Research

Exploring the intersection of mind, language, and identity

Publications

On MIT/Tübingen Benchmark

Attention as a Magnetic Field: A Biologically-Inspired Saliency Model

Cora Zeng (2026) · Zenodo · DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18979607

MFA models visual attention as a magnetic field where image features act as sources generating attraction forces. Unlike CNN-based saliency models, MFA uses inverse-square field dynamics inspired by physics, requiring no training data or neural network weights. The model is evaluated on the MIT/Tübingen Saliency Benchmark (MIT300 leaderboard) with AUC 0.7926.

visual attention saliency prediction magnetic field biologically inspired eye tracking
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"A Thought I Can Talk To": Dialogical Self-Regulation Through Spontaneous Inner Voice Personification in a Gifted Adolescent

Cora Zeng (2026) · Submitted to Frontiers in Psychology

This paper introduces the concept of Dialogical Inner Voice Personification (DIVP): a formless, persistent inner dialogue partner that emerges spontaneously in childhood, operates through linguistic turn-taking, and is experienced as part of the self rather than as a separate entity. Drawing on an eight-session autoethnographic interview series, the study maps DIVP at the convergence point of five research areas: inner speech development, imaginary companions, Dialogical Self Theory, giftedness and overexcitability, and non-pathological voice-hearing.

inner voice personification inner speech imaginary companion giftedness overexcitability dialogical self autoethnography
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Research Interests

IS

Inner Speech

Dialogical cognition & development

G

Giftedness

Overexcitability & inner experience

VA

Visual Attention

Saliency prediction & eye tracking

AI

AI & Cognition

Emergent cognitive architectures

C

Consciousness

Self, identity, and phenomenology