Working memory index, Science

Assignment Help:

Mr. X's Working Memory Index (WMI) is interpretable; the components do not vary significantly, so his WMI score can be interpreted as a single construct. WMI includes three tasks. The first task, Arithmetic, consists of arithmetic problems to be solved without a pencil or paper. The second task, Digit Span, consists of repeating a string of numbers back to the examiner. The third task, Letter-Number Sequencing, consists of repeating a string of numbers and letters back to the examiner in alphanumeric order. Mr. X's WMI score of 133 (99th percentile and in the Very Superior range) may be due to many factors. He was calm, and displayed good attention and concentration throughout the tasks. He reportedly likes math and considers himself good at math. He worked a great deal with number sequences and numeric calculations during his [various jobs]. Mr. X also displayed excellent strategizing on the Digit Span and Letter-Number Sequencing tasks. Because they were not timed, he took a long time before answering each trial. During the time, he would whisper the numbers and/or letters to himself several times, usually chunking them into pairs. In Letter-Number Sequencing, he would memorize the entire string, and then whisper the string quietly to himself several times, each time vocalizing loudly to the examiner the next number or letter in the sequence.

Mr. X's Processing Speed Index (PSI) score of 122 (93rd percentile, Superior) is not interpretable, because his scores on the component tasks varied significantly. The Processing Speed Index is comprised of three tasks-Digit-Symbol Coding, in which one must match symbols to numbers using a key, Symbol Search, in which one must decide whether at least one of a pair of symbols is present in an adjacent 5-symbol set, and Cancellation, in which one must visually scan rows of symbols and identify target symbols. Mr. X's performance on these three tasks differed significantly. He achieved a scaled score of 16 on Digit-Symbol Coding (97.7th percentile or Very Superior) and Cancellation, but a scaled score of 12 on Symbol Search (75th percentile or High Average).  

Mr. X exhibited a significant strength-he obtained a scaled score of 19 on the Vocabulary task, which is a non-timed subtest in which individuals are asked for the definition of each word in a list. This score places him in the Very Superior range, with a percentile rank of 99.87. This is consistent with Mr. X's academic level as a first-year graduate student, as well as with his habit of doing crossword puzzles. During the Vocabulary task, Mr. X took his time and thought carefully for each question. Then, he answered eloquently and completely, often giving far more information than necessary for a correct answer.

Mr. X also exhibited a significant weakness-he obtained a scaled score of 12 on the Symbol Search task, in which one must decide whether at least one of a pair of symbols is present in an adjacent 5-symbol set. This score places him in the High Average range, with a percentile rank of 75. Several factors may help explain this lower score: anxiety, attention, concentration, distractibility, motivation level, and work under time pressure. The Symbol Search task was the 12th out of 14 tasks. Therefore, it is possible that Mr. X's attention, concentration, and motivation level had waned. Also, Mr. X indicated some anxiety and concern about working under time pressure-during the task, he repeatedly verbalized distress that there were many items left he had not completed (which may have interfered with his task performance as well).


Related Discussions:- Working memory index

Explain the actions of autonomic nervous system, Explain the Actions of Aut...

Explain the Actions of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) The actions of the autonomic nervous system are largely involuntary (in contrast to those of the somatosensory system). Th

What is tongue, What is Tongue? The tongue is a major organ. You will a...

What is Tongue? The tongue is a major organ. You will agree that the tongue precisely reflects the state of our digestive system. How? Well, you may have experienced that occas

Human Anatomy, What are 6 types of neuroglial cells?

What are 6 types of neuroglial cells?

Experiment of a hair hygrometer, A hair hygrometer This device will ena...

A hair hygrometer This device will enable you to read the relative humidity directly without the use of tables. Procure a few human hairs about 30 cm long. Free them from gr

Explain the ketone bodies - abnormal constituent of urine, Explain the Keto...

Explain the Ketone bodies -  abnormal constituent of urine Ketone body is an intermediate breakdown product of fats in the body. It can be any of three compounds (acetoacetic a

Dental clinic-office business manager, Dental Clinic Case Study A clin...

Dental Clinic Case Study A clinic with three dentists and several dental hygienists needed a system to help administer patient records. This system keeps patient details and m

Explain the process of clarification of oil, Clarification of oil Crude...

Clarification of oil Crude oil contains a  suspension of fine pulp and fibre from the plant material. It also contains smaller quantities of water, resins, colors and bacteria,

Define the term blood, Define the term Blood “The ancients believed th...

Define the term Blood “The ancients believed that blood was the seat of the emotions".  Blood, a body fluid, has been correctly termed as an elixir of life. We all have blood

Surgery in iron age, Surgery: Susruta-Samhita,  a.major  treatise on su...

Surgery: Susruta-Samhita,  a.major  treatise on surgery, was derived not only from exhaustive observation of symptoms of diseases  and their possible treatments but also a fair

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd