial, either through a purely physical approach (friction measurement), or by objective cognitive measurements (brain activity) or psycho-physical tests. 

In our current research project we have identified a series of cognitive outcomes that are defined as active thinking skills. It is not just logical deduction that is necessary to handle more complex and messy social problems but, rather, complex thinking skills. We are exploring a variety of tests and ways of measuring this. The disposition to think critically is one of these skills and is composed of attributes that include openness to new ideas and inquisitiveness. It would seem that these dispositions are particularly important for scientists to possess. 

This test measures complex problem-solving ability, planning, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to use external feedback to monitor decisions. These tests have been shown to be especially sensitive in detecting dysfunction of the dorsolateral portion of the prefrontal lobes. 

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