Die Aufmerksamkeitsleistungen von 6-10-jährigen Kindern in der TAP

Abstract

Attentional Performance of 6-10-Year-Old Children on the TAP Abstract: The aim of the study was to establish norms for the Attention Test Battery (TAP) for children aged 6 to 10. The effects of the age, gender and computer experience of the children were analyzed and order effects were investigated. The factor structure of the test results was explored. The sample was comprised of 79 girls and 71 boys. In most of the subtests, older children showed a nonspecific reduction of their reaction times and a specific improvement in their controlled information processing abilities compared with the younger children. In some subtests, gender effects were found: Boys had faster reaction times, and made more errors. These results are compatible with the well known differences between boys and girs in the early school years in the development of attention. Therefore, it would make sense to establish separate norms for boys and girls. Computer experience had no effect on the test results of the children. The factore analysis provided evidence that it is possible even in children to differenciate between various aspects of attention. The test results showed order effects. Therefore it would be important to conduct the subtests in a standardized order.