Discrimination Test Research Articles

A Preliminary Survey of Color Discrimination Among Indonesia Female Subjects Using Farnsworth-Munsell Hue Color Test

This study aimed to conduct a preliminary survey of the color discrimination test among Indonesian samples. The study involved 26 participants of university students and office workers. To test the ability of color discrimination, the Farnsworth-Munsell (FM) 100 Hue Color Vision Test was used. Farnsworth-Munsell test scoring software was also used to obtain the total score of each participant. Using the FM 100-hue test, the participants were classified into superior, average and low color discrimination ability. The results showed that that 19.2% female participants were classified as superior for color discrimination ability. Majority of participants were classified as average. Meanwhile for low classification, only 3.9% were classified as low color discrimination ability. Currently, many companies and industries have great need for workers with good characterized and accurate color vision. However, the study of color discrimination is still limited and unknown in Indonesia. Through this study, hopefully attention for a broader study with a larger scale could be obtained.

Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the Online Education Student Satisfaction Scale: A Methodological Study.

Background and Purpose: Assessing student satisfaction is essential in evaluating the quality of education. The number of valid and reliable tools that measure students' satisfaction with online education is limited. This methodological study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the online education student satisfaction scale. Methods: Eleven academicians from the nursing field provided expert opinions on content validity. Separate 25 students evaluated the language clarity of the draft scale. The study sample included 525 third- and fourth-year nursing students. Finally, a group of 30 nursing students different from the sample participated in the test-retest. The study created an item pool based on the recent literature. The researchers calculated the items' content validity rates and the scale's content validity index by taking the experts' opinions. In addition, item-total score correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis, discrimination analysis, stability test, and internal consistency analysis were performed. Results: An item with a low-correlation value was excluded from the scale. The correlation coefficients of the remained items were between .536 and .811. In the second round of exploratory factor analysis, a five-factor structure emerged that explained 72.1% of the total variance. In addition, item discrimination, stability, and internal consistency test results ensured that the scale was valid and reliable. Conclusions: The online education student satisfaction scale with five subdimensions containing 28 items is a valid and reliable tool. Researchers, educators, and managers may use it to evaluate students' satisfaction with online education.

Long-lasting blocking of interoceptive effects of cocaine by a highly efficient cocaine hydrolase in rats

Cocaine dependence is a serious world-wide public health problem without an FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. We recently designed and discovered a highly efficient long-acting cocaine hydrolase CocH5-Fc(M6). The present study examined the effectiveness and duration of CocH5-Fc(M6) in blocking interoceptive effects of cocaine by performing cocaine discrimination tests in rats, demonstrating that the duration of CocH5-Fc(M6) in blocking cocaine discrimination was dependent on cocaine dose and CocH5-Fc(M6) plasma concentration. Particularly, a dose of 3 mg/kg CocH5-Fc(M6) effectively attenuated discriminative stimulus effects of 10 mg/kg cocaine, cumulative doses of 10 and 32 mg/kg cocaine, and cumulative doses of 10, 32 and 56 mg/kg cocaine by ≥ 20% for 41, 19, and 10 days, and completely blocked the discriminative stimulus effects for 30, 13, and 5 days with corresponding threshold plasma CocH5-Fc(M6) concentrations of 15.9, 72.2, and 221 nM, respectively, under which blood cocaine concentration was negligible. Additionally, based on the data obtained, cocaine discrimination model is more sensitive than the locomotor activity to reveal cocaine effects and that CocH5-Fc(M6) itself has no long-term toxicity regarding behavioral activities such as lever pressing and food consumption in rats, further demonstrating that CocH5-Fc(M6) has the desired properties as a promising therapeutic candidate for prevenance of cocaine dependence.

Development of a Digital Olfactory Function Test: A Preliminary Study.

