DOI: 10.25136/2409-8701.2018.4.27194

Abstract: Learning new languages actively leverages cognitive skills. This is a two-way process since learning affects cognitive functions and learning success depends on cognitive abilities and skills. The sign language of the deaf is a special language, as it unfolds in visual and kinesthetic modalities that are unusual for hearing people. The aim of the work was to study the features of attention, which play a key role in the successful acquisition of sign language by adults with normal hearing. The identified factors can play a predictive role in determining the ability to learn sign language. To achieve the goal, the authors set up an experiment in which volunteers studied sign language. The authors also made three series of measurements, before, during and after training. With the help of a number of techniques, the following components were fixed: unidirectional attention, differentiated attention and attention in terms of interference. The experiment was supplemented by comparative data of the deaf and hearing subjects on the parameter of attention. The study showed that the difference between unidirectional and differentiated attention in a group of deaf respondents is less than in a group of hearing respondents. The gap between unidirectional and differentiated attention is rapidly narrowing in the course of language learning. Initially, it is less for students with good sign language abilities. For mastering the sign language, the key factor is the speed of differentiated attention which can serve as a good prognostic factor. 

DOI: 10.25136/2409-8701.2017.5.22350

Abstract: Cognitive closure is a mechanism of cognitive activity that saves one's psyche from excessive, contradictory and needless information. This construct is widely used to describe cognitive styles and explain certain socio-psychological mechanisms, mass communications psychology and psychology of religion. Apparent cognitive closure relates to such factors as stereotypization, dogmatism, rigidity of attitudes and aggressive response to conflicts. The author makes an assumption that in order to save psyche from needless information, one may try to avoid communication, certain types of interpersonal relationships or excessive involvement. The hypothesis was experimentally proved based on the research that involved 140 people. The author has used such diagnostic tests as Cognitive Closure Orientation by A. Kruglyansky and Destructive Attitudes in Interpersonal Relationships Test by V. Boyko. The results of the research prove the following: cognitive closure and communicative attitudes are mostly related through the assertiveness parameter. Thus, assertiveness has a negative correlation with most cognitive closure factors. In the same way, accumulation of negative impressions of communication with others has a negative correlation with love for order, assertiveness and cognitive closure. 

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0722.2016.5.19564

Abstract: Russian researches of Buddhism psychology are mostly philosophical and offer explanations of Buddhist realities and their analysis from the point of view of modern science, however, there is very little that has been done in the sphere of their empirical verification. The present research intends to contribute to the creation of the 'psychological portrait' of contemporary Russian Buddhists. The subject of the research is distinguished features of communication stereotypes demonstrated by contemporary Vajrayāna Buddhists and atheists. These distinguished features are viewed as a proof of successful development of certain personal traits through well-directed Buddhist's practice. Attitudes demonstrated by Buddhists in their interpersonal relations are studied using Boyko's inventory. 70 Buddhists were studied. The results of their tests were compared to the results demonstrated by the control group of another 70 people. Within the framework of the present research attitudes are viewed as a psychological mechanism creating certain cognitive and behavioral orientation which, in its turn, sets the most probable vector of one's behavior. Buddhists demonstrate lower levels of aggression in response to aggresive actions and more positive attitude to others and events. Thus, well-directed Buddhist practice can develop and fortify certain attitudes, in thsi case - tolerance towards others and a positive attitude to interpersonal relations.