A new program from Chico State aims to cash in on the new popularity of visualization, specifically in the pursuit of justice in the courtroom, via a new international program led by psychology professor Neil Schwartz. Called the “Cognitive Visualization Program”, it aims to create a new breed of visualization experts learned in the methods of now just presenting information, but evoking specific emotional responses from it. They’ve collaborated with overseas universities and established a special grant program.
From the grant, each student will receive a $12,000 stipend for the overseas portion of the program, while paying standard graduate-level tuition in the States. The debut semester, coming next fall, will kick off at University of Koblenz-Landau in Koblenz, Germany, a region with similarities to Chico, Schwartz said. The second semester will take students to University Pierre Mendès France in Grenoble, France. Then, students will come to Chico State for one year. Graduates will earn an international, double master’s degree and be known as “cognitive visualization specialists.”
Of course, this news just screams for a discussion of the ability of visualizations to manipulate data and perception, and in the courtroom that could be a dangerous mix. How long until a death-sentence hangs on only a single visualization?
Schwartz acknowledged that knowing how to manipulate visual cognition could potentially put graduates in a coercive position. He noted that students will be encouraged to abide by a psychological code of ethics when they enter the workforce. In fact, the program will include a strand of ethics courses, he said.
via Mind matters – News – Local Stories – November 25, 2010 – Chico News & Review.
