scholarly journals How Does Task Presentation Impact Motor Inhibition Performance in Young Children?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Mason ◽  
Alice Bowmer ◽  
Graham F. Welch
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Presentation Order ◽  
Motor Ability ◽  
Response Accuracy ◽  
Motor Inhibition ◽  
Potential Mechanism ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Irregular Interval ◽  
Inhibition Performance

Peg tapping tasks are commonly used as a measure of inhibitory skill in young children. However, differences in the way the task is presented may influence children’s performance. For example, if a peg tapping task is presented at regular intervals, children can entrain to the presentation pulse, which may in turn support their performance. This study assessed how speed and regularity of presentation may support or impair children’s responses. An experimenter was filmed delivering the tapping task at two different speeds (120 bpm/3,000 ms per trial and 150 bpm/2,400 ms per trial). Additionally, they were filmed delivering the task at regular intervals (i.e., the onset of each trial was predictable), or at irregular intervals (the onset of each trial was unpredictable). N = 103 children aged between 5 and 6 years old were tested on the task. They completed one block with 20 regular interval trials and another block with 20 irregular interval trials. Block presentation order was randomized. Children who achieved over 90% accuracy on the task were then presented with two more blocks at 150 bpm. Children’s response accuracy was measured. Our results show a difference in children’s accuracy across all conditions with trials presented in an irregular manner producing poorer performance on the task. The study demonstrates how speed and regularity of presentation can affect children’s scores on a tapping task used to measure inhibition. Demands on working memory, motor ability, and speed of processing are all affected by adjustments in presentation. Entrainment to a pulse is also a potential mechanism employed by children to support their performance on this task.

Slow Wave Activity Related to Working Memory Maintenance in the N-Back Task

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kira Bailey ◽  
Gregory Mlynarczyk ◽  
Robert West
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Wave Activity ◽  
Slow Wave Activity ◽  
Response Accuracy ◽  
Functional Neuroanatomy ◽  
Stimulus Interval ◽  
Back Task

Abstract. Working memory supports our ability to maintain goal-relevant information that guides cognition in the face of distraction or competing tasks. The N-back task has been widely used in cognitive neuroscience to examine the functional neuroanatomy of working memory. Fewer studies have capitalized on the temporal resolution of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to examine the time course of neural activity in the N-back task. The primary goal of the current study was to characterize slow wave activity observed in the response-to-stimulus interval in the N-back task that may be related to maintenance of information between trials in the task. In three experiments, we examined the effects of N-back load, interference, and response accuracy on the amplitude of the P3b following stimulus onset and slow wave activity elicited in the response-to-stimulus interval. Consistent with previous research, the amplitude of the P3b decreased as N-back load increased. Slow wave activity over the frontal and posterior regions of the scalp was sensitive to N-back load and was insensitive to interference or response accuracy. Together these findings lead to the suggestion that slow wave activity observed in the response-to-stimulus interval is related to the maintenance of information between trials in the 1-back task.

Feedback versus an Illusion in Time

Perception ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald G Jamieson ◽  
William M Petrusic
Keyword(s):  
Presentation Order ◽  
Order Effects ◽  
Information Feedback ◽  
Response Accuracy ◽  
Time Order ◽  
Extended Practice ◽  
Duration Comparison ◽  
Response Biases

The accuracy of many perceptual comparisons depends greatly on the order in which the to-be-compared stimuli are presented. With comparisons of durations around 300 ms, these presentation-order effects do not diminish, even with extended practice, when feedback about response accuracy is withheld. Providing such feedback greatly diminishes presentation-order effects and coincidentally produces substantial increases in response accuracy. The feedback acts in part through inducing response biases and in part through changes in sensitivity. The contradiction between studies which report time-order errors in duration comparison and those which do not is attributable to differences in the use of information feedback.

scholarly journals Latent structure of cognition in schizophrenia: a confirmatory factor analysis of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 2657-2666 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. McCleery ◽  
M. F. Green ◽  
G. S. Hellemann ◽  
L. E. Baade ◽  
J. M. Gold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Correlated Factors ◽  
Cognitive Dimensions

BackgroundThe number of separable cognitive dimensions in schizophrenia has been debated. Guided by the extant factor analytic literature, the NIMH Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) initiative selected seven cognitive domains relevant to treatment studies in schizophrenia: speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. These domains are assessed in the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The aim of this study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the beta battery of the MCCB to compare the fit of the MATRICS consensus seven-domain model to other models in the current literature on cognition in schizophrenia.MethodUsing data from 281 schizophrenia outpatients, we compared the seven correlated factors model with alternative models. Specifically, we compared the 7-factor model to (a) a single-factor model, (b) a three correlated factors model including speed of processing, working memory, and general cognition, and (c) a hierarchical model in which seven first-order factors loaded onto a second-order general cognitive factor.ResultsMultiple fit indices indicated the seven correlated factors model was the best fit for the data and provided significant improvement in model fit beyond the comparison models.ConclusionsThese results support the assessment of these seven cognitive dimensions in clinical trials of interventions to improve cognition in schizophrenia. Because these cognitive factors are separable to some degree, it is plausible that specific interventions may have differential effects on the domains.

scholarly journals Executive Functions: Influence of Sex, Age and Its Relationship With Intelligence

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (62) ◽  
pp. 383-392
Author(s):  
Larissa de Oliveira e Ferreira ◽  
Daniela Sacramento Zanini ◽  
Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Perceptual Organization ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Discriminative Power ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Tower Of Hanoi

AbstractThe Tower of Hanoi is a tool used to evaluate executive functions. However, few studies describe what functions are evaluated in this test. This study investigates the executive functions, evaluated by the Tower of Hanoi (ToH), and the influence of gender, age and its relationship with intelligence. We evaluated 55 children and adolescents, between the ages of ten and 16, without diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders. The results showed that the performance and time in to complete the Tower of Hanoi have no discriminative power when comparing age groups and sex; there was also no significant correlation found between the ToH and the execution quotient of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Third Edition (WISC III), perceptual organization and the speed of processing. Only the subtest coding were positively related to the ToH, demonstrating that these instruments may be measuring related aspects of intelligence and executive functions, namely intelligence and working memory.

