Departamento Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento

The impact of international videoconferencing among older adults and secondary students

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]This study explores young adults' emotional affect and attitudes towards ageing, as well as older adults' emotional affect and self-esteem following participation in the intergenerational videoconferencing programme Smile Connect (SC). The sample consisted of 94 participants (46 older Spanish adults living in a care home in Spain and 48 young Italian adults -secondary students- learning Spanish at school in Italy). Each age group was divided into an intervention and control group. SC consists of twelve 30-minute chat sessions conducted via Skype between the target groups over six weeks. Pre and post evaluations were made to assess the affect level in both groups, self-esteem among older people, and the level of negative stereotypes about ageing among young adults. At the end of the SC, the intervention group of older adults recorded significantly improved scores in self-esteem compared to the control group. Young adults recorded a reduction in their negative stereotypes about old age after taking part in the SC programme compared to those who did not. These findings suggest that involvement in the SC programme helps to improve the emotional affect of older adults living in care homes, as well as change the negative stereotypes about ageing among young adults.

La habilidad léxico-semántica en la Enfermedad de Alzheimer: Un estudio de la fluidez verbal con categorías semánticas

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Las primeras alteraciones lingüísticas propias de la Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) ocurren en el nivel léxico-semántico, fuertemente dependiente del estado de la memoria del hablante. Los cambios cualitativos en la memoria semántica, derivados de los procesos neurodegenerativos, dan lugar a la aparición de la anomia: la incapacidad de la persona afectada de acceder y recuperar tanto las unidades léxicas como sus bases conceptuales. En este trabajo, nos proponemos estudiar las características cognitivas y semánticas de la afectación anómica en EA e indagar en la posibilidad de su uso en pruebas para la detección temprana de la demencia. Para ello, analizamos los resultados de un modelo experimental de la clásica prueba de fluidez verbal semántica (FVSem), que introduce la división de la misma en cuatro intervalos de 15 segundos con el fin de determinar qué procesos de acceso semántico –los automáticos o los controlados– están alterados en diferentes estados cognitivos de la vejez (hablantes sin patología, hablantes con deterioro cognitivo leve y hablantes con EA). Los resultados de nuestro experimento apuntan a que existe una clara correlación entre el estado cognitivo del hablante y su habilidad léxico-semántica. Asimismo, evidencian, por un lado, que es importante aplicar la prueba de FVSem con duración no inferior a 60 segundos y con distribución en 4 intervalos de 15 segundos, y, por otro lado, que determinadas categorías semánticas –colores y frutas- son más susceptibles a la retrogénesis cognitiva propia de EA. [EN]Language impairments in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) primarily affect lexical and semantic levels, which significantly depend on the speaker’s memory state. Qualitative shifts in semantic memory are due to neurodegenerative processes underlying dementia and give rise to anomia, or the speaker’s inability to access and retrieve lexical units and their conceptual backgrounds. In this paper we aim at studying cognitive and semantic features of anomic deficit in AD and exploring the possibility to apply them in tests for early detection of dementia. For that purpose, we analyze the results from our experimental version of a classical test on semantic verbal fluency (SemVF) with nonpathological aged persons, persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment and persons with AD. The experimental version of the test introduces a division into four 15-minute intervals, in order to find out which processes of semantic access, either automatic or controlled, are impaired in different cognitive states of the elderly. Our results show a correlation between the cognitive state and the lexical-semantic ability of the speaker. Furthermore, they highlight, on the one hand, that the duration of the SemVF test should not be less than 60 seconds, with internal division into 4 15-second intervals, and, on the other hand, that some semantic categories –colours and fruit in particular- are more prone to be affected by cognitive retrogenesis, which caracterizes AD dementia.

Desarrollo de una escala de calidad de vida subjetiva en residencias de personas mayores (CVS-R)

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Fundamentos: La calidad de vida en residencias de personas mayores es una preocupación creciente. Su evaluación requiere instrumentos que consideren las necesidades subjetivas de residentes, familias y profesionales, como el cuestionario (CVS-R) que se desarrolló y validó en el presente estudio. Métodos: La versión original de 100 ítems fue aplicada a 99 personas procedentes de tres residencias (36,4% profesionales, 30,30% residentes y 33,33% familiares). Del análisis de los ítems se obtuvo un cuestionario de 27 preguntas y 9 dimensiones que, posteriormente, rellenaron de forma online 225 personas de otras residencias de España (62% profesionales, 23% residentes y 14% familiares). Se analizó la validez de contenido mediante valoración por expertos y la validez de constructo mediante análisis factorial. Se evaluó la fiabilidad analizando la consistencia interna con el alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: El análisis factorial confirmó la existencia de un solo factor que explica el 62,35% de la varianza total del cuestionario. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,97. No se encontró relación entre el sexo y la puntuación final del cuestionario. Conclusiones: Las propiedades psicométricas del CVS-R apoyan su uso para la evaluación de la CV subjetiva de residencias de personas mayores de España. El CVS-R recoge, por primera vez, la percepción de residentes, familias y profesionales. [EN]Background: The quality of life in nursing homes is a growing concern. Its assessment requires instruments that consider the subjective needs of residents, their families, and staff, such as the questionnaire (CVS-R) that has been developed and validated in the present study. Methods: The original 100 items version was applied to 99 participants from three nursing homes (36,4% professionals, 30,30% residents and 33,33% family members). From the item analysis, a questionnaire with 27 questions and 9 dimensions was obtained, which, subsequently, 225 people from other nursing homes in Spain filled in online. Content validity was analyzed by expert judgment, and construct validity by factor analysis. Reliability was assessed by analyzing the internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The factorial analysis confirmed the existence of a single factor that explains 62.35% of the total variance of the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.97. No relationship was found between sex and the final score of the questionnaire. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the CVS-R support its use for the assessment of the subjective quality of life of nursing homes in Spain. The CVS-R considers, for the first time, the perception of residents, families and staff.

Defying syntactic preservation in Alzheimer's disease: What type of impairment predicts syntactic change in dementia (if it does) and why?

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Introduction: Many studies on syntax in dementia suggest that, despite syntactic simplification, speakers with Alzheimer's disease (AD) retain their basic grammatical abilities, being mainly affected in their comprehension and production of complex syntax. Moreover, there is no single position on the origin of syntactic decline in AD, which, according to some authors, can be linked to a lexical-semantic deficit or, according to others, to either cognitive or autonomous dysfunction. Methods: In this study, we apply the model of syntactic maturity to the analysis of oral speech production elicited by the Cookie-Theft description task. We assess a sample of 60 older adults (21 HC, 19 MCI, and 20 AD) through three indexes of syntactic maturity, measuring the proportion of sentences and clauses in discourse, their mean length, and the rate of their complexity. Results: Our results show two important tendencies in AD: the preservation of general syntactic ability, as measured by the basic syntactic organization of speech, and the disturbance of the indexes of syntactic complexity, as measured by the overall length of utterances and their indexes of complexity. Discussion: Although speakers with AD maintain the ability to construct grammatically acceptable sentences and produce a similar number of utterances to healthy aging speakers and speakers with MCI, the syntactic complexity of their discourse significantly changes. Importantly, such significant changes are already present at the MCI stage and are not conditioned by the lexical-semantic deficit itself. Our results may be particularly relevant to improving the detection of cognitive impairment and to theoretically discussing the relationships between language levels in aging speakers.

