Age differences in simple paced tasks of attention and perception

In an earlier study, several simple measures of attention and perception were administered to groups of aged and young subjects. Analyses of these tests are presented and include determination of differences in terms of number of correct responses and number of errors of omission and commission. As the tests were given on two occasions (1 week apart), an attempt was made to look at age differences in practice effects. Results confirmed well-known speed deficits with age. Errors of omission and commission did not differ between groups. However, on the most difficult of the tests, differential practice effects were observed. It is suggested that attentional or perceptual deficits may appear with increases in task difficulty in addition to the known speed deficits. Examination of intellectual deficits in areas related to learning (e.g., motivation, attention, perception) is believed important to the understanding of learning deficits with age.