Perceptual Abilities Research Articles

The role of native language and beat perception ability in the perception of speech rhythm : Native language, beat perception, and speech rhythm perception.

The perception of rhythm has been studied across a range of auditory signals, with speech presenting one of the particularly challenging cases to capture and explain. Here, we asked if rhythm perception in speech is guided by perceptual biases arising from native language structures, if it is shaped by the cognitive ability to perceive a regular beat, or a combination of both. Listeners of two prosodically distinct languages - English and French - heard sentences (spoken in their native and the foreign language, respectively) and compared the rhythm of each sentence to its drummed version (presented at inter-syllabic, inter-vocalic, or isochronous intervals). While English listeners tended to map sentence rhythm onto inter-vocalic and inter-syllabic intervals in this task, French listeners showed a perceptual preference for inter-vocalic intervals only. The native language tendency was equally apparent in the listeners' foreign language and was enhanced by individual beat perception ability. These findings suggest that rhythm perception in speech is shaped primarily by listeners' native language experience with a lesser influence of innate cognitive traits.

FRESHMΕN PRE-SERVICE EARLY YEARS TEACHER-STUDENTS’ REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MUSICAL ACTIVITIES TO 4-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN

This study explores the reflections of first-year university students (N=18) at a Department of Early Years Learning and Care in Greece on the implementation of music activities to 4-year-old children (N=16) of a nursery school in the Prefecture of Ioannina who visited the university classroom in the context of the course “Music Pedagogy”. The freshmen pre-service early years teacher-students prepared the musical activities with the trainer-researcher aiming to familiarization of the children with the concept of the musical ensemble/orchestra as well as with the means of musical expression (voice, rhythmic and melodic percussion instruments, body percussion). The pre-service early years teacher-students implemented the activities, taking on specific roles. To facilitate their reflections, they were given questions so as to record their thoughts and feelings during their engagement. The qualitative analysis of the teacher-students’ answers highlighted their positive view of being engaged with authentic teaching. In addition, they showed satisfaction with their teaching ability, felt that they confirmed their choice of future profession, revised some of their erroneous views regarding the perceptual abilities of young children, and identified the advantages of early years music education both from their current experience in the educational intervention and from the courses in the first year of their undergraduate studies concerning music education.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0772/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Prosodic discrimination skills mediate the association between musical aptitude and vocal emotion recognition ability

The current study tested the hypothesis that the association between musical ability and vocal emotion recognition skills is mediated by accuracy in prosody perception. Furthermore, it was investigated whether this association is primarily related to musical expertise, operationalized by long-term engagement in musical activities, or musical aptitude, operationalized by a test of musical perceptual ability. To this end, we conducted three studies: In Study 1 (N = 85) and Study 2 (N = 93), we developed and validated a new instrument for the assessment of prosodic discrimination ability. In Study 3 (N = 136), we examined whether the association between musical ability and vocal emotion recognition was mediated by prosodic discrimination ability. We found evidence for a full mediation, though only in relation to musical aptitude and not in relation to musical expertise. Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals with high musical aptitude have superior prosody perception skills, which in turn contribute to their vocal emotion recognition skills. Importantly, our results suggest that these benefits are not unique to musicians, but extend to non-musicians with high musical aptitude.

A Method for Multi-AUV Cooperative Area Search in Unknown Environment Based on Reinforcement Learning

As an emerging direction of multi-agent collaborative control technology, multiple autonomous underwater vehicle (multi-AUV) cooperative area search technology has played an important role in civilian fields such as marine resource exploration and development, marine rescue, and marine scientific expeditions, as well as in military fields such as mine countermeasures and military underwater reconnaissance. At present, as we continue to explore the ocean, the environment in which AUVs perform search tasks is mostly unknown, with many uncertainties such as obstacles, which places high demands on the autonomous decision-making capabilities of AUVs. Moreover, considering the limited detection capability of a single AUV in underwater environments, while the area searched by the AUV is constantly expanding, a single AUV cannot obtain global state information in real time and can only make behavioral decisions based on local observation information, which adversely affects the coordination between AUVs and the search efficiency of multi-AUV systems. Therefore, in order to face increasingly challenging search tasks, we adopt multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) to study the problem of multi-AUV cooperative area search from the perspective of improving autonomous decision-making capabilities and collaboration between AUVs. First, we modeled the search task as a decentralized partial observation Markov decision process (Dec-POMDP) and established a search information map. Each AUV updates the information map based on sonar detection information and information fusion between AUVs, and makes real-time decisions based on this to better address the problem of insufficient observation information caused by the weak perception ability of AUVs in underwater environments. Secondly, we established a multi-AUV cooperative area search system (MACASS), which employs a search strategy based on multi-agent reinforcement learning. The system combines various AUVs into a unified entity using a distributed control approach. During the execution of search tasks, each AUV can make action decisions based on sonar detection information and information exchange among AUVs in the system, utilizing the MARL-based search strategy. As a result, AUVs possess enhanced autonomy in decision-making, enabling them to better handle challenges such as limited detection capabilities and insufficient observational information.