Olfactory dysfunction is associated with conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses, and upper-airway-related diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the development of an examiner-independent olfactory function test. We recently developed a digital olfactory function test called Digitalscent (DIGITAL SCENT), which is a kiosk-type device with an integrated hardware system. The protocol follows conventional psychophysical olfactory function protocols, including threshold, discrimination, and identification test subsets. Eight healthy participants without olfactory dysfunction volunteered for the suitability test and completed both the YSK olfactory function and Digitalscent tests. Pearson correlations were determined between the YSK olfactory function and Digitalscent tests. Digitalscent could be implemented as a conventional olfactory function test, and all participants followed the Digitalscent test protocols. Limitations in the threshold and identification test subsets included unfamiliarity of the patients to the digital test and incompleteness in the sophisticated release of odorants. A strength of the identification test subset was the dual sensory stimulation of vision and olfaction. Digitalscent could-without facilitating viral transmission-enable early diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction during respiratory viral pandemics. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to facilitate wider use of this digital olfactory function test.

When is discrimination unfair? A relational reconstruction of the Constitutional Court’s dignity-based approach

In this article, I examine the dignity-based test for unfair discrimination developed by the Constitutional Court of South Africa. First, I argue that the point of antidiscrimination rights is to protect equality. They seek to prevent a comparative wrong — wrongful disparities in treatment. Violating dignity appears, however, to be a non-comparative wrong — one that is independent of the treatment extended to others. Tying unfair discrimination to dignity violations therefore seems to miss the comparative concerns that underlie anti-discrimination rights. Adding that everyone is ‘equally’ entitled to be treated with dignity does not solve the problem. I respond to this apparent difficulty with the court’s approach by suggesting that the court is best understood as concerned with a distinctive kind of dignity — status dignity. I also argue that there is an attractive conception of equality — relational equality — that explains why violations of status dignity are violations of equality. This interpretation provides the requisite egalitarian foundation for the court’s approach. Secondly, I address the criticism that a dignity-based understanding of substantive equality is too limited to address systemic inequalities. I suggest that an understanding based in status dignity is suitably robust and requires far-reaching reforms and restructuring of social practices.

ANALYSIS OF VIETNAMESE WOMEN'S BODY SHAPE FROM ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA

This study aims to classify and analyze the body shapes of Vietnamese women aged 18 to 50 using 3D anthropometric data. Research data was collected from 480 females across three regions: North, Central, and South. The five body types result from data analysis involving principal component analysis, K-means cluster analysis, numerical discriminant analysis, ANOVA test, and T-test comparison using SPSS software. Group 1, accounting for 15.23 %, represents the “short, thin, small-shouldered” body type with medium hip height and a bust-waist ratio higher than the hip-waist ratio. Group 2, accounting for 18.36 %, can be described as the “tall, slightly fat and large-shoulders” body type, characterized by high stature and hip height, with a bust-waist ratio smaller than the hip-waist ratio. Group 3, accounting for 35.94 %, falls under the category of the "Medium body type", with an average height stature and a fit body, and a bust-waist ratio equal to the waist-to-hip ratio. Group 4, representing 21.88 %, has a low hip height, a bust-waist ratio higher than the hip-waist ratio, and can be called the “short, fat, medium-shoulder” body type. Finally, group 5, which comprises 8.59 %, embodies the “too fat, average height, big shoulders” body type, featuring low hip height, and a bust - waist ratio higher than the hip-waist ratio. The method of body classification in this study is scientifically sound and reliable. The new research results can serve as a reference for the garment industry while contributing to the goal of building a virtual model library within 3D design software.

Does excision of giant cell tumor from the finger affect sensorineural innervation?

Giant Cell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath (GCTTS), often manifested as a nodular mass in the hand, presents significant challenges for surgical intervention, particularly when located in the fingers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of GCTTS excision on sensory function and to explore the relationship between surgical outcomes and factors such as smoking and nerve dissection. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 28 patients diagnosed with GCTTS in the fingers, who underwent surgical excision between March 2017 and March 2023. Preoperative and postoperative sensory functions were assessed using two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests. The results indicated no significant difference in sensory function 6 months post-surgery, suggesting that meticulous surgical technique can mitigate the risk of iatrogenic nerve damage. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic methodologies, including thorough medical history, physical examination, and radiological imaging, in guiding surgical strategies. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of meticulous preoperative planning and the potential for preserving sensory function following GCTTS excision.

Bone grafting combined with a spiral flap technique for the reconstruction of fingertip amputations.

