Clocking the social mind by identifying mental processes in the IAT with electrical neuroimaging

Why do people take longer to associate the word “love” with outgroup words (incongruent condition) than with ingroup words (congruent condition)? Despite the widespread use of the implicit association test (IAT), it has remained unclear whether this IAT effect is due to additional mental processes in the incongruent condition, or due to longer duration of the same processes. Here, we addressed this previously insoluble issue by assessing the spatiotemporal evolution of brain electrical activity in 83 participants. From stimulus presentation until response production, we identified seven processes. Crucially, all seven processes occurred in the same temporal sequence in both conditions, but participants needed more time to perform one early occurring process (perceptual processing) and one late occurring process (implementing cognitive control to select the motor response) in the incongruent compared with the congruent condition. We also found that the latter process contributed to individual differences in implicit bias. These results advance understanding of the neural mechanics of response time differences in the IAT: They speak against theories that explain the IAT effect as due to additional processes in the incongruent condition and speak in favor of theories that assume a longer duration of specific processes in the incongruent condition. More broadly, our data analysis approach illustrates the potential of electrical neuroimaging to illuminate the temporal organization of mental processes involved in social cognition.

Elucidating underlying processes of psychometric intelligence: A comparison of behavioral response latency and P3 latency in a modified Hick reaction time paradigm

The mental speed approach explains individual differences in intelligence by faster information processing in individuals with higher compared to lower intelligence - especially in elementary cognitive tasks (ECTs). One of the most examined ECTs is the Hick paradigm. The present study aimed to contrast reaction time (RT) and P3 latency in a Hick task as predictors of intelligence. Although both, RT and P3 latency, are commonly used as indicators of mental speed, it is also known that they measure different aspects of information processing. Participants were 113 female students. RT and P3 latency were measured while participants completed the Hick task with four levels of complexity. Intelligence was assessed with Cattell's Culture Fair Test. A RT factor and a P3 factor were extracted by employing a PCA across complexity levels. There was no significant correlation between the factors. Commonality analysis was used to determine the proportions of unique and shared variance in intelligence explained by the RT and P3 latency factors. RT and P3 latency explained 5.5% and 5% of unique variance in intelligence. However, the two speed factors did not explain a significant portion of shared variance. This result suggests that RT and P3 latency in the Hick paradigm are measuring different aspects of information processing that explain different parts of variance in intelligence.

Decomposing speed of information processing in elementary cognitive tasks

Many studies obtained reliable individual differences in speed of information processing (SIP) as measured by elementary cognitive tasks (ECTs). ECTs usually employ response times (RT) as measure of SIP, but different ECTs target different cognitive processes (e.g., simple or choice reaction, inhibition). Here we used modified versions of the Hick and the Eriksen Flanker task to examine whether these tasks assess dissociable or common aspects of SIP. In both tasks, task complexity was systematically varied across three levels. RT data were collected from 135 participants. Applying fixed-links modeling, RT variance increasing with task complexity was separated from RT variance unchanging across conditions. For each task, these aspects of variance were represented by two independent latent variables. The two latent variables representing RT variance not varying with complexity of the two tasks were virtually identical (r = .83). The latent variables representing increasing complexity in the two tasks were also highly correlated (r = .72) but clearly dissociable. Thus, RT measures contain both task-unspecific, person-related aspects of SIP as well as task-specific aspects indicating the cognitive processes manipulated with the respective task. Separating these aspects of SIP facilitates the interpretation of individual differences in RT.

Gymnasts and orienteers display better mental rotation performance than nonathletes

The aim of this study was to examine whether athletes differ from nonathletes regarding their mental rotation performance. Furthermore, it investigated whether athletes doing sports requiring distinguishable levels of mental rotation (orienteering, gymnastics, running), as well as varying with respect to having an egocentric (gymnastics) or an allocentric perspective (orienteering), differ from each other. Therefore, the Mental Rotations Test (MRT) was carried out with 20 orienteers, 20 gymnasts, 20 runners, and 20 nonathletes. The results indicate large differences in mental rotation performance, with those actively doing sports outperforming the nonathletes. Analyses for the specific groups showed that orienteers and gymnasts differed from the nonathletes, whereas endurance runners did not. Contrary to expectations, the mental rotation performance of gymnasts did not differ from that of orienteers. This study also revealed gender differences in favor of men. Implications regarding a differentiated view of the connection between specific sports and mental rotation performance are discussed.

