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Assessing Working Memory in Children: The Comprehensive Assessment Battery for Children – Working Memory (CABC-WM)
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Working memory - not processing speed - mediates fluid intelligence deficits associated with attention
Christopher R Brydges1,2, Krista L Ozolnieks1, Gareth Roberts1
1School of Psychology & Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Journal of Neuropsychology
|January 1, 2016
Summary
Working memory deficits fully explain the link between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and lower fluid intelligence in young adults. Processing speed was not significantly associated with ADHD or fluid intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity.
- Cognitive deficits, including impaired working memory, processing speed, and fluid intelligence, are common in ADHD.
- These cognitive functions are theorized to be interconnected, influencing overall cognitive performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and fluid intelligence.
- To determine if working memory and processing speed mediate the association between ADHD and fluid intelligence.
- To explore potential differences in cognitive profiles between ADHD subtypes.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 142 young adults from the general population.
- Assessment of working memory, processing speed, and fluid intelligence using various tasks.
- Administration of a self-report questionnaire for ADHD symptoms.
Main Results:
- Total and hyperactive ADHD symptoms showed a significant negative correlation with fluid intelligence.
- This association was fully mediated by working memory deficits.
- Inattentive symptoms were not significantly linked to fluid intelligence.
- Processing speed was not associated with ADHD symptoms or uniquely predictive of fluid intelligence.
Conclusions:
- Working memory deficits play a crucial role in the cognitive impairments observed in ADHD, specifically impacting fluid intelligence.
- The findings suggest that interventions targeting working memory may benefit individuals with ADHD.
- Neuropsychological profiles may differ between ADHD subtypes, particularly concerning inattentive versus hyperactive symptoms.
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