2025 Preliminary Program

This preliminary program does not include all sessions and will be updated as additional program information is received. Please check back for the latest program updates. You may also view program information in the Program-at-a-glance.

32 Sessions

Subject Area: Cognitive

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Flash Talk

Thursday May 22, 2025 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM ET (20:00 - 21:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Talks:

Symposium

Friday May 23, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM ET (14:30 - 15:50 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

This symposium highlights cutting-edge research on the fundamental properties of mental imagery and its clinical applications in psychological therapy. By exploring innovative techniques such as future-oriented imagery rescripting, preventive cognitive therapy, and technologically-supported interventions like virtual reality and deep fake, the symposium offers new pathways for enhancing treatment outcomes.

This symposium highlights cutting-edge research on the fundamental properties of mental imagery and its clinical applications in psychological therapy. By exploring innovative techniques such as future-oriented imagery rescripting, preventive cognitive therapy, and technologically-supported interventions like virtual reality and deep fake, the symposium offers new pathways for enhancing treatment outcomes.

Talks:

  • The Potential As Intervention of Imagery, Phantasy, Virtual Reality and Deepfake
    Claudi Bockting (Presenting Author)
  • Future-Oriented Imagery Rescripting (ImRes) to Tackle Imagery in Depression: A Feasibility Study
    evi-Anne van Dis (Presenting Author)
  • Investigating the Unique Functional Properties of Self-Generated Mental Imagery
    Julie Ji (Presenting Author)

Symposium

Friday May 23, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM ET (14:30 - 15:50 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Given advances in AI, what is about to happen to psychological science? We explore novel AI-based methods and consider how the field should think about generative AI—as mirrors, minds, stochastic parrots?—issues that will shape the next century of behavioral research.

Given advances in AI, what is about to happen to psychological science? We explore novel AI-based methods and consider how the field should think about generative AI—as mirrors, minds, stochastic parrots?—issues that will shape the next century of behavioral research.

Talks:

Invited Symposium

Saturday May 24, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM ET (14:30 - 15:50 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Abstract to follow

Abstract to follow

Talks:

  • Active Video Game Play As a Novel Approach for Human Neuroimaging
    Jody Culham (Presenting Author)
  • How Individual Differences Impact Learning From Movement
    Elizabeth Wakefield (Presenting Author)
  • Sensorimotor Foundations of Literacy: Beyond Handwriting
    Robert Wiley (Presenting Author)
  • Title to Follow
    Karin James (Presenting Author)

Invited Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 12:00 PM - 12:25 PM ET (16:00 - 16:25 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Creating drawings of information can provide elaborative, pictorial, and motor cues that enhance later memory retrieval—but the relative contributions of these cues, and how they interact, remain poorly understood. To isolate the mechanisms underlying drawing’s effectiveness as a mnemonic tool, we developed a task battery compatible with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that systematically manipulates the presence or absence of these information sources. For instance, beyond standard drawing, participants completed tasks such as drawing “without ink” to test the role of visual feedback, and tracing to assess the contribution of elaborative processing. To examine the role of motor information, we used robot-guided movements to reinstate participants’ motor activity from encoding during later retrieval. Across these experiments and preliminary fMRI data, our findings highlight the critical role of motor information—but only when integrated with visual and, especially, elaborative cues. These results suggest that multimodal integration during encoding is fundamental to drawing’s power as a memory tool.

Creating drawings of information can provide elaborative, pictorial, and motor cues that enhance later memory retrieval—but the relative contributions of these cues, and how they interact, remain poorly understood. To isolate the mechanisms underlying drawing’s effectiveness as a mnemonic tool, we developed a task battery compatible with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that systematically manipulates the presence or absence of these information sources. For instance, beyond standard drawing, participants completed tasks such as drawing “without ink” to test the role of visual feedback, and tracing to assess the contribution of elaborative processing. To examine the role of motor information, we used robot-guided movements to reinstate participants’ motor activity from encoding during later retrieval. Across these experiments and preliminary fMRI data, our findings highlight the critical role of motor information—but only when integrated with visual and, especially, elaborative cues. These results suggest that multimodal integration during encoding is fundamental to drawing’s power as a memory tool.

