Interference control in children with and without ADHD: a systematic review of Flanker and Simon task performance

Child Neuropsychol. 2009 Jul;15(4):321-42. doi: 10.1080/09297040802348028.

Abstract

The present review systematically summarizes the existing research that has examined two reaction-time-based interference control paradigms, known as the Eriksen Flanker task and the Simon task, in children with and without ADHD. Twelve studies are included, yielding a combined sample size of 272 children with ADHD (M age 9.28 yrs) and 280 typically developing children (M age 9.38 yrs). As predicted, specific disadvantages were found in the ADHD group in terms of reaction time, percentage of errors, and efficiency of performance on incongruent relative to congruent trials, providing evidence for weaker interference control in this group.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Attention*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Reaction Time*