Various reconstructive options exist for distal finger and pulp defects, including grafting and local or distant flaps. In addition to reconstructing the normal anatomical structure, preserving the sensory function of the finger is crucial. This study presents the results of using bone grafting combined with a spiral flap (BGcSF) technique for reconstructing pulp defects accompanied by bone loss. Twenty-three patients with fingertip defects were treated using the BGcSF technique. Flap sensitivity was assessed us-ing the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) and static two-point discrimination (2PD) tests at six months postoperatively. Cold intolerance of the affected fingers was evaluated using the Cold Intolerance Severity Score (CISS) questionnaire at one year postop-eratively. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Range of motion (ROM) for the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints was measured with a goniometer at one year postoperatively. Distal flap necrosis, affecting 10-15% of the flap area, was observed in one patient. No other complications were noted. The mean static two-point discrimination value at six months postoperatively was 5.6 mm, and the mean SWM score was 3.56. The mean CISS score at one year postoperatively was 18.8. The mean active ROM angle for the proximal interphalangeal joint was 106.7 degrees, and for the distal interphalangeal joint, it was 65.4 degrees. The mean MHQ score at one year postoperatively was 18.5. The BGcSF technique provides soft tissue with a texture similar to that of the fingertips and supports effective sensory repair. It can be considered a viable option for fingertip reconstruction in cases where replantation is not feasible.

Phospholipid supplementation inhibits male and female odor discrimination in mice.

Dietary phospholipids (PLs) are promising supplements that are commonly found as natural food ingredients and emulsifier additives. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of major PLs found in food supplements on social behavior in mice. In this study, the effect of short-term high dietary PL content was studied in terms of social odor discrimination and social interactions with male and female intruders in male mice. We used odor discrimination and habituation tests to demonstrate that PL-fed male mice tend to lose preference toward female odor and fail to discriminate against socially significant scents. At the same time, test animals recognize non-social odors. We also found that PL affected the social behavior of the test males, who tend to behave indiscriminately toward male and female intruders during direct contact. Brain metabolomic profiling revealed no major changes in the intermediary metabolism or neurotransmitter biosynthesis. At the same time, intranasal PL application resembled the effects of dietary supplementation. These data suggest that certain PL might suppress pheromone perception in the olfactory system and affect the sense of socially important odor cues.

Reconstruction Results of Fingertip Amputations with Antegrade Homodigital Neurovascular Island Flap

Objectives: The most common amputations to the hand are fingertip injuries. It may be difficult to restore fingertip both functionally and cosmetically in these injuries. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients who underwent antegrade homodigital neurovascular island flap (AHNIF). Methods: Between January 2020 and September 2022, a retrospective analysis was performed on 12 patients who underwent AHNIF due to fingertip injuries. The demographics of the patients, mechanisms of injury, defect sizes, and follow-up durations were documented. Amputation levels were defined. Flap sensitivity was assessed using the static 2-point discrimination test. Range of motion and contractures of the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints were measured. Cold intolerance was evaluated with the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) score. Patient's aesthetic satisfaction was evaluated with the Aesthetic Numeric Analog score. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.91 years, with a mean follow-up duration of 14.41 months. The mean range of motion for the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was 81.6°, and for the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint was 92.5°. Flexion contracture was present in five patients, with a mean contracture degree of 6. The mean CISS score for the patients was 4.41, and the Aesthetic Numeric Analog score was 6.33. The mean 2-point discrimination was 5.41 mm. Conclusion: AHNIF is one of the effective methods to restore fingertip function after amputations that cause significant tissue loss. It provides predictable and satisfactory outcomes in terms of flap survival, pulp sensitivity, and mobile adjacent joints.

Representing Fine Texture of Pencil Hardness by High-Frequency Vibrotactile Equivalence Conversion Using Ultra-Thin PZT-MEMS Vibrators.

This study aims to represent fine texture differences in pencil hardness using intensity segment modulation (ISM), a sensory equivalent conversion method of vibration from high to low frequencies. This method enables the presentation of delicate tactile sensations even with small transducers. We integrated this approach in the world's thinnest ultra-thin PZT-MEMS vibrator with a stylus-type device. The vibration waveforms of four types of pencil hardness were captured under the same conditions, and the differences in the frequency components were confirmed. We compared the fine texture feelings under raw signal, ISM, and ISM below 1 kHz conditions by conducting discrimination tests and subjective similarity evaluations. The results showed that ISM could reproduce similar feelings of the pencil hardness.

