Visual Attention and Neurological Organization in Neonates

Abstract

SIGMAN, MARIAN; KOPP, CLAIRE B.; PARMELEE, ARTHUR H.; and JEFFREY, WENDELL E. Visual Attention and Neurological Organization in Neonates. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1973, 44, 461-466. Full-term neonates were assessed with a neurological examination and a measure of visual attentiveness. Scores on the neurological examination were significantly related to the length of the first fixation of each stimulus and the total length of fixation of the first stimulus. The alterability of the baby's state during the neurological examination was also correlated with visual alertness. On the basis of these results, it was suggested that subjects who complete testing in newborn attention studies may comprise a highly selected sample of neonates.