Neuropsychological deficits in adults age 60 and above with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.B. Thorell ◽  
Y. Holst ◽  
H. Chistiansen ◽  
J.J.S. Kooij ◽  
D. Bijlenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Neuropsychological Deficits ◽  
Delay Aversion ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
Memory Inhibition

AbstractObjective:Neuropsychological deficits are of major importance in ADHD, yet no previous studies have assessed clinically referred samples of older adults. The authors compared older adults with ADHD (60–75 years) with both younger adults with ADHD (18–45 years) and older healthy controls with regard to various neuropsychological deficits.Methods:Well-established tests were used to investigate working memory, inhibition, switching, planning, fluency, and speed of processing. Self-ratings of executive functioning and delay-related behaviors were also included. Both variable-oriented and person-oriented analyses were conducted.Results:Older adults with ADHD differed from controls with regard to working memory, inhibition, switching, and delay-related behaviors. In comparison to younger adults with ADHD, they performed at a similar level with regard to working memory and planning, but significantly better with regard to inhibition, switching, fluency, speed of processing, and delay aversion. Despite several significant group differences relative to controls, person-oriented analyses demonstrated that a majority of older adults with ADHD performed within the average range on each test and 20% showed no clear deficit within any neuropsychological domain.Conclusions:The results are in line with models of heterogeneity that have identified different neuropsychological subtypes in ADHD as well as a subgroup of patients without any clear neuropsychological deficits. For older adults with ADHD, it will be important to assess their functioning across time as normal aging is related to memory decline and these patients could therefore end up with severe deficits as they grow older, which in turn could have serious negative effects on daily life functioning.

scholarly journals Neurocognitive effects of six ketamine infusions and the association with antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant bipolar depression: a preliminary study

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10208
Author(s):  
Wei Zheng ◽  
Yan-Ling Zhou ◽  
Cheng-Yu Wang ◽  
Xiao-Feng Lan ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Bipolar Depression ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Observational Period ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Over Time

Objective The N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype glutamate receptor antagonist ketamine has rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects in treating treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD). The neurocognitive effects of repeated ketamine infusions in TRBD are not known. Methods Six intravenous infusions of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg over 40 min) were administered on a Monday–Wednesday–Friday schedule during a 12-day period on 16 patients with TRBD followed by a 2-week observational period. The assessment of neurocognitive function was conducted using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery at baseline, 13 and 26 days. Tasks were designed to test speed of processing, working memory, visual learning and verbal learning. Results A significant improvement was found only in scores of speed of processing (F = 9.9, p = 0.001) after a 2-week observational period, which was accounted for by the improvement of depression symptoms. There were no significant changes over time in terms of working memory, visual learning and verbal learning. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the improvement of depression symptoms through six ketamine infusions was greater among TRBD patients with lower working memory at baseline (r = 0.54, p = 0.03). In multiple regression analysis, the significant correlation was still maintained (beta = 0.67, t = 2.2, p = 0.04). Conclusion This preliminary study indicated that six ketamine infusions were not harmful but were slightly beneficial for speed of processing in TRBD. However, this change was mainly accounted for the improvement of depression symptoms over time. Lower baseline working memory appears to be associated with greater antidepressant response after completion of six ketamine infusions in patients with TRBD.

scholarly journals Association between plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive deficits in Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia across age groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumiao Zhou ◽  
Yuanyuan Huang ◽  
Yangdong Feng ◽  
Hehua Li ◽  
Kai Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Speed Of Processing ◽  
Function Score ◽  
Cognitive Function Score

AbstractIt was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people. Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, and 50–59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance. Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18–29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18–29 years (B = 0.74, t = 3.12, p = 0.008). Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.

Language Skills of Children With and Without Mathematics Difficulty

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jason C. Chow ◽  
Caitlyn E. Majeika ◽  
Amanda W. Sheaffer
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Young Children ◽  
School Readiness ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Mathematics Performance ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Language Performance ◽  
Language Measures ◽  
Mathematics Difficulty

Purpose Language is an important skill required for children to succeed in school. Higher language skills are associated with school readiness in young children and general mathematics performance. However, many students with mathematics difficulty (MD) may be more likely to present difficulties with language skills than their peers. The purpose of this report was to compare the language performance of children with and without MD. Method We compared child vocabulary, morphology, and syntax between first- and second-grade children ( N = 247) classified as with or without MD, controlling for child working memory. Results Children with MD ( n = 119) significantly underperformed compared with their peers ( n = 155) on all language measures. The largest difference between children with and without MD was in syntax. Conclusions Children with MD present poorer language skills than their peers, which aligns with previous research linking the importance of syntax with mathematics learning. More research is needed to better understand the complex links between language skills and mathematical development.

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