Mental Ability Test Research Articles

Exploring the associations between personality and response speed trajectories in low-stakes intelligence tests

Previous research suggests a negative relationship between test taking speed and performance in mental ability testing, inviting researchers to explore the origin of individual differences in test taking speed. We investigate how personality could explain both one's initial speed and its evolution through test completion. 555 adult participants responded the Big Five personality items from the Synthetic Aperture Personality Assessment (SAPA) and a progressive matrices test created with IMak. We used the joint hierarchical response-response time model with variable speed to estimate individual speed parameters (as well as ability). We use Latent Profile Analysis on these person speed estimates, which suggest three distinct profiles. We then interpret these three speed profiles and investigate their relations with Big Five traits. Classes significantly differ on agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness – as well as the matrices test ability. “Hasty” (class 1) individuals are characterized by low openness and ability, “absorbed” (class 2) individuals by high ability and openness, low agreeableness and conscientiousness, and “precautious” (class 3) individuals by high agreeableness and conscientiousness. We conclude that response speed trajectories are associated with ability and personality traits, warranting future investigations.

Brain Changing Advantages of Exercise

Exercise is defined as any activity that causes your muscles to work and your body to burn calories. Physical activity includes swimming, running, jogging, strolling, and dancing, to name a few. Physically and mentally active people have been shown to have various health benefits. It could even help you live a longer life. In this article, we attempt to explain the beneficial effects of exercising regularly on our brain and how this helps with cognitive tasks. We also describe the various neurotrophic neurochemicals that aid in this phenomenon. We then describe the process of neuroplasticity and how exercise can help accelerate this process. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. If you're worried about being harmed if you start walking or increase your level of physical activity, it is safe for most people to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking. Reduced emotions of state anxiety (short-term anxiety), increased sleep, and enhanced elements of cognitive performance are some of the benefits of moderate or intense physical exercise on cerebral health that happen immediately after moderate or intense physical activity (acute impact). People who engage in more moderate or intense physical activity generally have better mental processes to gain knowledge and comprehension than those who do not. Improvements in cognition, as well as performance, might be expected. For example, standardized assessments of academic achievement and performance on mental ability tests are examples of neuropsychological testing. Processing speed, memory, and executive function are all factors to consider.

Screening for cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus: Application of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in a Greek patient sample

Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Given that extensive neuropsychological testing is not always feasible in routine clinical practice, brief cognitive screening tools are desirable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a screening tool for CI in SLE. Consecutive SLE patients followed at a single centre were evaluated using MoCA and an extensive neuropsychological test battery (NPT), including the Digits Forward and Digits Backwards, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Memory Test, Trail Making Test, Stroop Colour-Word Test, Semantic and Phonetic Verbal Fluency tests and a 25-problem version of the General Adult Mental Ability test. The criterion validity of MoCA was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses using three different case definitions: i) against normative population data, ii) and iii) against average performance of a comparison group of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, to adjust for possible confounding effects of chronic illness and inflammatory processes on cognitive performance. The effect of patient-related (age, years of education, anxiety, depression, fatigue and pain) and disease-related (activity, damage, age at diagnosis, disease duration, use of glucocorticoid, psychotropic and pain medication) parameters on the MoCA was examined. A total of 71 SLE patients were evaluated. MoCA significantly correlated with all NPT scores and was affected by education level (p < 0.001), but not by other demographic or clinical variables. The optimal cutoff for detecting CI, as defined on the basis of normative population data, was 23/30 points, demonstrating 73% sensitivity and 75% specificity. A cutoff of 22/30 points, using neuropsychological profiles of the RA group as inflammatory disease controls, exhibited higher sensitivity (100%, based on both definitions) and specificity (87% and 90%, depending on the definition). The standard cutoff of 26/30 points displayed excellent sensitivity (91-100%) with significant expenses in specificity (43-45%). The MoCA is an easily applied tool, which appears to be reliable for identifying CI in SLE patients. The standard cutoff score (26/30) ensures excellent sensitivity while lower cutoff scores (22-23/30) may, also, provide higher specificity.

