Age and Task Parameters in Continuous Performance Tests for Preschoolers

66 children (M=56.2 mo., SD=10.9), recruited from preschool and daycare centers, were administered two continuous performance tests, one auditory and one visual. Both tests utilized a format with one target and one nontarget. Interstimulus interval was fixed at 1350 msec. for the visual test and 500...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Perceptual and motor skills 2003-06, Vol.96 (3), p.975-989
Main Authors: Hagelthorn, Kathleen M., Hiemenz, Jennifer R., Pillion, Joseph P., Mahone, E. Mark
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Age Factors
Child
Child, Preschool
Children & youth
Cues
Educational Measurement
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Intelligence
Intelligence Tests
Male
Sex Factors
Tests
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Summary:66 children (M=56.2 mo., SD=10.9), recruited from preschool and daycare centers, were administered two continuous performance tests, one auditory and one visual. Both tests utilized a format with one target and one nontarget. Interstimulus interval was fixed at 1350 msec. for the visual test and 5000 msec. for the auditory test. The visual test produced greater rates of omission and commission errors than the auditory test. Age was significantly related to mean reaction time and response variability for both tests; however, the visual test produced an unexpected pattern of increasing response time across age groups. On both tests omission rates improved significantly with age, while commission rates were consistent across ages 3–6 years. When considering continuous performance test paradigms for preschoolers, 3-yr.-olds may need at least a 4000-msec. interstimulus interval to make a choice for the stimulus cue. Hits following an interstimulus interval shorter than 1400 msec. may reflect younger preschooters' response to a previous stimulus.
ISSN:0031-5125
1558-688X
DOI:10.2466/pms.2003.96.3.975