Normative Acoustic Data and Voice Quality Assessment in Spanish Young Adults

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Purpose: The human voice is a complex acoustic signal shaped by multiple anatomical and environmental factors. It serves as a primary medium for communication, allowing individuals to express emotions, intentions, and identity. These features can change due to aging, lifestyle habits, health conditions, and several sociocultural factors. Given the impact of voice disorders on daily life and psychological well-being, accurate assessment tools are essential for early detection and intervention. Given the natural variability of the human voice and the need for appropriate assessment tools, normative studies centered on young populations are necessary, as most existing studies focus on older populations more prone to vocal health problems. The aim of this study was to establish normative acoustic data for 23 acoustic parameters including the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) and the Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI) in young adult, native Spanish speakers, analyzed separately by gender. Method: A total of 194 participants (82 men, 112 women) aged 18 to 25 years were recruited, who reported no prior history of voice disorders. Recordings of sustained vowels and connected speech were analyzed using Voxplot, a clinical tool based on Praat. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and gender differences were explored through t tests. Results: Normative values were obtained for 23 acoustic parameters in young Spanish-speaking adults. Several measures showed significant gender differences, particularly those related to fundamental frequency and spectral characteristics. Additionally, preliminary threshold values for mild dysphonia were calculated. Conclusions: This study provides normative acoustic data for young adult speakers and exploratory threshold values for parameters that may be obtained through Voxplot. The preliminary thresholds values may serve as reference points for early detection of vocal alterations. However, future studies should include groups with vocal pathologies in order to establish cutoff points.

El debate como herramienta didáctica para la confrontación de mitos sobre la inteligencia humana

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[ES] El presente capítulo describe un proyecto de innovación docente orientado a desmontar los mitos y creencias erróneas sobre la inteligencia humana que persisten entre estudiantes universitarios. Con el objetivo de promover la reflexión crítica y la alfabetización científica, se incorporó el debate académico como metodología principal de aprendizaje activo. Participaron 78 estudiantes de 4.º curso del Grado en Psicología de la Universidad de Salamanca, quienes completaron un cuestionario pretest y postest compuesto por 35 afirmaciones adaptadas del libro "In the Know: Debunking 35 Myths About Human Intelligence". Los resultados iniciales mostraron una alta aceptación de mitos sobre la inteligencia (19 de 35 afirmaciones consideradas verdaderas). Tras la intervención basada en debates estructurados, se observaron mejoras significativas: disminuyeron las respuestas de incertidumbre y aumentaron las respuestas que identificaban correctamente los mitos como falsos. En 24 de los 35 ítems se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre pretest y postest, lo que indica un claro avance en la desmitificación de la inteligencia. En conclusión, el debate académico se consolida como una estrategia pedagógica eficaz para cuestionar concepciones erróneas, favorecer el pensamiento crítico y reforzar la comprensión científica de la inteligencia humana en contextos universitarios.

Validación de tests para evaluar el síntoma de "sensación de presencia" en pacientes con patologías del sueño