Myelination of the right parahippocampal cingulum is associated with physical activity in young healthy adults.

Recent evidence suggests that individual differences in physical activity (PA) may be associated with individual differences in white matter microstructure and with grey matter volume of the hippocampus. Therefore, this study investigated the association between PA and white matter microstructure of pathways connecting to the hippocampus. A total of 33 young, healthy adults underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). High angular resolution diffusion-weighted imaging and multi-component relaxometry MRI scans (multi-component driven equilibrium pulse observation of T1 and T2) were acquired for each participant. Activity levels (AL) of participants were calculated from 72-h actigraphy recordings. Tractography using the damped Richardson Lucy algorithm was used to reconstruct the fornix and bilateral parahippocampal cinguli (PHC). The mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and the myelin water fraction (MWF), a putative marker of myelination, were determined for each pathway. A positive correlation between both AL and FA and between AL and MWF were hypothesized for the three pathways. There was a selective positive correlation between AL and MWF in the right PHC (r = 0.482, p = 0.007). Thus, our results provide initial in vivo evidence for an association between myelination of the right PHC and PA in young healthy adults. Our results suggest that MWF may not only be more specific, but also more sensitive than FA to detect white matter microstructural alterations. If PA was to induce structural plasticity of the right PHC this may contribute to reverse structural alterations of the right PHC in neuropsychiatric disorder with hippocampal pathologies.

Emotional Content in Autobiographical Memory through an Attachment Theory Framework

The current study investigates the relationship between individual differences in attachment style and the recall of autobiographical memories. According to attachment theory, affect regulation strategies employed by individuals high in attachment anxiety and high in attachment avoidance are likely to influence how information about the past is recalled. This study examines how attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance relate to the presence of negative emotions in autobiographical memories of upsetting events with important relationship figures (i.e., mother, father, or roommate). Participants included 248 undergraduate students ranging from ages 18-22 that attend a public university in the northeast. As hypothesized, individuals with an avoidant attachment expressed less sadness in their responses to the written narrative task, especially when prompted for memories involving their primary caregiver. Contrary to the hypothesis, anxiously attached individuals did not display higher levels of worry/fear emotions in their responses to the written narrative. Attachment anxiety was related to some differences in emotional content; however, this varied by relationship partner. The results provide evidence linking attachment style to emotion selection and retrieval in autobiographical memories of ‘upsetting’ events. Implications for close relationships and therapy are discussed.

An examination of spirituality, self efficacy, and smoking cessation among adults in Houston, Texas

Over the past decade there has been a growing interest in the association between spirituality and health outcomes. Little is known about the role of spirituality among adult smokers who are motivated to stop smoking. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the relations among immutable individual differences, spirituality, and self efficacy among adults motivated to stop smoking. The first paper of this dissertation systematically reviewed literature to measure the concordance between spirituality and smoking status among adults in the United States. The second paper of this dissertation explored the association between spirituality and smoking cessation. We hypothesized that higher levels of spirituality were positively associated with smoking cessation. The third paper of this dissertation examined the association between perceived self efficacy and spirituality. We hypothesized that both high levels of self efficacy and spirituality were positively associated with smoking cessation.^ A total of 152 citations were identified based on the preliminary search of databases and reference lists. After a preliminary title- and abstract-based review, 17 full text articles were retrieved for further assessment. Of these, eight met the criteria for inclusion. Results of the systematic review suggest that there is inconsistent evidence to support or refute an association between spirituality and smoking status among adults.^ Smokers (N = 200) at least 18 years of age enrolled in a minimal contact smoking cessation intervention in Houston, Texas completed questionnaires. To examine our hypotheses we conducted cross-sectional analyses of responses to questions included in selected baseline questions and the final in-person visit three weeks post-quit day. Results of the logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals with higher levels of spirituality and self efficacy were significantly more likely to abstain from smoking. The positive association is also evident when controlling for employment, income, race, education, and nicotine dependence. The interaction between self efficacy and spirituality was not statistically significant in predicting smoking abstinence.^ Recommendations for future research and implications for smoking cessation interventions are discussed. Further research in this area would benefit from using standard measures of abstinence, recruiting larger and more diverse populations, and using longitudinal study designs.^