Theperception of emotion in music by people with hearing loss and people withcochlear implants.

Music is an important part of life for many people. It can evoke a wide range of emotions, including sadness, happiness, anger, tension, relief and excitement. People with hearing loss and people with cochlear implants have reduced abilities to discriminate some of the features of musical sounds that may be involved in evoking emotions. This paper reviews these changes in perceptual abilities and describes how they affect the perception of emotion in music. For people with acquired partial hearing loss, it appears that the perception of emotion in music is almost normal, whereas congenital partial hearing loss is associated with impaired perception of music emotion. For people with cochlear implants, the ability to discriminate changes in fundamental frequency (associated with perceived pitch) is much worse than normal and musical harmony is hardly perceived. As a result, people with cochlear implants appear to judge emotion in music primarily using tempo and rhythm cues, and this limits the range of emotions that can be judged. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience'.

Animated VR and 360-degree VR to assess and train team sports decision-making: a scoping review.

In team sports, athletes' ability to make quick decisions plays a crucial role. Decision-making proficiency relies on the intricate balance of athletes' perceptual and cognitive abilities, enabling them to assess the competitive environment swiftly and select the most appropriate actions from various options. Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a valuable tool for evaluating and refining athletes' decision-making skills. This study systematically examined the integration of VR technology into decision-making processes in team sports, aiming to identify more effective methods for presenting and interacting with virtual decision-making systems, thus enhancing the evaluation and refinement of athletes' decision making abilities. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a thorough search of respected research databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, and IEEE, was conducted using carefully selected keywords. Twenty research papers meeting predefined inclusion criteria were included after careful evaluation. These papers were systematically analyzed to delineate the attributes of virtual decision-making task environments, the interactive dynamics inherent in motor decision-making tasks, and the significant findings. This review indicate that (1) the effectiveness of VR technology in assessing and improving athletes' decision-making skills in team sports; (2) the construction of virtual environments using the Head-Mounted Display (HMD) system, characterized by enhanced ease and efficiency; (3) the potential for future investigations to explore computer simulations to create more expansive virtual motion scenarios, thus efficiently generating substantial task scenario material, diverging from the constraints posed by 360-degree panoramic videos; and (4) the integration of motion capture technology for identifying and monitoring athletes' decision-making behaviors, which not only enhances ecological validity but also augments the transfer validity of virtual sports decision-making systems. Future research endeavors could explore integrating eye-tracking technology with virtual reality to gain insights into the intrinsic cognitive-action associations exhibited by athletes.

Sensitivity and Specificity of a Screening Test for the Detection of Deficiencies in Visuo-Perceptual Skills.

This study determines the sensitivity and specificity of a screening test to detect perceptual abnormalities and whether there are differences between gender. Vision is a complex process involving visual perception. Any alterations can affect learning, so having a screening test in Spanish that is easy to use and reliable for timely diagnosis will reduce the percentage of visuo-perceptual interference during learning process. A total of 200 subjects participated, aged between 8 and 15 years old, with good visual acuity, and no strabismus, amblyopia, ocular pathology, or neurological damage. The Petrosyan questionnaire (screening test) was employed to identify symptoms associated with perceptual impairment, and a subsequent assessment was conducted to evaluate perceptual abilities. The mean age was 11.5 years (57% male; 44% female). The screening test indicated that 30% of the subjects were suspected of having perceptual alteration, while 24% were diagnosed with a real alteration in perceptual abilities. The sensitivity was 1 and the specificity was 0.92. The Spanish version of the Petrosyan questionnaire has high sensitivity and specificity values and is therefore considered very accurate for identifying the need for a perceptual assessment. There are statistically significant differences in perceptual abilities according to gender. The female group shows more symptomatology and a higher percentage of alteration in perceptual skills.

