Course Introduction
Behavioral Data Science Course
This course studies human behavior and applies the resources and methods of behavioral science including sociometry and cognitive psychology to cultural studies. Here, culture is defined as the repetitive behavioral patterns chosen by humans and described objectively based on quantitative data. We then explain why a specific behavioral pattern flourishes and continues, and estimate and design a new behavioral pattern.
Faculty Members
SAKATA Mamiko
Professor
Research Field
Body Media Theory, Body Culture Studies
Research Topic
Dynamic structure of multimodal interaction
I examine the mental state and thinking process of those who express in interpersonal communication through the integration and complementary relationship of verbal and non-verbal aspects. I also research the mechanism of humans’ acquisition of physical skills based on the verified data of physical movements, and specifically demonstrate the process where humans learn movements through mimicking as a skill inheritance model.
SHIMOJIMA Atsushi
Professor
Research Field
Cognitive Science, Mathematical Logic
Research Topic
Logical and psychological study of the cognitive functions of diagrammatic representations
I approach the issue of the functions and anti-functions of diagrammatic representations from the viewpoints of both logic and psychology. I use the method of mathematical logic to form hypotheses on how diagrammatic representations express information and how they help our thinking and understanding. The hypotheses are then tested through psychological experiments.
SUGIO Takeshi
Professor
Research Field
Cognitive Science, Object Recognition
Research Topic
Cognitive mechanisms of object recognition in cultural contexts
My recent research focuses on the cognitive mechanisms of reading diagrams such as tables and graphs. In order to read a diagram properly, we need to rely on conventional knowledge about how the diagram is constructed and how it corresponds to the external world. How we recognize objects and patterns in such cultural context is examined using a psychological method.
TAGUCHI Tetsuya
Professor
Research Field
Comparative Cultural Studies
Research Topic
Quantitative analysis of formation of trends, comparative urban studies
I study how the cultures of different countries are expected to be merged and reorganized in the increasingly globalizing contemporary society and how human cultural activities are being rewritten. I teach students how to extract behavioral data from image, music, fashion and literature of different cultures, how to form their influential relationship and how to compare and contrast them.
ZHENG Yuejun
Professor
Research Field
Sociometry
Research Topic
Development of a methods for obtaining behavioral data, quantitative study of cultural and social phenomena
In addition to sociometric theory, my current study is focusing on various social issues and cultural phenomena including consumer behavior, pro-environmental behavior, organizational culture and cross-national comparison of identity and values. I provide students with the method of data science for investigating collective patterns of human behavior based on the survey data.
IIO Takamasa
Associate Professor
Research Field
Social Robotics, Human-Agent Interaction
Research Topic
Study of how robots can affect human recognition and behavior
We humans recognize bipedal-walking robots and pet robots as social beings with which to interact and nurture relationships. I aim to deepen our understanding of the influence that robots can have on human recognition and behavior, and explore where a particular type of robot should be used so that it can perform at its best. I hope to contribute to solving problems faced by human society by shedding light on how robots can connect people with people, and people with society.