Predictors of benzodiazepine self -administration behavior in anxious patients

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that may be associated with benzodiazepine (BZ) self-administration and risks of dependence in anxious patients. Preliminary work included examination of psychosocial characteristics and subjective drug response as potential predictors of medication use. Fifty-five M, F patients with generalized anxiety or panic disorder participated in a 3-week outpatient Choice Procedure in which they self-medicated “as needed” with alprazolam (Alz) and placebo. Findings showed that a large amount of variance in alprazolam preference, frequency, and quantity of use could be predicted by measures of anxiety, drug liking, and certain personality characteristics. The primary study extended this work by examining whether individual differences in Alz sensitivity also predict patterns of use. Twenty anxious patients participated in the study, which required 11 weekly clinic visits. Ten of these also participated in a baseline assessment of HPA-axis function that involved 24-hour monitoring of cortisol and ACTH levels and a CRH Stimulation Test. This assessment was conducted on the basis of prior evidence that steroid metabolites exert neuromodulatory effects on the GABA A receptor and that HPA-axis function may be related to BZ sensitivity and long-term disability in anxious patients. Patients were classified as either HIGH or LOW users based on their p.r.n. patterns of Alz use during the first 3 weeks of the study. They then participated in a 4-week dose response trial in which they received prescribed doses of medication (placebo, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0mg Alz), each taken TID for 1 week. The dose response trial was followed by a second 3-week Choice Procedure. Findings were not indicative of biological differences in Alz sensitivity between the HIGH and LOW users. However, the HIGH users had higher baseline anxiety and greater anxiolytic response to Alz than the LOW users. Anxiolytic benefits of p.r.n. and prescribed dosing were shown to be comparable, and patients' conservative patterns of p.r.n. medication use were not affected by the period of prescribed dosing. Although there was not strong evidence to suggest relationships between HPA-axis function and Alz use or sensitivity, interesting findings emerged about the relationship between HPA-axis function and anxiety. ^

Inclusión escolar : Reflexiones desde las concepciones y opiniones de los docentes

En este trabajo presentamos los resultados de una investigación (período 2006-2008) destinada a indagar las concepciones y opiniones sobre la inclusión de niños con discapacidades, proporcionadas por dos tipos de actores técnico-docentes. Se trata, en el primer caso, de directivos y docentes procedentes de Institutos Superiores de Formación Docente. En el segundo, de directivos, docentes y personal de los Equipos de Orientación Escolar de escuelas destinadas a niños con necesidades educativas derivadas de las discapacidades (NEDD) y de escuelas de Educación Primaria Básica (EPB). La información fue recabada a través de la realización de entrevistas en profundidad con los participantes seleccionados. Las dimensiones incluidas contemplaron: tipo y calidad de la formación recibida en distintas instancias (grado, en ejercicio, posgrado); conocimientos de los problemas de las personas con discapacidades (tipos y determinantes causales); actitudes frente a la integración e inclusión escolar y sus condiciones de posibilidad; valoraciones sobre los derechos de los niños con discapacidad a ser incluidos en la EPB; y posibilidades de reflexionar sobre la problemática. El objetivo final se orientó a obtener información relevante que colabore en el diseño de estrategias destinadas a propiciar las condiciones para un aprendizaje escolar cooperativo y colaborativo, que contemple la problemática de la diversidad y de las diferencias individuales

Inclusión escolar : Reflexiones desde las concepciones y opiniones de los docentes

En este trabajo presentamos los resultados de una investigación (período 2006-2008) destinada a indagar las concepciones y opiniones sobre la inclusión de niños con discapacidades, proporcionadas por dos tipos de actores técnico-docentes. Se trata, en el primer caso, de directivos y docentes procedentes de Institutos Superiores de Formación Docente. En el segundo, de directivos, docentes y personal de los Equipos de Orientación Escolar de escuelas destinadas a niños con necesidades educativas derivadas de las discapacidades (NEDD) y de escuelas de Educación Primaria Básica (EPB). La información fue recabada a través de la realización de entrevistas en profundidad con los participantes seleccionados. Las dimensiones incluidas contemplaron: tipo y calidad de la formación recibida en distintas instancias (grado, en ejercicio, posgrado); conocimientos de los problemas de las personas con discapacidades (tipos y determinantes causales); actitudes frente a la integración e inclusión escolar y sus condiciones de posibilidad; valoraciones sobre los derechos de los niños con discapacidad a ser incluidos en la EPB; y posibilidades de reflexionar sobre la problemática. El objetivo final se orientó a obtener información relevante que colabore en el diseño de estrategias destinadas a propiciar las condiciones para un aprendizaje escolar cooperativo y colaborativo, que contemple la problemática de la diversidad y de las diferencias individuales