Invited Symposium

Saturday May 24, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:20 PM ET (17:00 - 18:20 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Longstanding questions in cognitive science have centered on the role of statistical learning versus rules and abstraction. Today's computational language models, which emerged largely from the connectionist tradition, are often taken as a triumph of the statistical approach. But is that conclusion too fast? In a series of talks and a panel discussion, we consider how modern models can inform --- and be informed by --- connectionism, Bayesianism, generative linguistics, and other traditions in psychology and cognition.

Longstanding questions in cognitive science have centered on the role of statistical learning versus rules and abstraction. Today's computational language models, which emerged largely from the connectionist tradition, are often taken as a triumph of the statistical approach. But is that conclusion too fast? In a series of talks and a panel discussion, we consider how modern models can inform --- and be informed by --- connectionism, Bayesianism, generative linguistics, and other traditions in psychology and cognition.

Invited Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 2:30 PM - 2:55 PM ET (18:30 - 18:55 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

The continued influence effect - the lingering influence of misinformation even when known to be false - is a critical problem. Could its pervasiveness result from measurement methods? We find that including an “I don’t know” response allows to assess participants’ recognition of their lack of relevant knowledge more accurately.

The continued influence effect - the lingering influence of misinformation even when known to be false - is a critical problem. Could its pervasiveness result from measurement methods? We find that including an “I don’t know” response allows to assess participants’ recognition of their lack of relevant knowledge more accurately.

Invited Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 3:00 PM - 3:25 PM ET (19:00 - 19:25 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

How do we remember the age of a face?  Here we show strong biases to remember young faces as younger than they really were, and old faces as older than they really were.  These effects suggest the existence of age prototypes, which warp our memory of other people.

How do we remember the age of a face?  Here we show strong biases to remember young faces as younger than they really were, and old faces as older than they really were.  These effects suggest the existence of age prototypes, which warp our memory of other people.

Invited Symposium

Saturday May 24, 2025 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM ET (19:30 - 20:20 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Abstract to follow

Abstract to follow

Submitted Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM ET (20:30 - 20:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We investigated the role of working memory (WM) in prediction during sentence comprehension. Verb-mediated prediction was measured through anticipatory eye movement in the visual world paradigm for 64 healthy young participants. Our findings highlight the critical role of semantic WM, in contrast to phonological or visual-spatial WM, in predictive processing.

We investigated the role of working memory (WM) in prediction during sentence comprehension. Verb-mediated prediction was measured through anticipatory eye movement in the visual world paradigm for 64 healthy young participants. Our findings highlight the critical role of semantic WM, in contrast to phonological or visual-spatial WM, in predictive processing.

Submitted Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM ET (20:45 - 21:00 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Using seven languages and five historical events, we probed three Large Language Models (LLMs) and found that LLMs, as an emerging source of collective memory, exhibited synchronized historical memories. These memories were more consistent across languages in LLMs than in humans and more consistent for remote events than recent ones.

Using seven languages and five historical events, we probed three Large Language Models (LLMs) and found that LLMs, as an emerging source of collective memory, exhibited synchronized historical memories. These memories were more consistent across languages in LLMs than in humans and more consistent for remote events than recent ones.

Submitted Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM ET (21:00 - 21:15 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Cognitive slowing is common in depression, yet its causal relationship with mood remains unclear. Using microlongitudinal data from smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (N=708 across three studies), we found that depressed mood states Granger cause slower digital questionnaire response times. Findings highlight mood-driven cognitive changes, informing treatment approaches.

Cognitive slowing is common in depression, yet its causal relationship with mood remains unclear. Using microlongitudinal data from smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (N=708 across three studies), we found that depressed mood states Granger cause slower digital questionnaire response times. Findings highlight mood-driven cognitive changes, informing treatment approaches.

