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Biomedical subjects

G L Allen

Publications and source records attributed to G L Allen.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Age-related differences in adults' macrospatial cognitive processes.

Young and elderly adults' performance was compared on the Landmark Selection Task, designed to assess perceptual selection, and the Scrambled Route Task, designed to assess temporospatial integration. Age-related performance decrements were found on both tasks. Subjects' scores on psychometric tests hypothesized as involving some of the same processes as these experimental tasks yielded positive correlations to measures of task performance. Unexpectedly, self-estimates of wayfinding and distance estimation skills were negatively correlated to experimental task performance for elderly adults. Results were discussed in the context of declines in the effectiveness of selective attention, which is considered critical to perceptual selection, and in the proficiency of working memory, which is considered central to temporospatial integration.

Adolescent↗

Assessment of learning abilities using complex experimental learning tasks.

Efforts are underway to develop a computerized methodology for the reliable, valid measurement of learning abilities. Central to these research efforts are the development of Complex Experimental Learning Tasks (CELTs) that provide real-time samples of learning. Objectives of current studies are the determination of relationships between performance on CELTs and performance on traditional cognitive abilities tests and the exploration of predictive value of measures of learning ability for academic performance. After construct and predictive validity are established, this methodology may be applicable to a wide range of assessment situations, including testing for the effects of environmental toxicants on learning abilities.

Aptitude Tests↗

Facial swelling and giant cell arteritis.

A 62-year-old white woman presented with severe facial swelling, glossitis, and odynophagia. Giant cell arteritis (GCA) was diagnosed on the basis of temporal artery biopsy, and the patient responded to corticosteroids. GCA may rarely involve vessels of the mouth and face, resulting in unusual clinical manifestations. Early recognition and treatment are important.

Diagnosis, Differential↗