Procedural learning across the lifespan: A systematic review with implications for atypical development

This systematic review aimed to investigate procedural learning across the lifespan in typical and atypical development. Procedural learning is essential for the development of everyday skills, including language and communication skills. Although procedural learning efficiency has been extensively studied, there is no consensus yet on potential procedural learning changes during development and ageing. Currently, three conflicting models regarding this trajectory exist: (1) a model of age invariance; (2a) a model with a peak in young adulthood; and (2b) a model with a plateau in childhood followed by a decline. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate this debate on procedural learning across the lifespan by systematically reviewing evidence for each model from studies using the serial reaction time task; and (2) to review procedural learning in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and specific language impairment (SLI), two developmental disorders characterized by deficits in communication skills, in the light of these models. Our findings on typical development strongly support a model of age-related changes (Model 2a or 2b) and show that mixed findings regarding the developmental trajectory during childhood can be explained by methodological differences across studies. Applying these conclusions to systematic reviews of studies of ASD and SLI makes it clear that there is a strong need for the inclusion of multiple age groups in these clinical studies to model procedural learning in atypical development. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed. Future research should focus on the role of declarative learning in both typical and atypical development.     

Dilemmas that undermine supervisor confidence

Background

Conventional wisdom links supervisor self‐confidence with experience in supervisory practice.

Aims

This study explored the nature of confidence from an emic perspective.

Method

Twelve experienced Canadian supervisors were interviewed, and data was analysed using Structured Thematic Analysis.

Results

Aspects of the role and process produce tensions that create ambiguity that may diminish self‐confidence. Five main themes were distilled: (a) building supervisee confidence when experiencing self‐doubt as supervisor or clinician;(b) parallel process‐what disturbs therapy disturbs supervision; (c) expert vs. co‐explorer; (d) engaging in supervision while maintaining boundaries; and (e) catch 22 – inviting disclosures of difficulties and evaluation.

Conclusion

The study adds nuance to the scholarly work that informs supervisor self‐confidence.     

Timing, sequencing, and executive control in repetitive movement production

The authors demonstrate that the timing and sequencing of target durations require low-level timing and executive control. Sixteen young (M-sub(age) = 19 years) and 16 older (M-sub(age) = 70 years) adults participated in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, individual mean-variance functions for low-level timing (isochronous tapping) and the sequencing of multiple targets (rhythm production) revealed (a) a dissociation of low-level timing and sequencing in both age groups, (b) negligible age differences for low-level timing, and (c) large age differences for sequencing. Experiment 2 supported the distinction between low-level timing and executive functions: Selection against a dominant rhythm and switching between rhythms impaired performances in both age groups and induced pronounced perseveration of the dominant pattern in older adults.     

Modulation of recognition and temporal order memory retrieval by dopamine D1 receptor in rats

The present study examines the effects of SKF 81297, a selective D1 agonist, on information retrieval in recognition and temporal order memory for objects, using three different tasks. Separate groups of rats were trained in each task and then given an intraperitoneal injection of saline or the D1 agonist (0.03, 0.3 mg/kg), before the memory testing trial in an object recognition, object location, and object temporal order memory tasks. We show that SKF 81297, at high dose (0.3 mg/kg), facilitates information retrieval after a long delay (4 h) in the three memory tasks whereas both high and low doses of D1 agonist impair recognition memory after a short delay (15 min). These results indicate a significant role of dopamine D1 receptors in recognition memory for both familiarity and place of objects in addition to object temporal order memory.     

Book reviews

Wertewandel und Religiose Umbruche [Religionen im Gesprach, 4]. Reinhard Kirste, Paul Schwarzenau, Udo Tworuschka (Eds), 1996. Balve, Zimmermann Druck und Verlag 671 pp., ISBN 3 89053 061 3

Jesus and the Other Names: Christian mission and global responsibility. Paul F. Knitter, 1996. Oxford, Oneworld. 193 pp., pb. £14.99, ISBN 1 85168 125 6

Marcion, Muhammad and the Mahatma. Heikki RAis Anen, 1997. London, SCM Press. xi + 293 pp., pb. £14.95, ISBN 0 334 02693

Medieval Christian Perceptions of Islam. John Victor Tolan (Ed.), 1996. New York and London, Garland Publishing. xxi + 414pp., hb., ISBN 0 8153 1426 4

Islamic Legal Interpretation: Muftis and their fatwas. Muhammad K. Masud, Brinkley Messick & David S. Powers (Eds), 1996. Cambridge, M, and London, Harvard University Press. 431 pp., hb. £29.95, ISBN 0 674 46870 8

The Fatimids and their Traditions of Learning. Heinz Halm, 1997. London, I.B. Tauris. xv + 112 pp., hb. £25.00, ISBN 1 85043 920 6.

Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood. Fatima Mernissi, 1994. Reading, MA, Addison‐Wesley. 242 pp., pb. ISBN 0 201 62649 7

Intellectual Origins of Islamic Resurgence in the Modern Arab World. Ibrahim M. Abu‐Rabi, 1996. Albany, NY, State University of New York Press. 370 pp., pb. $19.95, ISBN 0 7914 2664 5

The Islamic Middle East: an historical anthropology. Charles Lindholm, 1996. Oxford, Blackwell. 324 pp. pb. £14.99, ISBN 1 55786 421 7

Hizb'Allah in Lebanon: the politics of the Western hostage crisis. Magnus Ranstorp, 1997. London, Macmillan. xvi + 257pp., pb. £15.99, ISBN 0 333 68401 X

Hezbollah: born with a vengeance. Hala Jaber, 1997. London, Fourth Estate. xvi + 240pp., hb. £16.99, ISBN 1 85702 381 1.

Lebanon on Hold: implications for Middle East peace. Rosemary Hoixis & Nadim Shehadi (Eds), 1996. London, The Royal Institute of International Affairs. 94 pp. pb, ISBN 1 86203 020 0

African Muslims in Antebellum America: transatlantic stories and spiritual struggles.. Aixan D. Austin, 1997. New York/London, Routledge. 194 pp., pb. £13.99, ISBN 0 415 91270 9

The Crown and the Turban: Muslims and West African pluralism. Lamin Sanneh, 1997. Boulder, CO, Westview Press. 290 pp., pb. np, ISBN 0 8133 3059 9

Legacy of a Divided Nation: India's Muslims since Independence. Mushirul Hasan, 1997. London, C. Hurst. xv+ 383 pp., hb, £35, ISBN 1 85065 234 1; pb. £14.95, ISBN 1 85065 304 6

A Dictionary of Indonesian Islam. Howard M. Federspiel, 1995. Athens, OH, Ohio University. 297 pp. pb. $25.00, ISBN 0 89680 182 9