Biography
Prof. Kourtland Robert Koch
Prof. Kourtland Robert Koch
Ball State University, USA
Title: Merging the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Picture Completion Subtest with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adult Learners
Abstract: 
With the emergence of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), standard intelligence tests can now be studied to assess neural activity during test performance. However, traditional assessments are given with paper/pencil or card based methods which are difficult to deliver while in an MRI. Here, we validate a computerized version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Picture Completion subtest against the card based version in 20 adult learners. A preliminary fMRI series is included to investigate whether the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) activity can be associated with the paradigm. Using sparse sampling fMRI techniques, a control condition is contrasted to when participants ‘knew’ what answer they were going to provide. In 8 task-novice individuals, significant activation was seen in right primary visual and left temporal cortex and is interpreted as task-specific activation related to visual search and naming the item missing from the scene. To our knowledge this is the first fMRI experiment of the WAIS picture completion subtest. Future imaging work can now use alternative control conditions to explore the different cognitive components used within the subtest.
Biography: 
Kourtland Robert Koch, joined the Department of Special Education at Ball State University in 1999 and was promoted to Full Professor in 2016. Dr. Koch works with undergraduate students majoring in early childhood special education with an emphasis on psychoeducational assessment. He has worked in the public schools and higher education for over 35 years serving in positions as a teacher, school psychologist, and as a special education consultant. Dr. Koch has been awarded two grants, one internal and one external, to support his research. Dr. Koch’s research interests include: applying functional MRI to identify key developmental milestones within the brain, federal legislation pertaining to early childhood special education services and using brain based research to design instructional best practices along with collaboration and mentoring of in-service teachers. He serves as associate editor or co-editor on numerous national and international journals and has published over 20 referred journal articles.