General Intelligence: An Analysis of the Saudi Students’ General Mental Ability and Elementary Cognitive Task Performance

Previous studies on human intelligence has revealed that varied factors influence cognitive performance, and some studies have hypothesized the presence of &amp;ldquo;general intelligence&amp;rdquo; (g factor) that is responsible for intelligence. However, most studies have been centered on Western cultures. This study thus examines the Saudi students and the g factor hypothesis. A group of Saudi college students participated in a battery of general mental ability tests and elementary cognitive tasks and were assessed for the influence of various factors on cognitive performance. The study results revealed an increase in the average of Saudi students&amp;rsquo; intelligence compared to the results of the previous studies, but it did not yield a g factor.

An examination of model fit and measurement invariance of general mental ability and personality measures used in the multilingual context of the Swiss Armed Forces: A Bayesian structural equation modeling approach

ABSTRACT Measurement invariance of psychological test batteries is an essential quality criterion when the test batteries are administered in different cultural and language contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine to what extent measurement model fit and measurement invariance across the two largest language groups in Switzerland (i.e., German and French speakers) can be assumed for selected general mental ability and personality tests used in the Swiss Armed Forces’ cadre selection process. For the model fit and invariance testing, we used Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM). Because the sizes of the language group samples were unbalanced, we reran the invariance testing with the subsampling procedure as a robustness check. The results showed that at least partial approximate scalar invariance can be assumed for the constructs. However, comparisons in the full sample and subsamples also showed that certain test items function differently across the language groups. The results are discussed regarding the three following issues: First, we critically discuss the applied criterion and alternative effect size measures for assessing the practical importance of non-invariances. Second, we highlight potential remedies and further testing options, that can be applied, once certain items have been detected to function differently. Third, we discuss alternative modeling and invariance testing approaches to BSEM and outline future research avenues.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ADOLESCENT STUDENTS HAVING M-LEARNING HABITS IN RELATION TO THEIR INTELLIGENCE

Mobile devices are widely used in the digital age. The educational use of mobile devices in and outside classrooms helps to develop positive attitude among students towards courses. The aim of this research is to find out the influence of M-learning habits on academic performance of adolescent students in relation to their intelligence. A sample of about 350 students of +1 and +2 grade both boys and girls from the private and government schools of Amritsar district was randomly selected for collecting data. Academic scores of final examinations of adolescent students were used to find out the academic performance of the students. M-learning Habits Scale constructed by the investigator was used to find out mobile learning habits of the students. General Mental Ability Test by Jalota was used to measure the intelligence of the students. The findings suggest that more than sixty percent of adolescent students are having M-learning habits. There is no significant relationship between academic performance of adolescent students having M-learning habits and their intelligence. There is no significant difference in the academic performance of adolescent students having M-learning habits in relation to their level of intelligence.

Bias in Observed Validity Estimates When Using Multiple Valid Predictors

ABSTRACT Simulated data, validity reports and a firefighter predictive validation study are used to examine validity bias created by three common selection problems-range restriction, applicant and incumbent attrition, and nonlinearity created by compression of high selection test scores. Top 20% selection samples drawn from an applicant pool with known validity coefficients demonstrate that the sample validity estimates of the three predictors are differentially biased in both magnitude and direction, depending on the selection strategy used. Concurrent validity designs generally favor novel predictors. Corrections for direct range restriction across situations were mostly ineffectual. With proper scaling, corrections for indirect range restriction are accurate, but cross-variable biasing effects can occur when score distributions of the individual predictors differ. Many of the biases found in the simulation results are demonstrated in a firefighter predictive validation study where variations of Pearson-Thorndike range corrected validities and a full information maximum likelihood (FIML), approaches are all compared as validity assessments. With normalized predictors, both Pearson and FIML methods show that a test of general mental ability and physically demanding job tasks predicted firefighter performance throughout the 30-year study, with no evidence of interactions or a leveling of performance at high test scores.

Modifications of academic competences and intelligence in a university grade

The aim of the study was to analyze differences in intelligence, academic competences, and academic achievement by gender and academic course in sports science university students. To reach the study aim we analyzed in 267 (226 males and 41 females) first and last year students’ degree the variables of intelligence (Reasoning scale of the Primary Mental Abilities Test), academic achievement and self-perception of 40 academic competences (30 general competences and 10 specific competences). We found how last year degree students presented higher general and specific competences than first year students, not presenting differences in intelligence and academic achievement. Female students presented higher academic achievement and higher values in some general and specific competences but not in intelligence.