Submitted Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM ET (21:15 - 21:30 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

This research investigates how information accessibility—the extent to which information is easy and fast to access—affects curiosity. Participants (N = 82) rated curiosity about trivia questions, which varied in answer accessibility. A Bayesian analysis revealed strong evidence favoring the null hypothesis (BF = 140.05): information accessibility does not affect curiosity.

This research investigates how information accessibility—the extent to which information is easy and fast to access—affects curiosity. Participants (N = 82) rated curiosity about trivia questions, which varied in answer accessibility. A Bayesian analysis revealed strong evidence favoring the null hypothesis (BF = 140.05): information accessibility does not affect curiosity.

Submitted Talk

Saturday May 24, 2025 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM ET (21:30 - 21:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

The current study on the effects of grandparenthood on cognition found over-the-phone interaction with grandchildren to be positively associated with enhanced cognitive performance. A reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative responses found that grandparents characterize their experience as providing opportunities for stimulation that they believe positively affects their cognition.

The current study on the effects of grandparenthood on cognition found over-the-phone interaction with grandchildren to be positively associated with enhanced cognitive performance. A reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative responses found that grandparents characterize their experience as providing opportunities for stimulation that they believe positively affects their cognition.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM ET (13:00 - 13:15 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

The retrieval practice effect (i.e., retrieval practice outperforms re-exposure) is ubiquitous, including in studies of naming impairment in aphasia. We investigated person-specific and item-specific factors that interact with the retrieval practice effect magnitude, which revealed effects of working memory at the person level and error type at the item level.

The retrieval practice effect (i.e., retrieval practice outperforms re-exposure) is ubiquitous, including in studies of naming impairment in aphasia. We investigated person-specific and item-specific factors that interact with the retrieval practice effect magnitude, which revealed effects of working memory at the person level and error type at the item level.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM ET (13:00 - 13:15 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Pure coordination games test how players converge on responses without communication. Groups from the UK, South Africa, Chile, and a globally representative group all showed successful coordination, though often on different answers. Participants  also coordinated successfully between groups, and often generated new answers specific to the challenge of between-group coordination.

Pure coordination games test how players converge on responses without communication. Groups from the UK, South Africa, Chile, and a globally representative group all showed successful coordination, though often on different answers. Participants  also coordinated successfully between groups, and often generated new answers specific to the challenge of between-group coordination.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM ET (13:15 - 13:30 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Precrastination, the tendency to immediately complete a task, is described as a cognitive load reduction strategy (CLEAR Hypothesis). While Study 1 does not support the CLEAR hypothesis, Study 2 finds executive functioning differences in precrastination compared to its antipode—procrastination. Further research should examine self-regulation, a subdomain of executive function.

Precrastination, the tendency to immediately complete a task, is described as a cognitive load reduction strategy (CLEAR Hypothesis). While Study 1 does not support the CLEAR hypothesis, Study 2 finds executive functioning differences in precrastination compared to its antipode—procrastination. Further research should examine self-regulation, a subdomain of executive function.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM ET (13:15 - 13:30 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Exposure to language-switching practice enhances prospective monitoring in prospective memory tasks, reflected in increased ERP amplitudes (e.g., N300, frontal positivity) associated with cognitive control. However, it does not affect retrospective intention retrieval (e.g., P3b, frontal slow waves). These findings highlight the selective impact of language-switching practice on prospective memory processes.

Exposure to language-switching practice enhances prospective monitoring in prospective memory tasks, reflected in increased ERP amplitudes (e.g., N300, frontal positivity) associated with cognitive control. However, it does not affect retrospective intention retrieval (e.g., P3b, frontal slow waves). These findings highlight the selective impact of language-switching practice on prospective memory processes.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM ET (13:30 - 13:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to neurocognitive impairments. This research examines the links between ACEs and Amyloid, Tau and Neurodegeneration biomarkers and assesses differences by race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Results indicate that females and low early life SES could be important factors linking ACEs to ATN biomarkers.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to neurocognitive impairments. This research examines the links between ACEs and Amyloid, Tau and Neurodegeneration biomarkers and assesses differences by race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Results indicate that females and low early life SES could be important factors linking ACEs to ATN biomarkers.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM ET (13:30 - 13:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

When ID screeners fail to detect fake IDs, security is compromised. We investigated participants’ performance while wearing eye-tracking glasses during a physical ID card and a standardized face matching task. Eye movements revealed different patterns of performance. We consider implications for pre-employment screening and on-the-job performance in professional security.