The effect of the Montessori program using physical activity games in enhancing the sensory-motor perception abilities of kindergarten children aged 5 to 6 years

The research aims to propose an educational approach inspired by Montessori's method using motor games to develop sensory motor skills in children aged (5-6) years, and to identify the impact of using Montessori's method with motor games in developing some cognitive sensory motor skills for children. The experimental method was used with the matched group design. The sample represented children from the Braum Al-Amal Nursery in Basra, who were selected to take the Haywood test to measure cognitive sensory motor abilities. It was concluded that Montessori's method using motor games contributed to the development of sensory motor skills and helped in enhancing overall and partial visual perception for children. The child learned about parts of the body, distinguished between body sides, and helped in enhancing balance and spatial awareness. The method also aided in teaching the child how to determine location. It was recommended to benefit from the Montessori method in developing motor and cognitive abilities, and to introduce specific courses for preschool teachers in teaching the Montessori method. Key words: Montessori method, motor games, sensory motor perception, preschool education, teaching methods

GC-YOLOv9: Innovative smart city traffic monitoring solution

In urban smart city environments, traffic hazards can lead to catastrophic outcomes, including significant property losses and severe threats to public safety. Conventional traffic monitoring systems are limited in terms of accuracy and speed, presenting significant challenges for real-time traffic surveillance. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces the GC-YOLOv9 algorithm. Specifically, we have enhanced the YOLOv9 model by incorporating Ghost Convolution, markedly improving the model’s perceptual abilities and detection accuracy. Furthermore, this study designed an integrated smart city framework that includes layers for service applications, the Internet of Things, edge processing, and data centers. By deploying the enhanced YOLOv9 model within this framework, our method achieved mAP@0.5 scores of 77.15 and 74.95 on the BDD100K and Cityscapes datasets, respectively, surpassing existing technologies. Additionally, the potential applications of this method in public area fire safety management, forest fire monitoring, and intelligent security systems further underscore its significant value in improving the safety and efficiency of smart cities.

Fencing Training with Reaction Time Lights

Authors Rafael Barañano-Alcaide Msc, PhD student for Complutense University of Madrid.(Spain). Corresponding author . rafabara@ucm.es Dr. Manuel Sillero-Quintana, Titular professor of Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (INEF), Sports Department, Madrid, (Spain). Dr. Ricardo-Bernardez, Titular professor of optometry department of the University Complutense of Madrid.(Spain). Jimena Barañano-Perez, student of I.E.S Luis de Gongora of Córdoba (Spain). Rut Gonzalez-Jiménez Msc, PhD student for Complutense University of Madrid.(Spain). Abstract Objective: evaluate different reaction times in fencing training with reaction time lights Method: This manuscript proposes four specific exercises for evaluating the simple reaction time (SRT), the elective reaction time (ERT), the go/no-go response time (G/NG) and the decision decision-making after lunge (DML), march (DMM) and braking (DMB) in fencers. The sample consisted of 48 fencers (22 males and 17 females; age: 21 ± 13 years) from several fencing clubs in the region of Andalusia, competing at amateur (10 athletes), regional (17 athletes), national (7 athletes), and international (5 athletes) in the three official fencing weapons: Epee (E), Saber (S), and Foil (F). The exercises were developed for the Queling Sport lighting system, connected by Bluetooth with the ReactionX android application, which controlled the activation of the lights and recorded the reaction time and the correction of the execution for each trial. Results: The results by gender did not show significant differences. Considering the results by weapon, the foil fencers were fastest than saber fencers, in all the exercises, but they were only significantly faster in the DML and DMM exercises. The performance in all the exercises was directly related with the competition level of the fencer, but only significantly better in foil fencers than in sable fencers when the exercise required decision-making processes. Conclusions: We propose a reference scale to evaluate the perceptive ability of the fencers that could be applied in talent detection processes and for evaluating the specific perceptive ability of the fencers.

Acquisition of Gutturals by Ammani-Jordanian Arabic-Speaking Preschoolers.