Transformation of Indang Arts: from Dakwah to Prestige and Commodification

This study aims to find out how the transformation contained in Indang art. The transformation of Indang art seen from the function includes three things, namely from da'wah to prestige, and commodification. In order to find out the transformation of Indang art, a search was carried out using qualitative methods. Data collection was carried out by direct observation, interviews and documentation to art actors and owners. Indang art originally functioned as a medium of da'wah, for the spread of Islam, which was carried out from surau to surau. However, after this art began to be in demand by the people in Pariaman, it began to be displayed in open spaces or matches. Indang art that is displayed in the matches began to be contested by holding a test of insight, agility and agility of movements, as well as the beauty of the songs or songs that were performed. In addition, each group often does a mental ability test, so each group must have a parent, called sipituang sirah who can guard and fence the group with mysticism. This art has changed its function from a religious propaganda media, to a prestige to raise self-esteem and honor for the winning group, both individually and in groups, as well as the Nagari community that owns Indang. When you are able to beat your opponent, you will feel proud, increase self-esteem, and honor. Feeling superior to the losing group and society. Currently, Indang art has undergone a change in function to become a market commodity that has economic value that has a selling value. The change in function into a commodity is able to defeat the previous values in the Nagari community, which owns Indang art .

12 Equipping Humans--Optimizing Performance: The Role of Technology in Human Capital

Abstract Human capital influences 100% of the production and business performance achieved in swine production. “Five years from now 35% of the of important workforce skills will have changed.” according to Digital Transformation 1. To meet the coming digital transformation in swine production, the need for innovative human capital strategies has never been greater. Boessen, Artz, and Schutlz 2 found labor is a critical issue for the industry. High performing swine farms achieve it because of their people. Swan 3 noted that “pigs do not achieve excellence; people achieve excellence through their pigs.” Agriculture has been slow to adapt soft skill strategies due to the ambiguity in the value proposition. Cost metrics of turnover, poor performance, and safety are traditionally buried within the P&amp;L under labor with labor impacting 100% of the value chain in pig and pork production. The need to analyze the human impact has never been more crucial, and this led to the 2019 Labor intel Study by sponsors and Summit SmartFarms. Schmidt and Hunter‍ 4 found that the use of general mental ability testing improves the predictability and utility of hiring the right person. The increased validity can be as high as 20% vs. traditional means of recruitment. Assessments have proven to provide intelligence on humans for many years through the principles of industrial psychology. Platforms like Cloverleaf and the Organizational Cultural Inventory have harnessed all the attributes of digital transformation to provide human intelligence for predictive and prescriptive human optimization. Pigmanship training has accelerated the value of assessments through precision training. The next step is to integrate these platforms into an analysis tool that combines production, human resource, and assessment data to quantify the value of organizational health.1. Digital Transformation by Thomas Siebel Rosetta Books 2 National Pork Board. Employee Compensation and HR Practices in Pork Production.3 Swan, M.K. Swine Human Resources: Managing Employees. 4 Schmidt FL, Hunter JE. The validity and utility of selection methods in personnel psychology

Clinical background of cognitive disorders associated with epileptic syndrome of various genesis