When ID screeners fail to detect fake IDs, security is compromised. We investigated participants’ performance while wearing eye-tracking glasses during a physical ID card and a standardized face matching task. Eye movements revealed different patterns of performance. We consider implications for pre-employment screening and on-the-job performance in professional security.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM ET (13:45 - 14:00 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We conducted a review and meta-analysis of fMRI studies of proactive and reactive control to test the dual mechanisms of control (DMC) theory. The lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) was linked to proactive and reactive control, which supports the DMC. Contrasting the theory, proactive control was also associated with non-lPFC activations.

We conducted a review and meta-analysis of fMRI studies of proactive and reactive control to test the dual mechanisms of control (DMC) theory. The lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) was linked to proactive and reactive control, which supports the DMC. Contrasting the theory, proactive control was also associated with non-lPFC activations.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM ET (13:45 - 14:00 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

The impact of environment on the visual perception of fire growth was examined using a comparison task. Detecting which of two simulated fires grew faster was affected by the type of room and viewing distance (N = 1863). This suggests that placement within the surrounding environment influences fire perception.

The impact of environment on the visual perception of fire growth was examined using a comparison task. Detecting which of two simulated fires grew faster was affected by the type of room and viewing distance (N = 1863). This suggests that placement within the surrounding environment influences fire perception.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM ET (14:00 - 14:15 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We compare how Americans and Chinese people infer personality traits from three-dimensional body shapes. Using data-driven analyses, we analyzed 30 traits from the Big Five across 140 body models in 160 participants. Cultural differences influence trait perceptions: Americans view skinnier bodies as more extraverted; Chinese view them as less extraverted.

We compare how Americans and Chinese people infer personality traits from three-dimensional body shapes. Using data-driven analyses, we analyzed 30 traits from the Big Five across 140 body models in 160 participants. Cultural differences influence trait perceptions: Americans view skinnier bodies as more extraverted; Chinese view them as less extraverted.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM ET (14:00 - 14:15 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Choice architecture can facilitate collective action and coordination. In an intergenerational public-goods game (n=1,378), redirecting attention from past decisions to potential future decisions increased public-good contributions. In a coordination game (n=805), participants switched to a new group-norm only when option-labels did not violate personal identity at substantial loss of income.

Choice architecture can facilitate collective action and coordination. In an intergenerational public-goods game (n=1,378), redirecting attention from past decisions to potential future decisions increased public-good contributions. In a coordination game (n=805), participants switched to a new group-norm only when option-labels did not violate personal identity at substantial loss of income.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM ET (14:15 - 14:30 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We observed that participants with inconsistent handedness were more likely to experience the visual illusion of the strange face, than consistent handers. In addition, personality traits of agreeableness, antagonism, and negative affect were related to illusion perception in inconsistent handers, but not consistent handers.

We observed that participants with inconsistent handedness were more likely to experience the visual illusion of the strange face, than consistent handers. In addition, personality traits of agreeableness, antagonism, and negative affect were related to illusion perception in inconsistent handers, but not consistent handers.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM ET (14:30 - 15:00 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We investigated the cognitive/neural “recycling” underlying the acquisition of programming, a culturally-invented skill. Using fMRI, we found neural representations of algorithms (written in plain-English) before 22 programming-naive participants took an introductory programming course. During a semester-end scan, the same neural populations represented programming-code, showing rapid recycling for novel cultural skills.

