Question

Brian has signed up for an internship for the summer between his junior and senior year of high school at a financial planning firm. As the final step in his interview process, he is told that he will have to pass a standardized written exam and a performance task.
Part A

Describe how the following terms could influence success or failure on the written portion of the exam.

Encoding failure
Predictive validity
Distributed practice
Proactive interference
Part B

Describe how the following could influence success or failure as he completes the performance task.

Procedural memory
Acetylcholine
Emotional intelligence

Answer 1

Answer:

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Explanation:

PART A

Encoding failure is the brain’s failure to create a memory link between something. Encoding usually refers to the brain’s ability to retain and recall information and when that malfunctions, it is known as encoding failure. In this case, encoding failure would lead Brian to failure. This is because during the written portion of the exam if he is not able to remember anything he studied prior to the exam then he will have trouble completing the test. He may have studied hours on end and used all his free time to study yet still struggled during the exam. This could cause him to fail the test if he doesn’t remember anything.

Predictive validity is the scale of scores for a test that predicts the scores based on certain criteria. This cognitive test usually tests the job performance of current workers relative to a new employee. This helps give the employer a good idea of who they should hire. In this case, predictive validity can either lead Brian to success or to failure. If he is able to recall information that he can use and completes the exam with ease and gets a score that is approved based on the predictive validity, then he should be fine and will be successful. However, if he fails to do well on the exam and receives a poor score, then his chances of getting the internship become very slim, leading him to failure.

Distributed practice is a learning strategy in which you practice for a short session over a long period of time. A choir student may practice for 30 minutes, take an hour break, and repeat all day for a whole week so their voice can rest. For Brian, using this learning strategy can help his brain retain the information easier since he is getting a break. Reviewing something over and over again for a long time can get tiresome and boring. By studying for a little and then taking a break, his brain can rest. Brian may have an easier time retaining the information he needs for his exam because of this strategy. This can lead him to success.

Proactive interference is the effect of when learned materials may interfere with newer materials. This means that learning new things can make recalling old things a bit difficult. Brian could have been studying mainly on things that he recently learned and put his main focus on that. However, during the exam, one of the questions is about something he learned months ago. He cannot remember a single thing since he was so busy studying the newer information which is what he thought was most important. This leads him to failure.

PART B

Procedural memory is known as the memory system in charge of controlling encoding, storage, cognitive skills, etc. This is the memory on how to do certain things such as folding your clothes or tying your shoe. When Brian is asked to do his performance task and he fails to remember how to do it, that is his procedural memory malfunctioning. He freezes up when asked to do the task because he cannot recall a single thing on how to do it even though he’s done it multiple times before. This leads him to failure.  

Acetylcholine is a common type of neurotransmitter that activates the muscles. It helps the body move and is involved in breathing, attention, motivation, etc. Brian will need this neurotransmitter when performing his task since that is what will help him move. Acetylcholine will lead him to success since movement is one of the key aspects of a performance task. If he can move well without complications, then he will do well on the task.

Emotional intelligence is one’s ability of being aware and having control over their emotions. Being in control of your emotions helps you maintain good relationships in a work or school environment. When performing the task, if Brian’s employer sees that he can be calm and collected during times of pressure, neutral when aggravating customers show up, and handles situations well, then his chance of getting the internship will be possible. Emotional intelligence is key since no one wants to hire someone with anger issues who doesn’t handle pressuring situations well. Being in control of his emotions will lead Brian to success.