Annotation. The prevalence of cognitive impairments that have not reached the degree of dementia is 15-20%. It is known that 20% of people with intellectual disabilities, due to structural changes in the brain, can be diagnosed with epilepsy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and functional parameters of patients diagnosed with varying degrees of cognitive disorders in the setting of an epileptic seizure in a neurological department. A retrospective assessment was made of 211 patients with cognitive decline who had a history of epileptic seizures (with consequences of traumatic brain injury, perinatal trauma with hypoxic encephalopathy, stroke, discirculatory encephalopathy, brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, cryptogenic and due to exogenous intoxication). To assess the patient's cognitive function, rapid tests were used: a shortened test of mental abilities - 4 (AMT-4) and a simplified MMSE test. A preliminary comparison of retrospective patients quality indicators was assessed using simple mathematical methods. It was shown a significant effect on the level of cognitive impairment of exogenous intoxication, as well as atherosclerotic changes in the vessels. Brain damage due to trauma or tumor, as the cause of a convulsive attack, showed more pronounced asthenization, lethargy, decreased criticism and intelligence in the case of right hemispheric localization. More pronounced cognitive impairments occurred with lesions in the frontal and temporal localization. So, with damage to the temporal lobe, amnestic disturbances, disorientation in time and space were characteristic. With damage to the frontal lobe - decreased attention, the occurrence of asthenic-depressive syndrome, lethargy. More pronounced speech and writing disorders, disorientation in time and space, astheno-neurotic syndrome with emotional lability were revealed in the case of damage to the left carotid system in stroke. Thus, the study of cognitive impairments in a neurological clinic is one of the important interdisciplinary problems of modern medicine.

Effect of two Computer Instructional Modes on Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Geography, in Lagos State, Nigeria.

There is a growing concern about secondary school students’ poor performance in geography, a subject that is prerequisite for many professional pursuits. To enhance their performance in the subject, several strategies have been adopted. This study is an intervention, which investigated relative effects of computer instructional modes (computer graphics and animations computer) on secondary school students’ achievement in geography. The moderator variable was mental ability. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The pre-test, post-test control group quasi-experimental design, involving 3x2 factorial matrix was adopted for the study. One hundred and four senior secondary two geography students from three secondary schools in Lagos state constituted the sample for the study, which lasted for eight weeks. Two procedural instruments (computer graphics and animation instructional packages) and two measuring instruments, namely Geography Achievement Test r = 0.79, and Mental Ability Test r=0.88 were used. The data collected were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The magnitude of the students’ post-test achievement scores was determined using Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA), while Scheffe post-hoc analysis was used to explain the direction and source of significant effects. Findings showed that there were significant main effects of instructional mode on the students’ achievement in geography (F (2, 91) = 14.414, p&lt; 0.05). There was no significant interaction effect of treatment and mental ability on students’ achievement in geography. Consequently, it was recommended that the computer instructional modes be used alongside with conventional method in the teaching of geography.&#x0D; Keywords: computer graphics, computer animation, instructional mode, achievement in geography, mental ability and geography

Mental Ability Test as Predictor of Academic Performance of Senior High School Students of a Maritime School

The academic performance of the students is where the education system revolves. Moreover, academic performance is the knowledge gained by the students throughout the learning process. In the Philippines, the integration of the K-12 program requires the institutions to implement the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) model of education, which requires the students to demonstrate what they have learned. With this, mental ability tests play a role in determining every student's abilities and potential in the learning process. Hence, the paper describes the students' mental ability and academic performance during the school year 2019-2020. Likewise, it explores the relationship between mental ability and academic performance and the students’ performance in English and Mathematics. Also, it determines whether mental ability can predict the academic performance of students.

فعالية برنامج تدريبي لتنمية مهارات تقرير المصير في تحسين الثقة بالنفس لدى طلاب المرحلة الإعدادية ذوي صعوبات التعلم