This study aims at investigating the phonological development of the six guttural consonants of Jordanian Arabic, /χ/, /ʁ/, /ħ/, /ʕ/, /ʔ/, and /h/. An articulation test is designed to involve two tasks: picture naming and repetition. The test includes 54 words for picture naming and 18 words for repetition, representing all possible positions of the targeted guttural sounds. Samples are collected from 40 typically developing Ammani-Jordanian Arabic-speaking monolingual children, living in Amman, Jordan. Respondents are equally divided into eight age-related trajectories: 2-2;6, 2;6-3, 3-3;6, 3;6-4, 4-4;6, 4;6-5, 5-5;6, and 5;6-6 (years;months). No child with a history of hearing, speech, or vision disorders is included. The data are analyzed using production accuracy, where the three developmental trajectories of production (customary, acquisition, and mastery) are determined for each guttural, and error analysis, addressed based on perceptual judgments, providing details of every mispronounced or deleted guttural. The results show that /χ/, /ħ/, /ʕ/, and /ʔ/ are acquired before the age of 6 years, while /ʁ/ and /h/ are still not acquired by this age. Respondents use relatively variant alternatives for the mispronounced cognates, including guttural, nonguttural sounds, and vowel substitution. The /ʁ/ is the guttural with the highest number of alternatives, while /ʔ/ gets the least. The analysis also reveals patterns of guttural deletion, with variations across different guttural sounds and positions. Despite errors/deviations made, respondents score accuracy percentages that gradually increase in correlation with age. The guttural /ʁ/ starts with the lowest accuracy percentages, while /ʔ/ and /ħ/ start with the highest. These findings illuminate on the developmental trajectory of guttural acquisition and enrich our understanding of children's evolving perception and production abilities. They offer valuable insights into the patterns of guttural sound production in Jordanian Arabic-speaking children, laying the groundwork for further research and the development of targeted assessment and intervention strategies to support phonological development in this population.

Factors that affect ethical consumption and eWOM of Millennials and Z generations

PurposeThe present study aims to explore ethical consumption of Millennials and Generation Z and the effect of eWOM on their purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachA Structural Equation Model (SEM) was employed to test research hypotheses based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), examining the effects of attitudes and subjective norms. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of product characteristics and consumer awareness of ethical characteristics on purchase intention and eWOM.FindingsResults reveal no significant differences between Millennials and Generation Z regarding purchase intention. However, Generation Z significantly drives the spread of eWOM. Notably, Generation Z's attitudes towards products from socially responsible and environmentally sustainable companies significantly influence eWOM creation, suggesting a potential new research direction.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is also subject to some limitations, which the researchers must point out and which may lead to further research. First, it should be emphasized that the study used a convenient sample, but the study is geographically limited in terms of its significance and the generations analyzed. For this reason, the generalization of the results should be done with caution. In addition, as the exogenous independent variables investigated in this study are limited to a number of different factors that influence the consumption of sustainable products, such as the company's reputation, the perceptual ability of the public to distinguish whether the actions of brands actually serve society or whether they are unrelated actions, as well as the personality and socio-cultural background of consumers can be included in future research. In addition, studies can be conducted to identify subgroups with different motivations among both Millennials and Generation Z and diagnose different market segments that could further confirm the findings.Practical implicationsBased on these findings, brands can develop their social network strategy by emphasizing the environmental and social attributes of their products, services, and benefits. It is also important to undertake initiatives linked to strong sustainability practices and information campaigns to form a positive attitude among consumers and strengthen their purchasing behavior. Particular attention should also be paid to the regular control of the effectiveness and impact of the messages to achieve the greatest public involvement.Social implicationsBrands must focus on developing successful strategies to strengthen employer branding through a positive work experience, the creation of jobs related to sustainability, the correct application of ESG criteria in all departments involved, the adaptation of training programs, and the corresponding promotion of all these practices that lead to positive eWOM to obtain a competitive advantage (Clementino and Perkins 2021).Originality/valueThis study contributes theoretically and practically to the understanding of ethical consumption. It provides valuable insights for brands to enhance their social network strategies by highlighting the environmental and social characteristics of their products. By emphasizing these practices, companies can effectively engage Millennials and Generation Z, leveraging their influence to promote ethical consumption and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Artificial Intelligent Agent Architecture and Clinical Decision-Making in the Healthcare Sector.

