Sci-Math Seminar

Speaker: Diane Donovan, University of Queensland

Title: Studying Cognitive Complexity by Analyzing the Intrinsic Structure of A Latin Square
Date: Thu 22 June, 2006
Time: 16:45
Place: Science Building, Room Z42

Abstract:
Using recent advances in relational complexity theory, cognitive psychologists are endeavoring to 
advance their understanding of cognitive processing by studying the mathematical structure of a 
latin square. A partial latin square is an n x n array in which each of the numbers 1 to n occurs
at most once in each row and at most once in each column. By abstracting into the mathematical 
theory the psychologists are endeavoring to grade  “cognitive reasoning tests” on a strictly 
increasing scale. 

In this talk I will discuss the underlying mathematical ideas behind this study, and show have 
the intrinsic structure of a latin square not only answers some of the psychologists questions 
but also raises further questions, challenging their assumptions.


Please visit http://home.ku.edu.tr/~sci-math for a schedule of
upcoming Science -Math seminars at Koc University.