We investigated the cognitive/neural “recycling” underlying the acquisition of programming, a culturally-invented skill. Using fMRI, we found neural representations of algorithms (written in plain-English) before 22 programming-naive participants took an introductory programming course. During a semester-end scan, the same neural populations represented programming-code, showing rapid recycling for novel cultural skills.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM ET (14:30 - 14:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

This study identified five latent profiles of dissociative experiences using data from 8,145 participants and explored associations with cognitive-emotional processing. Profiles differed significantly in demographics, face recognition, emotion perception, and social cognition. Findings highlight the possibility of leveraging behavioral markers for assessment, and the need for culturally informed interventions.

This study identified five latent profiles of dissociative experiences using data from 8,145 participants and explored associations with cognitive-emotional processing. Profiles differed significantly in demographics, face recognition, emotion perception, and social cognition. Findings highlight the possibility of leveraging behavioral markers for assessment, and the need for culturally informed interventions.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM ET (14:45 - 15:00 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We explored cognitive processes involved in rumination. Study 1 (n=498) established the network structure, Study 2 (n=500) replicated it. Study 3 (n=95) investigated the temporal interplay between the key variables. Rumination was associated with cognitive self-consciousness, attentional control, depression, perfectionism, and promotion focus, supporting the multiple-path perspective.

We explored cognitive processes involved in rumination. Study 1 (n=498) established the network structure, Study 2 (n=500) replicated it. Study 3 (n=95) investigated the temporal interplay between the key variables. Rumination was associated with cognitive self-consciousness, attentional control, depression, perfectionism, and promotion focus, supporting the multiple-path perspective.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM ET (15:00 - 15:15 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We explored how visible eczema influences willingness for contact.  Across two studies, 318 participants were significantly more willing to engage with a person with no eczema compared to mild or severe eczema. An unconscious fear of infection may contribute towards reduced contact ratings and discriminatory behaviour towards individuals with eczema.

We explored how visible eczema influences willingness for contact.  Across two studies, 318 participants were significantly more willing to engage with a person with no eczema compared to mild or severe eczema. An unconscious fear of infection may contribute towards reduced contact ratings and discriminatory behaviour towards individuals with eczema.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM ET (15:15 - 15:30 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

We propose a novel working memory component, the integration buffer, which is specifically responsible for integrating elemental information into unified representations through a compression mechanism. We conducted five studies, including behavioral, multi-modal MRI, eye tracking and event-related potentials methods, proving the existence of integration buffer and its functional role.

We propose a novel working memory component, the integration buffer, which is specifically responsible for integrating elemental information into unified representations through a compression mechanism. We conducted five studies, including behavioral, multi-modal MRI, eye tracking and event-related potentials methods, proving the existence of integration buffer and its functional role.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM ET (15:30 - 15:45 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

English reading is notoriously difficult.  In this study, we explore how origin of words in early childhood and adolescence differ.  Results from phonological networks reveal a clear Germanic-Latin origin segregation that varies across ages. Results support a bidialectal model of reading in English that impacts readers from diverse language backgrounds.

English reading is notoriously difficult.  In this study, we explore how origin of words in early childhood and adolescence differ.  Results from phonological networks reveal a clear Germanic-Latin origin segregation that varies across ages. Results support a bidialectal model of reading in English that impacts readers from diverse language backgrounds.

Submitted Talk

Sunday May 25, 2025 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM ET (15:45 - 16:00 UTC)

Subject Area: Cognitive

Abstract

Eye fixations during visual mental imagery are predicted by those during prior perception in aphantasia (n = 33) and controls (n = 23). The credible intervals of the Bayesian model excluded 0 with no interaction, showing a reliable effect across both groups. Individuals with aphantasia show content-dependent fixations during imagery.

Eye fixations during visual mental imagery are predicted by those during prior perception in aphantasia (n = 33) and controls (n = 23). The credible intervals of the Bayesian model excluded 0 with no interaction, showing a reliable effect across both groups. Individuals with aphantasia show content-dependent fixations during imagery.