This paper examines the decision-making processes of physicians and intelligent agents within the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on their characteristics, architectures, and approaches. We provide a theoretical insight into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, emphasizing its potential to address various healthcare challenges. Defining features of intelligent agents are explored, including their perceptual abilities and behavioral properties, alongside their architectural frameworks, ranging from reflex-based to general learning agents, and contrasted with the rational decision-making structure employed by physicians. Through data collection, hypothesis generation, testing, and reflection, physicians exhibit a nuanced approach informed by adaptability and contextual understanding. A comparative analysis between intelligent agents and physicians reveals both similarities and disparities, particularly in adaptability and contextual comprehension. While intelligent agents offer promise in enhancing clinical decisions, challenges with types of dataset biases pose significant hurdles. Informing and educating physicians about AI concepts can build trust and transparency in intelligent programs. Such efforts aim to leverage the strengths of both human and AI toward improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Atypical local and global biological motion perception in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Perceiving biological motion (BM) is crucial for human survival and social interaction. Many studies have reported impaired BM perception in autism spectrum disorder, which is characterised by deficits in social interaction. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit similar difficulties in social interaction. However, few studies have investigated BM perception in children with ADHD. Here, we compared differences in the ability to process local kinematic and global configurational cues, two fundamental abilities of BM perception, between typically developing and ADHD children. We further investigated the relationship between BM perception and social interaction skills measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and examined the contributions of latent factors (e.g. sex, age, attention, and intelligence) to BM perception. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibited atypical BM perception. Local and global BM processing showed distinct features. Local BM processing ability was related to social interaction skills, whereas global BM processing ability significantly improved with age. Critically, general BM perception (i.e. both local and global BM processing) may be affected by sustained attentional ability in children with ADHD. This relationship was primarily mediated by reasoning intelligence. These findings elucidate atypical BM perception in ADHD and the latent factors related to BM perception. Moreover, this study provides new evidence that BM perception is a hallmark of social cognition and advances our understanding of the potential roles of local and global processing in BM perception and social cognitive disorders.

Atypical local and global biological motion perception in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Perceiving biological motion (BM) is crucial for human survival and social interaction. Many studies have reported impaired BM perception in autism spectrum disorder, which is characterised by deficits in social interaction. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit similar difficulties in social interaction. However, few studies have investigated BM perception in children with ADHD. Here, we compared differences in the ability to process local kinematic and global configurational cues, two fundamental abilities of BM perception, between typically developing and ADHD children. We further investigated the relationship between BM perception and social interaction skills measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and examined the contributions of latent factors (e.g. sex, age, attention, and intelligence) to BM perception. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibited atypical BM perception. Local and global BM processing showed distinct features. Local BM processing ability was related to social interaction skills, whereas global BM processing ability significantly improved with age. Critically, general BM perception (i.e. both local and global BM processing) may be affected by sustained attentional ability in children with ADHD. This relationship was primarily mediated by reasoning intelligence. These findings elucidate atypical BM perception in ADHD and the latent factors related to BM perception. Moreover, this study provides new evidence that BM perception is a hallmark of social cognition and advances our understanding of the potential roles of local and global processing in BM perception and social cognitive disorders.

The 2023 Richard Wollheim Memorial Lecture

Abstract This paper defends a ‘noetic’ conception of aesthetic experience whereby such experience is best conceived as a kind of explorative thought process. Although not directly aimed at acquiring knowledge, this process often leads to an enhanced understanding or improved epistemic grasp of the object of appreciation itself and the world. On this conception, aesthetic value acts as an invitation to engage in a series of contemplative and reflective processes during which we rely not only on the perceptual, imaginative, and affective abilities which have occupied such a central role in aesthetic theory, but also on our capacities for sense-making, problem-solving and theory-building. Cases of intelligible beauty or aesthetic value should thus lie at the heart of accounts of aesthetic experience.

COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATIONAL-REHABILITATION APPROACH IN A PERSON POST-STROKE: A CASE STUDY

A stroke occurs due to a disruption in brain circulation, leading to partial or complete loss of motor, sensory, perceptual, or cognitive abilities. This can result in disability and reduced rehabilitation potential. Therefore, the approach to working with individuals who have experienced a stroke is crucial, adapting to their individual needs in a holistic manner. In this context, the aim of this study was to present a comprehensive rehabilitation approach for an 88-year-old patient following a stroke through the implementation of educational-rehabilitation treatment, achieving gradual improvements in the recovery process. Tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, Motor Evaluation Scalefor Upper Extremity in Stroke patients, The Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living, Aphasic Depression Rating Scale, and The Modified Rankin Scale were applied to assess the set goal. The educational-rehabilitation treatment was conducted daily for 45 minutes, for two months within clinical rehabilitation and nine months in home conditions. The treatment was based on the principles of brain neuroplasticity and motor learning, involving cognitive training, motor training, adaptive skills training, relaxation, education and counseling, motivational training, and the promotion of metacognitive abilities. The research data underwent analysis through descriptive statistics, and the findings were visually illustrated in graphical representations. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that there is noticeable functional progress in the patient across all evaluated areas.Keywords:stroke, rehabilitation, educational-rehabilitation treatment

