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The Relationship Between Reaction Time Variability and On-Task Behavior in Children with and without ADHD

Antonini, Tanya
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1302028968

Abstract Details

2011, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Psychology.
Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying neuropsychological differences between children with and without ADHD. Studies focused on reaction times have shown that children with ADHD demonstrate greater reaction time (RT) variability across a variety of computerized tasks than children without ADHD. Although several researchers have hypothesized that this RT variability represents lapses in attention, only a few studies have investigated the behavioral correlates of this phenomenon. The results of these studies suggest that RT variability may be more highly correlated with symptoms of inattention than hyperactivity or impulsivity. However, these studies have utilized parent and teacher rating scales, which often take into account behavior across long periods of time (e.g., past week). Observed behavior, coded on a continuous basis, may be more highly associated with RT variability than rating scales and provide us with a better understanding of the behavioral correlates of RT variability. This study examined the relationship between RT variability and attention during two educational tasks. Coefficient of variation (RT SD divided by mean RT) and the Ex-gaussian parameter tau were utilized as indicators of RT variability and mean duration of on-task behavior was used as an indicator of task attention. To explore the specificity of the relationship between RT variability and observed attention, associations between RT variability and hyperactive behavior (fidgeting) and associations between on-task behavior and a different neuropsychological indicator (task accuracy) were also examined. One-hundred, forty-nine participants (96 with ADHD and 53 controls) completed five computerized neuropsychological tasks. Each participant was also video-recorded while completing math problems for twenty minutes and watching an educational video. Behavior was coded in a continuous fashion for each of these videos using Noldus Observer XT® computer software. In terms of group differences, results indicated that children with ADHD had significantly greater RT variability and significantly lower task accuracy than children without ADHD. Children with ADHD had shorter durations of on-task behavior and longer durations of fidgeting during the math task than the control group. However, there were not significant group-differences for the behavioral variables during the video task. Linear Mixed Models indicated that there were significant associations between RT variability and mean duration of on-task behavior during the math task,but not video task. Specificity analyses showed that although RT variability was not associated with fidgeting, on-task behavior was associated with accuracy. In conclusion, the relationship between RT variability and behavior may be specific to aspects of attention. However, aspects of attention may also be associated with other neuropsychological indicators. These results help to explain the behavioral correlates of RT variability. Future studies should include a variety of different activities settings outside of the laboratory and use psychophysiological outcomes (e.g., EEG) to assess attention.
Jeff Epstein, PhD (Committee Chair)
Steven Howe, PhD (Committee Member)
Krista Medina, PhD (Committee Member)
52 p.
Psychology
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; reaction time variability; observed attention

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Antonini, T. (2011). The Relationship Between Reaction Time Variability and On-Task Behavior in Children with and without ADHD [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1302028968

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Antonini, Tanya. The Relationship Between Reaction Time Variability and On-Task Behavior in Children with and without ADHD. 2011. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1302028968.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Antonini, Tanya. "The Relationship Between Reaction Time Variability and On-Task Behavior in Children with and without ADHD." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1302028968

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1302028968
412
© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.