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[ES] El fenómeno de Sensación de Presencia (SP), la experiencia de percibir una entidad o ser sin evidencia sensorial clara, ha generado un creciente interés científico en las últimas décadas. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar las propiedades psicométricas de dos cuestionarios para evaluar la SP y experiencias perceptuales inusuales utilizando modelo de Rasch. Se aplicó un diseño instrumental con 185 adultos uruguayos, divididos en un grupo clínico (con trastornos del sueño) y uno de comparación. Primero, se adaptaron al español las escalas Sensed Presence Questionnaire (SenPQ) y Multi-Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (MUSEQ). También se aplicaron otras escalas para medir variables asociadas (ansiedad, depresión, somnolencia diurna, personalidad e imaginería mental). Los resultados indicaron que ambas escalas mostraron buena unidimensionalidad, ajuste al modelo y consistencia interna, aunque con fiabilidad individual limitada. Se hallaron correlaciones significativas entre SP y variables asociadas, sugiriendo una interacción compleja entre factores afectivos, de personalidad y cognitivos. Además, las escalas discriminaron entre individuos con y sin síntomas clínicos de trastornos del sueño. Las correlaciones positivas entre SP y otras modalidades sensoriales del MUSEQ respaldan su conceptualización dimensional dentro de un espectro más amplio de experiencias perceptuales. Los resultados refuerzan la utilidad de estas escalas para la investigación y evaluación clínica de experiencias atípicas en contextos transdiagnósticos, aportando evidencia sobre el papel de variables psicológicas clave en la génesis y modulación de la SP.; [EN] The Sense of Presence (SP) phenomenon, or the experience of perceiving an entity or being without clear sensory evidence, has generated increasing scientific interest in recent decades. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of two questionnaires used to measure SP and unusual perceptual experiences through Rasch model. An instrumental design was applied to a sample of 185 Uruguayan adults, divided into a clinical group (with sleep disorders) and a comparison group. The Sensed Presence Questionnaire (SenPQ) and the Multi-Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (MUSEQ) were first adapted into Spanish. Additional scales were administered to assess associated variables (anxiety, depression, daytime sleepiness, personality traits, and mental imagery). The results indicated that both scales exhibited good unidimensionality, adequate model fit, and internal consistency, although with limited individual reliability. Significant correlations were found between SP and associated variables, suggesting a complex interaction between affective, personality and cognitive factors. In addition, the scales discriminated between individuals with and without clinical symptoms of sleep disorders. The positive correlations between SP and other sensory modalities of the MUSEQ support its dimensional conceptualization within a broader spectrum of perceptual experiences. The results support the utility of these scales for the research and clinical assessment of atypical experiences in transdiagnostic contexts, providing evidence on the role of psychological variables in the genesis and modulation of SP.

Positive and negative affect as predictors of university academic performance: systematic review and meta-analysis

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Positive and negative affect are key emotional dimensions for understanding learning processes and academic performance in university students. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of empirical evidence published between 2015 and 2025 on the association between affect and academic performance in higher education. Following PRISMA guidelines, 14 studies were included. The results indicate that positive affect shows a clear and consistent direction of effect, with a moderate and statistically significant association with academic performance (r = .27, 95% CI [.12, .41], I² = 90.91%). In contrast, negative affect showed an inconsistent direction of effect and a weak, non-significant association (r = –.11, 95% CI [–.28, .07], I² = 95.45%). Moderation analyses examining study-level methodological characteristics (type of affect measure, type of academic performance measure, and study design) did not identify any statistically significant moderators, and subgroup differences disappeared when meta-regression models were applied. Both meta-analyses exhibited high heterogeneity (I² > 90%), but only positive affect showed a significant association with academic performance. These results underscore the need for more precise affective measures, longitudinal and context-sensitive research designs, and teaching practices that explicitly integrate the affective dimension into the university learning experience. [ES]El afecto positivo y negativo son dimensiones emocionales clave para comprender los procesos de aprendizaje y el rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios. Este estudio presenta una revisión sistemática y un metaanálisis de la evidencia empírica publicada entre 2015 y 2025 sobre la asociación entre afecto y rendimiento académico en la educación superior. Siguiendo las directrices PRISMA, se incluyeron 14 estudios. Los resultados mostraron que el afecto positivo presenta una dirección del efecto clara y consistente, con una asociación moderada y estadísticamente significativa con el rendimiento académico (r = .27, IC del 95% [.12, .41], I² = 90.91%). En contraste, el afecto negativo presenta una dirección del efecto inconsistente y una asociación débil y no significativa (r = –.11, IC del 95% [–.28, .07], I² = 95.45%). Los análisis de moderación que han examinado las características metodológicas a nivel de estudio (tipo de medida del afecto, tipo de medida del rendimiento académico y diseño del estudio) no identificaron moderadores estadísticamente significativos, y las diferencias entre subgrupos desaparecieron al aplicar modelos de meta-regresión. Ambos metaanálisis mostraron alta heterogeneidad (I² > 90%), pero solo el afecto positivo evidenció una asociación significativa con el rendimiento académico. Estos resultados subrayan la necesidad de medidas afectivas más precisas, diseños de investigación longitudinales y sensibles al contexto, así como prácticas docentes que integren explícitamente la dimensión afectiva en el contexto de aprendizaje universitario.