Sustainable Cleaning Solutions: A Microcontroller-Driven Autonomous Floor Cleaning System

The autonomous cleaning bot is a state-of-the-art robotic system that utilizes advanced cutting-edge technology to automate the cleaning process. This paper aims at presenting the design and implementation of an autonomous cleaning robot that efficiently and effectively cleans a variety of indoor spaces, from homes to commercial buildings, using a combination of sensors, algorithms, and cleaning tools. Additionally, this can detect walls and obstacles. Using various sensors, a path planning algorithm is developed to enable the robot to efficiently move and clean floors. Also, this robot can be controlled in a wireless manner via any Bluetooth-enabled device like smartphone or tablet. Localization algorithms, stereoscopic vision, wireless networks, and human-machine interaction are integrated to promote the working performance of this cleaning robot. The system's ability to navigate to specific locations according to the user’s ease and desire, in accordance with a map provided as predefined data, is showcased along with its capability to grasp objects and place them in designated locations, highlighting its improved perception and manipulation abilities. The robot is required to perform various functions such as cleaning the floor, picking up objects, and arranging them on the floor. For such a given floor task, the manipulability of the designated robot arms is analyzed through kinematics. Keywords: Autonomous floor cleaner, Sensors, Motors, Bluetooth-enabled.

A Survey Study on the Maturity of Schooling of Young Children in Rural Sichuan Province:Taking the Rural Area of Meishan City,Sichuan Province as An Example

The admission maturity level of preschoolers can predict their performance after entering schools to a certain extent. Therefore, how to prepare for children’s admission to primary school has become a key issue of social concern. In order to improve the admission maturity level of rural preschoolers in Sichuan Province, it is necessary to understand the admission maturity level of 5-6-year-old children in Sichuan Province, so as to provide theoretical and practical basis for taking targeted measures. In this study, the measurement method was used to investigate the admission maturity level of children in rural areas of Meishan City, Sichuan Province as the research sample. It was found that rural children's motor coordination ability did not differ significantly from the national average, and their scores in visual perception ability, auditory perception ability, motor coordination ability, perceptual conversion ability, mathematical preparation ability, verbal communication ability, social adaptation ability and learning quality were significantly lower than the national average, but in auditory perceptual ability, rural children's scores were significantly higher than the national average. The differences in eight abilities between males and females were compared. Except for motor coordination, perceptual conversion ability, and verbal communication ability, there were significant differences in all other aspects, and girls scored higher than boys in all abilities. In addition to this, there is also some discussion on mother's occupation and young children's maturity in school. Based on the findings, targeted improvement measures were proposed to provide a reference for home and school to improve children's admission to primary school.

Examining SLP student perceptions of reflective practice. How do students compare on the reflective practice questionnaire?

Reflective practice (RP) activities are regularly employed as part of clinical education programs for SLP. Studies examining SLP student perception of RP, suggest that in general RP activities are valued and learning occurs (Dunne et al., 2019; Tillard et al., 2018). However, it is not known whether perceptions of RP activities change as clinical placement experience increases. The impact of RP activities on outcomes such as: confidence; communication; job satisfaction; stress; uncertainty; and desire for improvement also has not been examined. Aims: 1. To determine perceptions of reflective capacity and outcomes of engaging in RP in three groups of SLP students (following their second, fourth or sixth clinical placement experience) utilizing a validated and reliable instrument. 2. To examine patterns of perceptions of reflective capacity and outcomes of engaging in RP across SLP students utilizing Hierarchical clustering (Manhattan distance). 70 SLP students completed The Reflective Practice Questionnaire (RPQ) (Priddis & Rogers, 2018; Rogers et al., 2019). The majority of SLP students perceived they had high levels of reflective capacity. In general, as SLP student clinical placement experience increased so did perception of RP abilities and subscales associated with outcomes of engaging in RP. A significant positive effect for three subscales of the RPQ (communication confidence, confidence general and job satisfaction) was found as clinical placement experience increased. Three groupings were identified as a result of Hierarchical clustering. This study provides quantitative data to support the teaching and use of RP activities with students across clinical programs.