هدف البحث إلي تحسين الثقة بالنفس لدى طلاب المرحلة الإعدادية ذوي صعوبات التعلم من خلال إعداد برنامج تدريبي لتنمية مهارات تقرير المصير لديهم، وتکونت عينة البحث من (14) طالبا وطالبة من طلاب الصف الأول الإعدادي من ذوي صعوبات التعلم، تراوحت أعمارهم بين (12 – 14) سنة من الطلاب الملتحقين بمدرستي عبداللطيف حسانين الإعدادية المشترکة، والطاهرة الإعدادية المشترکة بمدينة الزقازيق محافظة الشرقية، تم تقسيمهم لمجموعتين إحداهما تجريبية وعددها (7) طلاب من الجنسين (5 ذکور – 2 إناث)، والأخرى ضابطة وعددها (7) طلاب من الجنسين (6 ذکور – 1 أنثى)، طبق عليهم اختبار القدرات العقلية (إعداد فاروق موسى)، اختبار المسح النيورولوجي السريع (إعداد عبدالوهاب کامل)، مقياس المستوى الاقتصادي والاجتماعي والثقافي (إعداد محمد سعفان، ودعاء خطاب، 2016)، مقياس مهارات تقرير المصير (إعداد الباحثة)، مقياس الثقة بالنفس (إعداد الباحثة)، والبرنامج التدريبي المستخدم (إعداد الباحثة)، وأشارت النتائج إلي فعالية البرنامج التدريبي المستخدم لتنمية مهارات تقرير المصير في تحسين الثقة بالنفس لدى طلاب المرحلة الإعدادية ذوي صعوبات التعلم، واستمرار فعاليته بعد انتهاء البرنامج وخلال فترة المتابعة. Effectiveness of a Training Program to enhance Self Determination Skills in improving Self – Confidence in Preparatory – School Students with Learning Disabilities Abstract The search aimed to improve self-confidence in preparatory – school students with learning disabilities through developing a training program to enhance self – determination skills, participants were 14, 1st prep. grade, their ages ranged from 12-14. They were divided into two matched groups; experimental (n = 7), and control (n = 7), search tools: mental ability test, by Farouk Mousa (1989), quick neurological screening test, by Abdul Wahaab Kamel (1999), economic, social, and cultural scale, by Mohamed Saffan & Doaa Khattab (2016), self–determination skills scale, (by researcher), self–confidence scale, (by researcher), and training program (by researcher). The results showed the effectiveness of a training program to enhance self – determination skills in improving self – confidence in preparatory – school students with learning disabilities.

Birth cohort differences in cognitive performance in 75- and 80-year-olds: a comparison of two cohorts over 28\xa0years

ObjectiveTo evaluate cohort differences in cognitive performance in older men and women born and assessed 28 years apart.MethodsData in this study were drawn from two age-homogeneous cohorts measured in the same laboratory using the same standardized cognitive performance tests. Participants in the first cohort were born in 1910 and 1914 and assessed in 1989–1990 (Evergreen project, n = 500). Participants in the second cohort were born in 1938 or 1939 and 1942 or 1943 and assessed in 2017–2018 (Evergreen II, n = 726). Participants in both cohorts were assessed at age 75 and 80 years and were recruited from the population register. Cognitive performance was measured using the Digit Span test from the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Digit Symbol test from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and phonemic Verbal Fluency test from the Schaie-Thurstone Adult Mental Abilities Test. Reaction time assessing motor and mental responses was measured with a simple finger movement task, followed by a complex finger movement task. T-tests were used to study cohort differences and linear regression models to study possible factors underlying differences.ResultsWe found statistically significant cohort differences in all the cognitive performance tests, except for the digit span test and simple movement task in men, the later-born cohort performing better in all the measured outcomes.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide strong evidence that cognitive performance is better in more recent cohorts of older people compared to their counterparts measured 28 years earlier.

Never Change a Running System – What Worked for Personnel Selection Works for Promotion

The economic utility of a diligent use of valid personnel selection methods for hiring and promoting decisions is highly recognized across organizations and industries. Meta-analytical results support the fact that General Mental Ability (GMA) tests and Situational Judgment Tests (SJT) explain unique variance in typical criterion measures of selection and promotion processes (i.e. job performance). In this connection, job analysis often leads to the assessment of similar job requirements for selection and promotion decisions, fostering the idea of using the same tools for selection and promotion. However, little is known about how their repetitive usage affects the predictive validity of proven test concepts. After being selected with similar GMA tests (numeric reasoning, verbal reasoning, logical reasoning) and an SJT several years earlier, the current study examines the predictive validity of the given test formats for a leadership promotion program within a police department. 119 police officers and executives participated in the study. Results show incremental validity of the SJT above the three different test dimensions of GMA. These robust validities for the parallel test formats should urge decision makers to invest in specific item pools and proven test concepts to maximize utility in HR processes.

An evaluation of visuospatial skills using hands-on tasks.

