Predictive Ability, Standardization, Declarative Memory, and Hippocampus - Essay Example

the results of an SAT can be compared against previous similar test results when one is entering college to predict their performance in college. On the other hand, a standardized test is one given in the same manner to all candidates. The results of such a written test will provide the evaluator with a yardstick to evaluate performance across common standards such as states or councils. The test results will allow the evaluator to predict learning ability through measurements of subject-specific knowledge and mastery of skills for school success (Bouton, 2012). Standardized test results also provide insight into progress relative to one’s peers and areas that require improvement and more focus.

            One’s declarative memory system involves the memories of events and facts. In written tests, one’s declarative memory will influence the results in terms of what one knows, especially with regard to factual knowledge regarding what is false or true, which can be represented in propositional sentence structures (Bouton, 2012). The results of a written test may be used to evaluate how an individual consolidates their memory, particularly with regard to long-term memory storage, as well as how much they have forgotten. An individual with good declarative memory will have written test results that show more detail and complete the questions on time. Finally, the hippocampus is critical in long-term memory and can also be evaluated using results from written tests. Test results, in this case, will be influenced by the individual’s ability to process information deeply, detection of novelty, remember specific episodes, and spatial memory (Bouton, 2012). Written tests are useful in testing hippocampal function as the results show the individual’s ability to process long-term memory.

Describe how each of the following might influence Zane’s ability to perform on his oboe during the performance evaluation        

            During his performance, operatic conditioning will influence Zane since he will have to behave in a specific way to get a good performance evaluation, while they are things he will avoid for the same reasons (Bouton, 2012). For example, where there are explicit suggestions that some actions must be reinforced, he will use operant learning. That is if the evaluator says that breath control is important in evaluating how he plays the oboe. In this case, Zane will have to use the correct posture during the evaluation. With regards to mental imagery, how Zane plays the oboe during his performance evaluation will be affected by how he can remember perceptual experiences without the presence of appropriate stimuli (Bouton, 2012). Visualization through mental imagery will improve his concentration and skill, which will also enhance his motivation and enjoyment during his performance.

            The cerebellum will also influence how Zane performs, especially in motor control, and how his hands and body will respond to external and internal stimuli with precision. The cerebellum will also play a role in attention and emotions during his performance, while also imparting some influence on his control since it controls coordination and precision (Bouton, 2012). Finally, it will also influence his concentration and capacity to use his instrument as a complex communications system to impress his evaluators. The frontal lobe, on the other hand, will influence his movements during his performance, how he executes the movement of his voluntary muscle that is crucial in playing the oboe, and the way he can express his personality. Finally, circadian rhythms will influence his ability to perform at peak performance (Bouton, 2012). For example, the early morning or early evening may be best for him, as it would be his body temperature’s peak rhythm.