Abstract
The goal was to determine whether the ability to learn complex auditory discrimination and identification tasks could be predicted from performance on a screening test battery. The screening battery included auditory tasks chosen on the basis of earlier factor‐analytic studies of individual differences [Kidd et al. JASA 122, 418–435 (2007)], visual acuity tasks, and a test of working memory. These tests were administered to 1,000 college students with normal audiograms. Based on screening test performance, 25 exceptional performers and 25 average performers were selected for prolonged training on three new auditory tasks. The training tasks included multi‐tone pattern discrimination, identification of a vocabulary of sequences of three‐tone syllables, and binary categorization of multi‐dimensional profile‐like stimuli. A broad range of individual differences in post‐training performance was observed on each of these tasks, but differences were not well predicted by screening task performance or estimated general intelligence. Analysis of the screening task performance supported the previously reported independence of individual differences in spectral‐temporal acuity and the recognition of familiar sounds (both speech and nonspeech). Intellectual abilities and visual processing abilities were also independent of each other and of auditory abilities. [Work supported by Grant No. N000140310644 from the Office of Naval Research.]
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call