Several tests of mental rotation ability have been used to investigate its development and the origins of sex differences. One of the most used tests is the mental rotation test (MRT) by Vandenberg and Kuse. A limitation of the MRT is that it is a pen-and-paper test with 2D images of 3D objects. This is a challenge to the ecological validity of the MRT because mental rotation typically involves physical 3D objects that are also physically manipulated. The purpose of the present study was to compare mental rotation ability as evaluated by the MRT to three new tasks with physical objects (toy bricks) that were physically manipulated. The different tasks allowed us to vary the processing demands on mental rotation while standardizing other aspects of the tasks. Fifty-nine females and twenty-eight males completed the LMR and HMR conditions (low- and high-mental rotation demands, respectively) of the brick building task (BBT), a visual search task, and the MRT. As demands on mental rotation for the BBT increased, performance decreased and a sex difference, with males outperforming females, increased. There were correlations between all tasks, but they were larger between the versions of the BBT with the MRT. The results suggest that spatial skill is an assembly of interrelated subskills and that the sex difference is sensitive to the demands on mental rotation and dimensionality crossing. The benefits of the BBT are that it is ecologically valid, avoids dimensionality crossing, and the demands on mental rotation can be manipulated.

Impact of Pearl Millet Based Supplementary Food on Biochemical and Cognitive Profiles of School Children (5-6 Year Old)

Aims: To study the effect of pearl millet based supplementary food on biochemical and cognitive profiles of school going girl children.&#x0D; Methodology: Two groups of 30 girl children in the age group of five to six year each were selected. The total number of children participated in the present study was 60. The first group constituted non supplemented (control); the second group of children (experimental) was supplemented 100 g of pearl millet based supplementary food mix in the form of biscuits along with their home diet for a period of 100 days. The biochemical profiles like haemoglobin, serum protein and serum retinol were analyzed and cognitive test also carried out before and after the administration of supplementary food.&#x0D; Results: The mean increments in biochemical parameters such as haemoglobin, serum protein and serum retinol was higher in experimental group than the control group. At the end of the experiment the mean increment of Raven’s score was 1.07 in control and 1.36 in experimental group. In Weschler’s scale memory score has increased from 72.15 to 72.83 in control and 74.46 to 76.13 in experimental group. Binet Kamat’s test of mental ability was also observed an increase in the score at the end of the study period. The haemoglobin level was positively correlated with cognitive development of the children in both control and experimental group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Supplementation with pearl millet based supplementary food mix has improved the biochemical and cognitive development of the selected children. Long term feeding trials with supplementary food mix could improve the cognitive development. Incorporation of the green leafy vegetables powder and carrot powder in different type of foods has positive effect on the cognitive development of school children.

فعالية برنامج إرشادي انتقائي لتنمية تقدير الذات لدي الموهوبين ذوي صعوبات التعلم مِن تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية

هدفت الدراسة إلى الکشف عن فعالية البرنامج المبنى على الإرشاد الانتقائي في تنمية تقدير الذات لدى الموهوبين ذوي صعوبات التعلم من تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية، وتکونت عينة الدراسة الأساسية من (10) تلاميذ من الذکور والإناث الموهوبين ذوي صعوبات التعلم بالصفين الأول والثاني الإعدادي بمدرسة عمر بن الخطاب للتعليم الأساسي الإعدادية المشترکة التابعة لمرکز طلخا بمحافظة الدقهلية، وتراوحت أعمارهم الزمنية ما بين (12 - 14) سنة، والذين حصلوا على درجات منخفضة في مقياس تقدير الذات، وتم تقسيم العينة عشوائيا إلى مجموعتين خمسة تلاميذ بالمجموعة التجريبية، وخمسة تلاميذ بالمجموعة الضابطة، وتمثلت أدوات الدراسة المستخدمة في دليل الکشف عن الأطفال الموهوبين (إعداد/ باظه، 2014)، واختبار القدرات العقلية (12 - 14) (إعداد/ موسي، 2002)، واختبار الفرز العصبي السريع (إعداد/ کامل، 1989)، ومقياس تقدير الذات (إعداد/ الباحثة)، کما طبق عليهم البرنامج الإرشادى الانتقائى المکون من( 24) جلسة، وباستخدام الأساليب الإحصائية المتمثلة في اختبار (مان ويتني) واختبار (ويلکوکسون). أظهرت نتائج الدراسة فعالية البرنامج الإرشادى الانتقائي في تنمية تقدير الذات لدى الموهوبين ذوي صعوبات التعلم من تلاميذ المرحلة الإعدادية، واستمرار فعاليته لما بعد مرحلة المتابعة. حيث وجدت فروق دالة إحصائيا بين متوسطات درجات المجموعتين التجريبية والضابطة في القياس البعدى لصالح المجموعة التجريبية، ووجدت فروق دالة إحصائيا بين متوسطات درجات القياسين القبلى والبعدى للمجموعة التجريبية لصالح القياس البعدى، ولم تظهر فروق إحصائية دالة بين متوسطات درجات القياسين البعدى والتتبعى للمجموعة التجريبية، وتراوح حجم تأثير البرنامج بين ( 0.67-0.83) مما يشير إلى تأثير البرنامج بشکل کبير في تنمية تلک الأبعاد، کما بلغت قيمة حجم التأثير للبرنامج في الدرجة الکلية 0.83، وجميعها قيمة أکبر من 0.15، وهذا يدل على أن البرنامج يسهم في التباين الکلى لتقدير الذات بقيمة 83%. الکلمات المفتاحية: الموهوبون، صعوبات التعلم، الموهوبين ذوي صعوبات التعلم، تقدير الذات، الإرشاد الانتقائي. Abstract The study aimed to reveal the program’s effectiveness, which is based on eclectic counseling, in developing self-esteem among gifted students with learning disabilities in middle school students. The basic research sample consisted of 10 gifted pupils whose ages ranged from 12 to 14 years old, from the 1st and 2nd-grade who have learning disabilities at Omar Bin Al Khattab co-educational Prep School For basic education, which is affiliated with Talkha Administrative Center in Dakahlia Governorate and who have received lower scores on the Self-Esteem scale (prepared by the researcher). The sample was randomly divided equally into experimental and control groups. Other study tools include: Handbook for Identifying Gifted Children (Prepared by Baza, 2014), Mental Abilities Test (12-14) (Prepared by Mousa, 2002), Quick Neurological Screening Test (Preparation by Kamel, 1989). The eclectic counseling program, consisting of (24) sessions, was applied to them using statistical methods (Mann-Whitney) and (Wilcoxon). The results of this study showed the effectiveness of the eclectic counseling program in developing self-esteem among gifted students with learning disabilities in the preparatory stage students, and its effectiveness continues beyond the last point of follow-up stage. Statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the post measurement in favor of the experimental group were found. Statistically significant differences between the pre and post measurement mean scores of the experimental group in favor of the post measurement were detected. A statistically significant difference between the post measurement and follow-up measurement of the experimental group was not detected. The effect size of the program ranged between 0.67 and 0.83, which indicates the program's influence significantly in developing these dimensions. The value of the impact size of the program in the overall score was 0.83. All values are greater than 0.15. This indicates that the program contributes to the overall variance of self-esteem with a value of 83%. Key words: Gifted, learning disabilities, gifted with learning disabilities, self-esteem, eclectic counseling

An efficient and adaptive test of auditory mental imagery

The ability to silently hear music in the mind has been argued to be fundamental to musicality. Objective measurements of this subjective imagery experience are needed if this link between imagery ability and musicality is to be investigated. However, previous tests of musical imagery either rely on self-report, rely on melodic memory, or do not cater in range of abilities. The Pitch Imagery Arrow Task (PIAT) was designed to address these shortcomings; however, it is impractically long. In this paper, we shorten the PIAT using adaptive testing and automatic item generation. We interrogate the cognitive processes underlying the PIAT through item response modelling. The result is an efficient online test of auditory mental imagery ability (adaptive Pitch Imagery Arrow Task: aPIAT) that takes 8 min to complete, is adaptive to participant’s individual ability, and so can be used to test participants with a range of musical backgrounds. Performance on the aPIAT showed positive moderate-to-strong correlations with measures of non-musical and musical working memory, self-reported musical training, and general musical sophistication. Ability on the task was best predicted by the ability to maintain and manipulate tones in mental imagery, as well as to resist perceptual biases that can lead to incorrect responses. As such, the aPIAT is the ideal tool in which to investigate the relationship between pitch imagery ability and musicality.