Relationship between Self-Regulated Learning and Student Satisfaction in a Collaborative Science Communication Task

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]The influence of self-regulated learning on academic performance has been studied from various perspectives and in different contexts. However, few studies have explored its impact on student satisfaction in learning environments related to scientific dissemination. This study examines the influence of self-regulated learning —specifically motivation and learning strategies— on university students’ satisfaction with the group preparation of a scientific dissemination article. A total of 83 university students participated by completing a self-regulated learning questionnaire (MSLQ) and two ad hoc questionnaires assessing satisfaction with the dissemination project (group interaction and content). The results showed high levels of satisfaction with both the interaction and the content of the project, with average scores exceeding eight out of ten. Furthermore, regarding the dimensions of self-regulated learning, motivation was found to influence satisfaction with the content among students who reported lower use of learning strategies. The implications of these findings are discussed within the educational context.

Working memory training improves episodic memory in older people: transfer based on controlled retrieval processes

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Introduction: The results of working memory (WM) training to improve episodic memory in older people are inconsistent. This inconsistency could be due to the fact that the episodic memory tests used do not share the same cognitive resources as the trained WM task. The aim of this study was to assess whether performance on an episodic memory test will improve only when this test requires controlled processes of retrieval of information from secondary memory or recollection, similar to the processes exercised during WM training. Method: Fifty-five people over 60 years of age participated in the study: 27 were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and the rest to the control group (CG). The EG was trained in complex span tasks. Before and after training, both groups were tested on episodic memory tests (a verbal and a visuospatial recognition test) and WM span tasks (reading, digit and spatial location). Results: ANOVAs revealed a greater improvement of recollection estimates in the EG than in the CG for both verbal recognition (p = 0.023) and visuospatial recognition (p = 0.014). Discussion: Our results provide support for a cognitive mechanism whose shared presence favored transfer from training on a WM task to a test of episodic memory. Consistent with our predictions, training on complex span tasks improved performance on recognition tests only when recall required a controlled search process in secondary memory, or recollection. We therefore stress the importance of identifying other cognitive resources that are susceptible to transfer from a training task to other untrained tasks. A better understanding of the phenomenon of transfer is crucial for the design of increasingly effective intervention programs for older people.

La influencia de la cognición sobre el arte: un análisis interdisciplinario

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[ES] La publicación “La influencia de la cognición sobre el arte: un análisis interdisciplinario” presenta los resultados de un proyecto de innovación docente (ID 2024/136) desarrollado en la Facultad de Bellas Artes de la Universidad de Salamanca. El trabajo explora la relación entre los procesos cognitivos y la práctica artística, destacando cómo la comprensión de la cognición puede potenciar tanto la creación como la apreciación del arte. Desde un enfoque interdisciplinario que integra Bellas Artes, Psicología e Historia del Arte, el proyecto implementó una intervención educativa en la asignatura Pintura II con el objetivo de fortalecer las competencias artísticas y cognitivas de los estudiantes.

Working memory training improves episodic memory in older people: transfer based on controlled retrieval processes