Can humans smell tastants?

Although studies have shown that olfaction may contribute to the perception of tastant, literature is scarce or circumstantial, especially in humans. This study aims to (i) explore whether humans can perceive solutions of basic prototypical tastants through orthonasal and retronasal olfaction and (ii) to examine what volatile odor compounds (VOCs) underlie this ability. Solutions of 5 basic tastants (sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, monosodium glutamate [MSG], quinine) dissolved in water, and 2 fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acid) dissolved in mineral oil were prepared. Triangle discrimination tests were performed (n = 41 in duplicate) to assess whether the tastant solutions can be distinguished from blanks (solvents) through ortho- and retronasal olfaction. Participants were able to distinguish all tastant solutions from blank through orthonasal olfaction. Only sucrose, sodium chloride, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were distinguished from blank by retronasal olfaction. Ethyl dichloroacetate, methylene chloride, and/or acetone were identified in the headspace of sucrose, MSG, and quinine solutions but not in the headspace of water, sodium chloride, and citric acid solutions. Fat oxidation compounds such as alcohols and aldehydes were detected in the headspace of the oleic and linoleic acid solutions but not the mineral oil. We conclude that prototypical tastant solutions can be discriminated from water and fatty acid solutions from mineral oil through orthonasal olfaction. Differences in the volatile headspace composition between blanks and tastant solutions may have facilitated the olfactory discrimination. These findings can have methodological implications for future studies assessing gustatory perception using these prototypical taste compounds.

Facial emotion recognition is associated with executive functions and depression scores, but not staging of dementia, in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Although deficits in facial emotion recognition (FER) significantly affect interpersonal communication and social functioning, there is no consensus on how FER affects Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and neuropsychological factors affecting the possible deficits in the FER abilities of patients with AD. This cross-sectional study included 37 patients with mild [clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale score=1] or moderate (CDR=2) AD, in whom vascular dementia and depression were excluded, and 24 cognitively normal (CDR=0) subjects. FER ability was determined using the facial emotion identification test (FEIT) and facial emotion discrimination test (FEDT). All participants underwent mini-mental state examination (MMSE), frontal assessment battery (FAB), and geriatric depression scale (GDS). The neuropsychiatric inventory-clinician rating scale (NPI-C), Katz index of independence in activities of daily living, and Lawton instrumental activities of daily living were also administered to patients with AD. The FEIT and FEDT total scores showed that patients with mild and moderate AD had significant FER deficits compared to healthy controls. However, no significant difference was observed between patients with mild and moderate AD in the FEIT and FEDT total scores. FEIT and FEDT scores were not correlated with the MMSE and NPI-C total and subscales scores in patients with AD. Linear regression indicated that FEIT and FEDT total scores were significantly related to age and FAB scores. The GDS score negatively moderated the relationship between FAB and FEDT. This study demonstrated a decreased FER ability in patients with AD. The critical point in FER deficits is the presence of dementia, not the dementia stage, in AD. It has been determined that executive functions and depression (even at a subsyndromal level), which have limited knowledge, are associated with FER abilities.

Examining the Effect of Bank Health Level towards Stock Return of Commercial Banks in Three-Selected ASEAN Countries

Today, various main factors, including the banking sector, support a country's economy. The growth and performance of banks in a country are factors in measuring the country's economic growth. The increasing number of banking stocks traded in ASEAN countries proves banking development. However, since middle-to-low-income countries dominate ASEAN, it opens up a greater risk to the volatility of bank stock returns because of economic turmoil. Non-performing loans (NPL), Good Corporate Governance (GCG), Return on Assets (ROA), and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) are found to influence bank stock return in some studies, but other similar studies show the opposite. Therefore, this study uses 28 banks in ASEAN countries as a sample, consisting of 10 Indonesian banks, 8 Malaysian banks, and 10 Thailand banks. Data analysis uses regression analysis with moderated regression analysis (MRA) and discrimination tests. The result shows NPL and GCG have no significant effect on bank stock return, ROA has a positive and significant effect, and CAR has a negative and significant effect. Price to Book Value (PBV) has a positive and significant effect on bank stock return but can only moderate ROA on stock return. The discrimination test shows that ASEAN countries' NPL, GCG, ROA, and CAR differ significantly. Therefore, banks in ASEAN ought to maintain their health through these factors to maximize their stock return.

