The article below may contain offensive and/or incorrect content.
Current theories of causality from visual input predict causal impressions only in the presence of realistic interactions, sequences of events that have been frequently encountered in the past of the individual or of the species. This strong requirement limits the capacity for 1-shot induction and, thus, does not sit well with our abilities for rapid creative causal learning, as illustrated, for example, by the effortless way we adapt to new technology. We present 4 experiments (N = 720) that reveal strong causal impressions upon first encounter with collision-like sequences that the literature typically labels "noncausal." Our stimuli include both the commonly used computer-based animations and edited video sequences. Besides direct reports, we present evidence based on goal-oriented behavior that makes sense only in the presence of strong causal assumptions. Finally, we document impressions of causality in highly unrealistic sequences involving, for example, instantaneous shape or size change. In the case of the more realistic clips used in the past, causal ratings abruptly decline and approach the findings of previous work, only after a canonical collision (launch event) is presented. We argue that previously used experimental procedures conceal order effects because of participants adapting to the task and reinterpreting its demands. We discuss ways to account for this adaptation whereby people either focus on experiences of perceptual causation or take realism into account even when asked for impressions of causality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)





Parent Site

Departments
Authors
Libraries
Current Articles
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Science News » NIMH’s Dr. Andrea Beckel-Mitchener Named Deputy Director of NIH BRAIN Initiative
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Science News » NIMH Director’s Statement: Our Commitment to Ending Structural Racism in Biomedical Research
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Video » Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders with NIMH Grantee Dr. Cynthia Bulik
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Scientific Meeting » NIMH Livestream Event: Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders with NIMH Grantee Dr. Cynthia Bulik
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Science News » New Experiences Enhance Learning by Resetting Key Brain Circuit
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Blog Post » From Brain Mechanisms to Novel Therapies: Understanding and Treating Eating Disorders
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Video » GREAT: Helpful Practices to Manage Stress and Anxiety
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Video » What are the different types of clinical research?
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Blog Post » Enhancing and maintaining a culture of inclusive excellence: The NIH Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Program
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: The snowy countries losing their identity
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Science News » Study Identifies Risk Factors for Elevated Anxiety in Young Adults During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Keep paying attention to your kids' mental health in this pandemic
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Video » What is Clinical Research?
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Video » What is an MRI?
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Video » What is a blood draw?
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Science News » Gene Readouts Contribute To Distinctness of Mental Disorders
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Science News » Adaptive screener may help identify youth at risk of suicide
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: How conspiracy theories undermine people’s trust in COVID-19 vaccines
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Curing PTSD with a shot: The new treatments that are changing lives
- Article Correctness Is Author's Responsibility: Feeling disconnected from your partner?