Repeated imitation makes human vocalizations more word-like

When More Evidence Makes Word Learning Less Suspicious

One challenging problem that children overcome in learning new words is recognizing the hierarchical category of a label. For instance, one object could be called a Dalmatian, a dog, or an animal. Xu and Tenenbaum (2007) proposed a Bayesian model to explain how 3.5 to 5-year-olds solve this ambiguity. They emphasized children's appreciation for “suspicious coincidences:” a label applied to thre...

Reinforcement of vocalizations through contingent vocal imitation.

Maternal vocal imitation of infant vocalizations is highly prevalent during face-to-face interactions of infants and their caregivers. Although maternal vocal imitation has been associated with later verbal development, its potentially reinforcing effect on infant vocalizations has not been explored experimentally. This study examined the reinforcing effect of maternal vocal imitation of infant...

Polymeric Gas Separation Membranes: What Makes them Industrially more Attractive?

Human-Like Agents for Repeated Negotiation

Human-Like Agents for Repeated Negotiation

Virtual agents have been used as tools in negotiation—from acting as mediators to manifesting as full-fledged conversational partners. Virtual agents are a powerful tool for teaching negotiation skills, but require an accurate model of human behavior to perform well both as partners and teachers. The work proposed here aims to expand the current horizon of virtual negotiating agents to utilize ...