Quantitative Phytochemistry and Neuro- histological Effect of Tamarindus indica Fruit Pulp Aqueous Extract on Traumatic Brain Injury in Albino Rats

Tamarindus indica has numerous therapeutic benefits. Its therapeutic effects have been reported in some neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease in rats. This study evaluated quantitative phytochemistry and effect of tamarind fruit pulp extract in traumatic brain injury (TBI) - induced neurobehavioral and histological changes in rats. Six groups of five rats each were used for this study. Groups I, II, III, and IV were treated with tamarind fruit pulp extract at doses of 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, orally, after being induced with TBI. Rats in group V were traumatized but not treated (TNT), while rats in group VI were not traumatized and were not treated (NTNT). The administration of treatment commenced 30 minutes after the occurrence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and persisted for 21 consecutive days. The fruit was extracted using water, while HPLC quantified the phytochemicals. Neurological severity scores and novel object discrimination tests were carried out. The histological appearance of the brain tissue was also evaluated. The tamarind fruit pulp extract showed the characteristic peaks of rutin flavonoids, caffeic acids and tannic acids in the HPLC analysis. Tamarind fruit pulp extract improved neurological scores and memory function in the treated groups compared to group V, which did not show improvement. Histological results showed few lesions in the treated groups, while in the TNT group, massive and diffused lesions were observed. This study has shown that Tamarindus indica fruit contains neuro-therapeutic substances which may benefit TBI patients by improving their neurological and memory function.

Geometric Morphometric Analyses on Radiographic Images of The Carpal Joint Region of English Setters

This study aims to determine the morphological differences according to gender via radiographic images taken from the carpal bones of English setters. A total of 28 bone samples, 16 females and 12 males, were used in the study. The shape differences between males and females were evaluated by placing 27 landmarks on the X-ray images. Principal Component Analyses are used to measure the distribution of variance. In addition, these analyses take the mean shape variation and compare it to shape differences. As a result of this analysis, the value of PC1 explained 24.34% of the total variation. In addition, PC2 explained 16.24% of the total variation, and PC3 explained 10.45%. In addition, the results of PCA were also described in terms of the English setter samples used. Then, Discriminant Function analysis was performed using the same software program. With this analysis, it was tried to determine the differences between the genders. According to the discriminant function test, 13 of 16 female dogs were completely separated from male dogs. Also, all 12 male dogs were separated from female dogs according to the same test results. In short, because of this study, shape differences in the carpal bones of English setters were investigated according to gender.

Scoring system for mortality prediction of in-hospital COVID-19 patients in resource-limited settings: a single center cohort study during Delta and Omicron waves


 Objective: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality includes several risk variables that are country-specific in nature. The development of a scoring system is necessary regarding the appearance of novel virus variants. The objective of this research is to develop a prognostic score for COVID-19 patients in resource-constrained settings.
 
 Methods: This study used a retrospective and prospective cohort design to identify variables that influence COVID-19 patients' in-hospital mortality. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to determine the laboratory variables cut-off. Cox regression analysis was undertaken to determine the exact variables influencing the survival of COVID-19 patients. A scoring system was created using the best model based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (calibration) and the area under the curve (AUC) (discrimination ability).
 
 Results: Based on calibration and discrimination testing, model 2 (immune disorders, unconsciousness, cerebrovascular disease, onset, and oxygen saturation) was rated as the most advantageous model. Model 2 (without age adjustment) had a superior AUC than model 2A (with age). Cut-off was determined at 2, and calculated for onset ≥7 days (AUC=0.816, 95% CI: 0.742,0.890) and <7 days (AUC=0.850, 95% CI: 0.784,0.916). There was no difference in scoring system utilization for subjects recruited during Delta or Omicron waves (P=0.527).
 
 Conclusion: The model (cut-off value ≥2) which incorporated age ≥65 years, immune disorders, decreased consciousness, increased respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation <95% is the best model in our study to predict COVID-19 patient mortality.

