Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Utilization behavior in boys with ADHD: a test of Barkley's theory
Megan Foley Nicpon1, David L Wodrich, Sharon E Robinson Kurpius
1Psychology in Education, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-0611, USA.
Abstract:
Barkley's (1997) comprehensive theory of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predicts that affected children express frontal lobe related impairments, including expression of utilization behavior-the appropriate use of an object in an inappropriate context. Nineteen boys with and 20 without ADHD were exposed to a series of utilitarian (potentially utilization-inducing) and neutral objects. Boys in the ADHD group exhibited more utilization behavior and did so more quickly than boys in the control group; engagement with utilitarian objects and tendencies to do so quickly best predicted ADHD and control group membership. Beyond utilization behavior distinctions, general impulsivity differences were seen between boys with ADHD and control group counterparts, but these were less pronounced than the utilization behavior differences. Results offer support for utilization behavior's place in Barkley's theory.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
10:02Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Published on: March 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Conduct Disorder