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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Addressing Technical and Subjective Challenges in Measuring Classroom Attention
Published on: December 15, 2023
Examination of the Effects of Intelligence on the Test of Variables of Attention for Elementary Students
David P Hurford1, Alex C Fender1, Jordan L Boux1
11 Pittsburg State University, KS, USA.
Objective:
To examine the performance differences on the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) among different IQ level groups.
Method:
The present study examined the results of the TOVA with 138 elementary students aged 6 to 10 years who were assigned to one of four different groups based on their scores from the Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability (WNV; low average: IQ < 90, average: IQ between 90 and 109, high average: IQ between 110 and 119, superior: IQ between 120 and 129, and very superior: IQ > 129). The latter two groups were combined.
Results:
On all TOVA measures (response time, response time variability, errors of omission and commission, and ADHD scores), intellectual functioning significantly influenced performance.
Conclusion:
The results of the present study indicate that performance on the TOVA was affected by intellectual functioning.
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