Inclusión escolar : Reflexiones desde las concepciones y opiniones de los docentes

En este trabajo presentamos los resultados de una investigación (período 2006-2008) destinada a indagar las concepciones y opiniones sobre la inclusión de niños con discapacidades, proporcionadas por dos tipos de actores técnico-docentes. Se trata, en el primer caso, de directivos y docentes procedentes de Institutos Superiores de Formación Docente. En el segundo, de directivos, docentes y personal de los Equipos de Orientación Escolar de escuelas destinadas a niños con necesidades educativas derivadas de las discapacidades (NEDD) y de escuelas de Educación Primaria Básica (EPB). La información fue recabada a través de la realización de entrevistas en profundidad con los participantes seleccionados. Las dimensiones incluidas contemplaron: tipo y calidad de la formación recibida en distintas instancias (grado, en ejercicio, posgrado); conocimientos de los problemas de las personas con discapacidades (tipos y determinantes causales); actitudes frente a la integración e inclusión escolar y sus condiciones de posibilidad; valoraciones sobre los derechos de los niños con discapacidad a ser incluidos en la EPB; y posibilidades de reflexionar sobre la problemática. El objetivo final se orientó a obtener información relevante que colabore en el diseño de estrategias destinadas a propiciar las condiciones para un aprendizaje escolar cooperativo y colaborativo, que contemple la problemática de la diversidad y de las diferencias individuales

Spectral Biomimetic Technique for Wood Classification

Palatal clicks are most interesting for human echolocation. Moreover, these sounds are suitable for other acoustic applications due to their regular mathematical properties and reproducibility. Simple and nondestructive techniques, bioinspired by synthetized pulses whose form reproduces the best features of palatal clicks, can be developed. The use of synthetic palatal pulses also allows detailed studies of the real possibilities of acoustic human echolocation without the problems associated with subjective individual differences. These techniques are being applied to the study of wood. As an example, a comparison of the performance of both natural and synthetic human echolocation to identify three different species of wood is presented. The results show that human echolocation has a vast potential.

Kinematic pattern of the drag-flick: a case study

The drag-flick is more efficient than hits or pushes when a penalty corner situation is in effect in field hockey. Previous research has studied the biomechanical pattern of the drag-flick, trying to find the cues for an optimal performance. On the other hand, some other studies have examined the most effective visual pick-up of relevant information in shots and goalkeeper anticipation. The aim of this study was to analyse the individual differences in the drag-flick pattern in order to provide relevant information for goalkeepers. One female skilled drag-flicker participated in the study. A VICON optoelectronic sy stem (Oxford Metrics, Oxford, UK) was used to capture the drag-flicks with six cameras. The results showed that the main significant differences between right and left shots (p<0.05) in the stick angles, stick minimum angular velocity and front foot-ball distance were when the front foot heel contacted the floor(T1) and at the minimum velocity of the stick, before the dragging action (T3). The findings showed that the most relevant information might be picked up at the ball-and-stick location before the dragging action.

Análisis espacio-temporal del gradiente urbano-rural del sur de la Región Metropolitana de Madrid y su entorno. Caracterización de los procesos y patrones paisajísticos acaecidos en el período 1990-2006