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

[EN] The results of working memory (WM) training to improve episodic memory in older people are inconsistent. This inconsistency could be due to the fact that the episodic memory tests used do not share the same cognitive resources as the trained WM task. The aim of this study was to assess whether performance on an episodic memory test will improve only when this test requires controlled processes of retrieval of information from secondary memory or recollection, similar to the processes exercised during WM training. Method: Fifty-five people over 60 years of age participated in the study: 27 were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EG) and the rest to the control group (CG). The EG was trained in complex span tasks. Before and after training, both groups were tested on episodic memory tests (a verbal and a visuospatial recognition test) and WM span tasks (reading, digit and spatial location). Results: ANOVAs revealed a greater improvement of recollection estimates in the EG than in the CG for both verbal recognition (p = 0.023) and visuospatial recognition (p = 0.014). Discussion: Our results provide support for a cognitive mechanism whose shared presence favored transfer from training on a WM task to a test of episodic memory. Consistent with our predictions, training on complex span tasks improved performance on recognition tests only when recall required a controlled search process in secondary memory, or recollection. We therefore stress the importance of identifying other cognitive resources that are susceptible to transfer from a training task to other untrained tasks. A better understanding of the phenomenon of transfer is crucial for the design of increasingly effective intervention programs for older people.

Effects of Teacher Enthusiasm and Type of Text on the Motivation and Achievement of Schoolchildren

Mon, 30 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]This study aims to analyze the effects of teacher enthusiasm and type of text on student motivation and achievement. The participants were 369 elementary school students. We used four videos showing a teacher presenting two texts (narrative or descriptive) in two conditions of enthusiasm (high or neutral). A MANOVA revealed additive effects due to enthusiasm and text type on motivation and achievement, but no interaction. Mediation analyzes indicated that enthusiasm showed direct and indirect effects through motivation only for descriptive text. Therefore, the motivational mediation between teacher enthusiasm and student achievement could be especially important when the text is descriptive.

Motivation and learning strategies in the use of ICTs among university students

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

[EN] Within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) considerable efforts are being made to promote the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) in Higher Education (HE), together with placing emphasis on the cognitive and motivational components underlying learning. The objectives of this research were to analyze: (a) the relationship between different uses of ICTs and the learning outcomes and (b) the relationship between learning strategies and motivation and the use of ICTs. Four factors explain 57.4% of the total variance of the types of use of ICTs. It is possible to discern four patterns of use of ICTs (Social, Technical, Academic and Educational Platforms). Our results show significant associations of the different uses of ICT with expectations of improved performance and satisfaction. In addition, the Educational Platform Use (EPU) is linked to performance. In turn, the EPU is predicted by learning strategies and motivation variables which point to primarily motivational components. The results are discussed in relation to the difficulties inherent in the process of implementing the EHEA.

Network analysis to examine sex differences linked to emotional well-being in cardiovascular disease

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Psychosocial dimensions are essential to guarantee an optimal approach to improve emotional well-being in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is evidence of sex differences regarding these dimensions. Thus, the connections between them are crucial to implement personalized therapies. Network model analyses were conducted on data from 593 CVD patients. The models included scores from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), positive (PA) and negative affect (NA), positivity (PS), satisfaction of life (SLS), social support (SS), self-efficacy on emotion regulation (RESE), cardiac self-efficacy (CSE) and the Short Form-12 Health Survey. The main sex differences were found in: PA-PS (p = 0.03), SS-RESE (p = 0.04), for which the positive associations are stronger for men than for women and PA-RESE (p < 0.01) for which the positive association is stronger for women than for men. These nuances should be considered to implement tailored and integrative therapies for each CVD patient.

Generalized and visual anosognosia, Anosodiaphoria after bifrontal injury: symptom length and cognitive outcomes after one year from first report documented

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Importance: GAAB Syndrome was recently discovered and coined by Rodríguez, Azariah, Ritter, et al.. (2024). It is characterized by bifrontal brain injury, visual pathway damage involving bilateral enucleation, generalized and visual anosognosia and lack of emotional processing with visual anosognosia being more prominent in the clinical presentation of the patient given the context of bilateral enucleation. The syndrome was not explained by delirium nor by amnesia, not either by multiple shunt adjustments or psychological denial. Objective: To describe the clinical presentation and syndrome length of the patient one year after injury. Results show that most of the syndrome symptoms are resolved after nine months, with just visual anosognosia not resolving completely. The patient improved cognitively as shown by the same tests one year later.