Decomposing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related effects in response speed and variability

Sarah L. Karalunas, Joel T. Nigg, Cynthia L. Huang-Pollock

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Slow and variable reaction times (RTs) on fast tasks are such a prominent feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that any theory must account for them. However, this has proven difficult because the cognitive mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unexplained. Although speed and variability are typically correlated, it is unclear whether single or multiple mechanisms are responsible for group differences in each. RTs are a result of several semi-independent processes, including stimulus encoding, rate of information processing, speed-accuracy trade-offs, and motor response, which have not been previously well characterized. Method: A diffusion model was applied to RTs from a forced-choice RT paradigm in two large, independent case-control samples (NCohort 1 = 214 and NCohort 2 = 172). The decomposition measured three validated parameters that account for the full RT distribution and assessed reproducibility of ADHD effects. Results: In both samples, group differences in traditional RT variables were explained by slow information processing speed, and unrelated to speed-accuracy trade-offs or nondecisional processes (e.g., encoding, motor response). Conclusions: RT speed and variability in ADHD may be explained by a single information processing parameter, potentially simplifying explanations that assume different mechanisms are required to account for group differences in the mean and variability of RTs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)684-694
Number of pages11
JournalNeuropsychology
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • Diffusion model
  • RT
  • RT variability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

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