El objetivo de esta tesis es proponer una metodología capaz de cuantificar la dinámica paisajística a lo largo del gradiente urbano – rural perteneciente al sur de la Región Metropolitana de Madrid y su entorno. Esta tesis se estructura en ocho capítulos, planos y anejos. El primero se refiere a los antecedentes tanto conceptuales como metodológicos. Los primeros se centran en los diversos enfoques existentes en relación al estudio de la dinámica paisajística, con el objetivo de encontrar los puntos en común existentes entre el enfoque del metabolismo social, el de la ecología del paisaje y el humanista, para obtener un diagnóstico que permita entender la complejidad de la realidad a la que esta Tesis se enfrenta. Los segundos se centran en los antecedentes de carácter metodológico que también desde diversos enfoques han abordado el análisis de la dinámica paisajística. El segundo capítulo se centra en los objetivos concretos derivados del objetivo general ya expresado, la tesis considera que para comprender y cuantificar la dinámica hay que identificar en primer lugar los procesos de transformación, como manifestación espacial de los factores socioeconómicos y naturales responsables en última instancia de la variación de los patrones paisajísticos existentes. En segundo lugar se identifican los patrones paisajísticos con el objetivo de analizar sus características espaciales y su evolución en el período analizado. Por último se identifican los procesos paisajísticos, es decir qué tipos de variaciones espaciales se producen en los patrones paisajísticos como consecuencia de los procesos de transformación identificados así como su pauta de distribución a lo largo del gradiente urbano ‐ rural. El tercer capítulo se dedica a la caracterización del ámbito de estudio, ésta se extiende al sur del límite del suelo urbano de la capital madrileña en el año 1990, comprende la totalidad de los municipios madrileños que contactan con los municipios castellano – manchegos que se encuentran en el área de influencia de la capital, abarcando el área 9.968 km2. El cuarto capítulo se centra en la metodología. Como material de partida se ha utilizado en la cartografía del Corine Land Cover y como herramienta de análisis se ha utilizado los Sistemas de Información Geográfica. En primer lugar se identifican los procesos de transformación, acaecidos en los períodos 1990 – 2000 y 2000 – 2006, mediante la aplicación de matrices de transición. Se han identificado cuatro tipos de procesos dinámicos: Urbanización, abandono, renaturalización y agrarización. Se ha realizado un análisis de indicadores compuestos lo que ha permitido identificar los tipos de patrones paisajísticos existentes a lo largo del gradiente urbano – rural. Del mismo modo se ha calculado la variación de los indicadores individuales para identificar los procesos paisajísticos mediante el análisis de indicadores compuestos que se produjeron en el período 1990 – 2000 y 2000 – 2006. En el quinto capítulo se aportan los resultados tanto de carácter cuantitativo como gráfico de los tres componentes analizados tanto de forma independiente como integrada. En el sexto capítulo se describen las conclusiones producto de la investigación realizada. En el séptimo capítulo se identifican qué líneas de investigación podrían desarrollarse en el futuro para continuar la línea de investigación iniciada con esta tesis. ABSTRACT The aim of this thesis was to propose a methodology to characterize landscape dynamics along the urban – rural gradient in the south Madrid area. It´s structured in eight chapters, planes and annexes: the first one describes previous research. Firstly to make a diagnosis of the effects of landscape dynamic we have performed an integrated analysis from social metabolism, landscape ecology and the humanistic point of view. Secondly we have focused on previous methodological research mainly developped by landscape ecology. The second chapter focuses on specific objectives derived from the general objective. The thesis considers that to understand and quantify landscape dynamics must first identify the transformation processes: spatial manifestation of natural and socioeconomics factors that induce the change of landscape patterns. Secondly landscape patterns have been identified in order to analyze their spatial characteristics and evolution. Finally the landscape processes have been identified, i.e. what kind of spatial variations cause changes in landscape patterns along urban – rural gradient. The third chapter describes the study area. The study area occupies 9968 km2. It covers the area to the south of Madrid’s 1990 urban land area, and takes in the southeast of the Madrid Autonomous Region plus all the municipal areas of the Castilla–La Mancha Autonomous Region directly influenced by the expansion of Madrid. The fourth chapter contains the methodology. To identify the changes in the landscape of the study area, the land cover data for the area held in the CORINE LandCover Project Database was examined. To characterize the transformations processes in the period 1990 ‐ 2000 and 2000 – 2006, transition matrices were constructed. We have identified four clear changes: Urbanization, renaturalization, abandonment and agrarianization. We have characterized landscape patterns using composite indicators by integrating individual spatial metrics. Similarly we have characterized landscape processes using composite indicators by integrating the variation of individual spatial metrics. Chapter fifth includes the results, both for each component and its final integration. The conclusions of this research have been described in the sixth chapter. The seventh chapter describes what kind of investigations could be done in the future.

Análisis espacio-temporal del gradiente urbano-rural del sur de la Región Metropolitana de Madrid y su entorno. Caracterización de los procesos y patrones paisajísticos acaecidos en el período 1990-2006 (versión revisada y corregida)

