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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Stroop performance and difficulties of older adults using automatic teller machines
Takahiro Sekiguchi1, Takako Koike
1Department of Educational Psychology, Tokyo Gakugei University, 4-1-1 Nukui-Kitamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan. sekiguti@u-gakugei.ac.jp
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|January 31, 2008
Summary
Older adults with lower inhibition skills struggle more with using ATMs. This suggests that ATM interfaces should be designed to minimize errors for seniors and other users.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Gerontology
Background:
- Older adults often face challenges with technology, including Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).
- Inhibition, a key executive function, plays a role in cognitive control and error management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between inhibitory control and ATM usage difficulties in older adults.
- To identify specific types of ATM errors associated with lower inhibition.
Main Methods:
- 22 older adults completed three simulated ATM transactions, with errors systematically recorded.
- Inhibitory control was assessed using the Stroop interference task, measuring response latencies and intrusion errors.
Main Results:
- A moderate correlation was found between Stroop task performance (both interference effect and intrusion errors) and the number of errors made during ATM use.
- Older adults with poorer performance on the Stroop task made significantly more errors in categories such as forgetting operations, screen confusion, and overlooking input errors.
Conclusions:
- Reduced inhibitory capacity is linked to increased difficulties in operating ATMs among older adults.
- ATM interface design should prioritize error reduction strategies to accommodate older users and potentially others with cognitive challenges.
