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Yaniv Abir
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The determinants of consciousness of human faces
We developed a computational method to visualize and analyze the factors determining the contents of our visual consciousness. We focused on faces, and found that faces that are perceived as more dominant are prioritized for consciousness. We show that this result cannot be explained by low-level differences in visual input, but is rather a holistic trait of a face.
Abir, Y., Sklar, A. Y., Dotsch, R., Todorov, A., & Hassin, R. R. (2018). The determinants of consciousness of human faces. Nature Human Behaviour, 2(3), 194-199.
Getting to the heart of it: multi-method exploration of nonconscious prioritization processes
Research into the determinants of consciousness too often relies on a single technique: continuous flash suppression. We developed a new technique, repeated masked suppression, with which scientists can examine the central process of prioritization to consciousness across different awareness suppression techniques. It also allows for online experiments, which since the pandemic have had a central role in advancing cognitive science.
Abir, Y., & Hassin, R. R. (2020). Getting to the heart of it: multi-method exploration of nonconscious prioritization processes. Consciousness and Cognition, 85, 103005.
Did you see it? Robust individual differences in the speed with which meaningful visual stimuli break suppression
Sklar, A. Y., Goldstein, A. Y., Abir, Y., Goldstein, A., Dotsch, R., Todorov, A., & Hassin, R. R. (2021). Did you see it? Robust individual differences in the speed with which meaningful visual stimuli break suppression. Cognition, 211, 104638.
An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Combining data that we collected in the early days of the pandemic, computational modeling, and decades-old theory, we show that motivation has two roles in determining information-seeking. When COVID-19 suddenly became motivationally relevant, that change in motivation directed individuals to seek COVID-19-related information, but also energized the seeking of unrelated information. Our results challenge the view that human information-seeking is driven by an erratic and maladaptive curiosity drive. Instead, we find that humans are rational in seeking information, be it celebrity gossip or ways to keep ourselves safe from a novel pathogen.
Abir, Y., Marvin, C. B., van Geen, C., Leshkowitz, M., Hassin, R. R., & Shohamy, D. (2022). An energizing role for motivation in information-seeking during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature Communications, 13(1), 1-10.
Human Exploration Strategically Balances Approaching and Avoiding Uncertainty
How do humans achieve the goal of resolving uncertainty when they explore their environment? We find that rather than always exploring the parts of their environment they are more uncertain about, individuals sometimes avoid learning about uncertain options. They do so when uncertainty is very high for all parts of the environment. We think the strategic balance between approaching and avoiding uncertainty helps humans manage their cognitive resources when faced with complex problems.
Abir, Y., Shadlen, M. N., & Shohamy, D. (2024). Human Exploration Strategically Balances Approaching and Avoiding Uncertainty. eLife, 13.