El objetivo de esta tesis es proponer una metodología capaz de cuantificar la dinámica paisajística a lo largo del gradiente urbano – rural perteneciente al sur de la Región Metropolitana de Madrid y su entorno. Esta tesis se estructura en ocho capítulos, planos y anejos. El primero se refiere a los antecedentes tanto conceptuales como metodológicos. Los primeros se centran en los diversos enfoques existentes en relación al estudio de la dinámica paisajística, con el objetivo de encontrar los puntos en común existentes entre el enfoque del metabolismo social, el de la ecología del paisaje y el humanista, para obtener un diagnóstico que permita entender la complejidad de la realidad a la que esta Tesis se enfrenta. Los segundos se centran en los antecedentes de carácter metodológico que también desde diversos enfoques han abordado el análisis de la dinámica paisajística. El segundo capítulo se centra en los objetivos concretos derivados del objetivo general ya expresado, la tesis considera que para comprender y cuantificar la dinámica hay que identificar en primer lugar los procesos de transformación, como manifestación espacial de los factores socioeconómicos y naturales responsables en última instancia de la variación de los patrones paisajísticos existentes. En segundo lugar se identifican los patrones paisajísticos con el objetivo de analizar sus características espaciales y su evolución en el período analizado. Por último se identifican los procesos paisajísticos, es decir qué tipos de variaciones espaciales se producen en los patrones paisajísticos como consecuencia de los procesos de transformación identificados así como su pauta de distribución a lo largo del gradiente urbano ‐ rural. El tercer capítulo se dedica a la caracterización del ámbito de estudio, ésta se extiende al sur del límite del suelo urbano de la capital madrileña en el año 1990, comprende la totalidad de los municipios madrileños que contactan con los municipios castellano – manchegos que se encuentran en el área de influencia de la capital, abarcando el área 9.968 km2. El cuarto capítulo se centra en la metodología. Como material de partida se ha utilizado en la cartografía del Corine Land Cover y como herramienta de análisis se ha utilizado los Sistemas de Información Geográfica. En primer lugar se identifican los procesos de transformación, acaecidos en los períodos 1990 – 2000 y 2000 – 2006, mediante la aplicación de matrices de transición. Se han identificado cuatro tipos de procesos dinámicos: Urbanización, abandono, renaturalización y agrarización. Se ha realizado un análisis de indicadores compuestos lo que ha permitido identificar los tipos de patrones paisajísticos existentes a lo largo del gradiente urbano – rural. Del mismo modo se ha calculado la variación de los indicadores individuales para identificar los procesos paisajísticos mediante el análisis de indicadores compuestos que se produjeron en el período 1990 – 2000 y 2000 – 2006. En el quinto capítulo se aportan los resultados tanto de carácter cuantitativo como gráfico de los tres componentes analizados tanto de forma independiente como integrada. En el sexto capítulo se describen las conclusiones producto de la investigación realizada. En el séptimo capítulo se identifican qué líneas de investigación podrían desarrollarse en el futuro para continuar la línea de investigación iniciada con esta tesis. ABSTRACT The aim of this thesis was to propose a methodology to characterize landscape dynamics along the urban – rural gradient in the south Madrid area. It´s structured in eight chapters, planes and annexes: the first one describes previous research. Firstly to make a diagnosis of the effects of landscape dynamic we have performed an integrated analysis from social metabolism, landscape ecology and the humanistic point of view. Secondly we have focused on previous methodological research mainly developped by landscape ecology. The second chapter focuses on specific objectives derived from the general objective. The thesis considers that to understand and quantify landscape dynamics must first identify the transformation processes: spatial manifestation of natural and socioeconomics factors that induce the change of landscape patterns. Secondly landscape patterns have been identified in order to analyze their spatial characteristics and evolution. Finally the landscape processes have been identified, i.e. what kind of spatial variations cause changes in landscape patterns along urban – rural gradient. The third chapter describes the study area. The study area occupies 9968 km2. It covers the area to the south of Madrid’s 1990 urban land area, and takes in the southeast of the Madrid Autonomous Region plus all the municipal areas of the Castilla–La Mancha Autonomous Region directly influenced by the expansion of Madrid. The fourth chapter contains the methodology. To identify the changes in the landscape of the study area, the land cover data for the area held in the CORINE LandCover Project Database was examined. To characterize the transformations processes in the period 1990 ‐ 2000 and 2000 – 2006, transition matrices were constructed. We have identified four clear changes: Urbanization, renaturalization, abandonment and agrarianization. We have characterized landscape patterns using composite indicators by integrating individual spatial metrics. Similarly we have characterized landscape processes using composite indicators by integrating the variation of individual spatial metrics. Chapter fifth includes the results, both for each component and its final integration. The conclusions of this research have been described in the sixth chapter. The seventh chapter describes what kind of investigations could be done in the future.