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A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Inhibitory control of proactive interference in adults with ADHD
1Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, TN 38152, USA. hawhite@memphis.edu
Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) struggle with proactive interference, particularly in verbal tasks. This contrasts with spatial tasks, where their performance is similar to neurotypical adults.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by difficulties with response inhibition and distractor control.
- Proactive interference (PI) is a form of memory interference that has been less studied in adult ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the resistance to spatial and verbal proactive interference in adults with ADHD.
- To compare PI in adults with and without ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Adults with ADHD (n=32) and without ADHD (n=32) completed a spatial inhibition of return (IOR) task.
- Participants also performed a semantic IOR task to assess verbal PI.
Main Results:
- Both groups demonstrated effective spatial IOR.
- While controls exhibited semantic inhibition, adults with ADHD showed semantic facilitation (positive priming).
Conclusions:
- Adults with ADHD may possess domain-specific deficits in resisting proactive interference.
- These findings have theoretical and clinical implications for understanding and managing ADHD in adults.
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