Microbiome Profiling in Bladder Cancer Patients Using the First-morning Urine Sample

BackgroundSeveral studies support the interplay between the urinary microbiome (ie, urobiome) and bladder cancer (BCa). Specific urinary bacteria may be responsible for chronic inflammation, which in turn promotes carcinogenesis. Different signatures of urobiome in BCa patients were identified depending on tumor type, geographical area, age, and sex. ObjectiveWe explored the urobiome in BCa patients undergoing transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), to identify possible predictive biomarkers of cancer. Design, setting, and participantsThe urobiome analysis was conducted in 48 patients (13 females) undergoing TURBT, of whom 30 with BCa (five females) and 18 with benign bladder tumor, analyzing bacterial 16S rRNA by next-generation sequencing in first-morning (FM) urine samples. Forty-three cancer-free individuals and 17 prostate cancer patients were used as controls. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisFirst, we identified the better urine collection procedure to perform the urobiome analysis, comparing bacterial composition between catheterized (CAT) and FM urine samples in TURBT patients. Successively, we observed a specific urobiome in BCa patients rather than controls. A combined pipeline including the DESeq2 and linear discriminant analysis effect size tests was used to identify differential urinary taxa, strictly associated with BCa patients. Results and limitationsThe bacterial composition of CAT and FM urine samples was comparable, so the latter was used for the following analyses. An increased abundance of Porphyromonas and Porphyromonas somerae was found in BCa patients compared with controls. This signature seems to be more related (p <0.05) to male BCa patients over 50 yr old. Owing to the low biomass of urinary microbiota, several samples were excluded from the study, reducing the number of BCa patients considered. ConclusionsFM urine samples represent a manageable specimen for a urobiome analysis; P. somerae is a specific biomarker of BCa risk. Patient summaryOur study showed an increased abundance of Porphyromonas and Porphyromonas somerae in male bladder cancer (BCa) patients, supporting the use of a first-morning urine sample, a less invasive and low-cost collection method, for the urobiome analysis of patients at risk of BCa.

Discrimination of familiar and unfamiliar human voices is independent of prolonged human-animal interaction in domestic chicks

Different animal species, both domestic and wild, can discriminate between various human cues, such as voices, and adjust their behavior based on whether they are familiar or unfamiliar with these cues. To investigate whether this ability extends to a domesticated species not specifically bred for human interaction and whether it can manifest at an early age, even under commercial-like conditions with limited human interaction, we conducted human vocal discrimination tests on domestic chicks at two ages (25 and 67 days old). Our findings showed that chicks could discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar voices at both ages, exhibiting increased vigilance when a known sentence was spoken by an unfamiliar voice compared to a familiar voice. We also found that chicks were more vigilant after a familiar voice delivered an unknown sentence, compared to an unfamiliar voice delivered a known sentence. This suggests a violation of expectation when animals are confronted with mixed familiar/unfamiliar heterospecific signals. Our findings support that neither specific selection for interaction with humans, nor an extended history of exposure to humans, is a prerequisite for animals to discriminate heterospecific cues, such as human voices.

Musical Training as a Continuum: Relationships of Short-Term Memory and Musical Aptitudes

ABSTRACT Introduction This study recruited participants from a range of music training experiences and focused on short-term memory tasks to examine the abilities of trained, informally trained, and those without any music training. Methods Musicianship was measured with the Goldsmith’s Musical Sophistication Index (GMSI). The GMSI is a survey regarding how music is involved in a participant’s daily life. Music training was assessed through the music training subscale of the GMSI, which included a question regarding the years of formal training an individual had received. In two objective measures of musical ability, participants completed the Computerized Adaptive Beat Alignment Test (CABAT) and the Melody Discrimination Test (MDT). The participants also completed an audio and audiovisual span task to measure short-term memory. A correlational analysis was run among the general score of the GMSI subjective task, the GMSI subscales, the span task scores, and the objective measures of musical ability. Lastly, a hierarchical regression was used to predict short-term memory abilities. Results Results of a partial correlation analysis, controlling for the music training subscale, showed that the melodic discrimination task was associated with short-term memory, however, rhythm scores were not. Discussion This study suggested that there is no distinct advantage of formal training over informal training when studying musicians’ memory performance. Future research can benefit from investigating the characteristics of the full sample of participants, and not treating those without formal training as a homogenous group, devoid of any musical abilities.