Date of Award

10-19-2015

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

ADHD, cognitive testing, Eye-tracking, Impulsivity, PPVT-IV, reaction time

Supervisor

Kandasamy, Abirami

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Computerized testing provides insight into behaviours difficult to measure in traditional paper-pencil testing, such as impulsivity. Eye-tracking was recorded during the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Fourth Edition digital stimulus book administration and output (saccadic speed, pupillary dilation, fixation duration, and reaction time) was used to predict impulsivity, as measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - Eleventh Edition. Demographic factors including ADHD diagnosis, age, gender, handedness, and SES were considered. Participants were 64 undergraduate students (50 women) at a medium-sized, ethnically diverse, university in southwestern Ontario. Hierarchical regressions showed greater impulsivity predicted lower PPVT-IV Standard Scores. Slower reaction-time and smaller pupil dilation predicted greater impulsivity, consistent with previous research. Impulsivity was related to ADHD diagnosis and gender, while PPVT-IV scores were associated with age and household income. Findings lend insight into the disparity between self-report and behavioural measures of impulsivity and provide objective measures to supplement behavioural observations during testing.

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