Learning effects in the block design task: A stimulus parameter-based approach.

Abstract

Learning effects were assessed for the block design (BD) task, on the basis of variation in 2 stimulus parameters: perceptual cohesiveness (PC) and set size uncertainty (U). Thirty-one nonclinical undergraduate students (19 female) each completed 3 designs for each of 4 varied sets of the stimulus parameters (high-PC/high-U, high-PC/low-U, low-PC/high-U, and low-PC/low-U), ordered randomly within a larger set of designs with mixed stimulus characteristics. Regression analyses revealed significant, although modest, learning effects in all conditions. Negative-logarithmic learning slopes (growth factors) were greatest for high-U/high-PC designs and smallest for low-U/low-PC designs. Comparison of these slopes with known Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (3rd ed.; D. Wechsler, 1997; and 4th ed.; D. Wechsler, 2008) BD subtest gain scores demonstrated that presenting novel test items matched on stimulus parameters in multiple administrations reduced learning effects compared with the repeated use of the same test items. The results suggest that repeated administration of novel test items of the BD subtest, matched for PC and U, would result in more accurate assessments of changes in examinees' abilities over time than would the use of the same items. Difficulties inherent in implementing this method are also discussed.

Human cognitive performance in a 3 mT power-line frequency magnetic field

“…The processing speed of perceptual reasoning and mental imagery increased between repetitions, which is in agreement with the findings of other studies [Vandenberg and Kuse, 1978;Wexler et al, 1998;Miller et al, 2009]. The BD and MR tests are associated with spatial processing in the dorsal occipitalparietal pathway [Booth et al, 2000;Koshino et al, 2005], motor cortical areas Jordan et al, 2001], and demands on executive functions in the prefrontal regions [Cohen et al, 1996;Carpenter et al, 1999].…”

“…This practice effect has been documented in previous research using the aforementioned tests [Fitts, 1954;Wexler et al, 1998;Fastenau et al, 2001;Bird et al, 2004;Hinton-Bayre and Geffen, 2005;Miller et al, 2009;Solana et al, 2010]. These tests are associated with the prefrontal cortex [Shibuya-Tayoshi et al, 2007], precentral gyrus, cingulate gyrus, medial frontal gyrus [Zakzanis et al, 2005], left middle frontal gyrus, and posterior parietal cortex [Usui et al, 2009].…”

Quantifying Human Behavior on the Block Design Test Through Automated Multi-Level Analysis of Overhead Video

“…Some common trends were that the vertices-first strategy only appeared in puzzles 5 and 6, which are both diagonally oriented puzzles, and the sub-section was used the most for puzzle 4, which has strong symmetric characteristics. Thus, the choice of strategy is likely closely related to the shape of the target de-sign, which matches with findings from the BDT literature (Caron et al 2006;Farran, Jarrold, and Gathercole 2001;Kramer et al 1999;Miller et al 2009;Stewart et al 2009) and poses many interesting questions for future work.…”

Adding Sound Transparency to a Spacesuit: Effect on Cognitive Performance in Females

“…The cognitive load literature related to sensory deprivation [25] does not support that comparative the results would be dissimilar in the case of the male-only population.…”

“…A description of the Koh block protocol can be found in [25]. Procedure: Participants were briefed, given consent forms, and informed of the procedure.…”