Effect of information load on the decision speed of learning disabled and normally achieving pupils /
| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1994.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=740896051&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Abstract: | Two groups of learning disabled (LD) and one group of normally achieving (NA) 4th and 5th grade pupils matched for age and IQ were assessed with a Hick type choice reaction-time paradigm. LD groups were selected on the basis of extreme performance on a speeded version of the Spatial Relations subtest. Individual response patterns were consistent with previous Hick results (i.e., linear increases in millisecond latency as a function of information load). Increases were seen in both motor and decision components. Proposed differential performance by group was not supported by the data. Results were interpreted to suggest that, controlling for IQ, group differences among LD children selected on the basis of speeded spatial performance does not appear at the very elementary cognitive task level. Group variability led to other selection methods. Groups were reconstituted and matched on the basis of untimed performance on Spatial Relations to further control for perceptual variability and problem-solving ability. With reconstituted groups, significant differences between LD and NA pupils were found in total reaction time and motor speed. With simple reaction time (SRT) treated as a suppressor variable, no group difference was seen. Group difference was attributed to a 200 msec SRT constant. The results are interpreted to suggest that, controlling for untimed problem solving ability, academic achievement may be associated with an architectural speed-of-processing difference for selected LD pupils. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major subject: School Psychology." |
| Physical Description: | x, 151 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |