Continuous Performance Test to Assess Gender Difference in Attention in Late Adolescent Subjects
Author(s): Archana Rajasundaram*, Durga Devi G, Jinu Merlin Koshy and WMS Johnson
Abstract
Introduction: Attention is defined as the mechanism by which we prepare to process stimuli, focus on what to process, and determine how far it will be processed. In addition, it could allow us to determine how one‘s sex influences the risk of developing disorders that manifest and progress differently in men and women.
Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 146 late adolescent boys and girls who had completed their school education. Socio demographic data was captured using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The penns continuous performance test was used to assess the attention wherein participants were asked to observe the flashing letters on the computer screen, one at a time, and to press the spacebar according to the appearance of a specific prescribed pattern.
Results: In males and females to compare the performance across the two blocks of PCPT-N and PCPT-L and paired t test was done. Independent t test was done to see the difference in mean difference of paired t test between males and females in the performance of sustained attention. There was difference with respect Mean of TPRT with males performing faster than females.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that females had better attention in detecting noise targets compared to men, while men were more likely to be impulsive. However, both the sexes fared equally with respect to sustained attention. The information highlighted in our study will help in detection of learning difficulties and attention disorders in children, and whether it should call us to action a more thorough understanding of the main biological determinants involved in expression of sex differences that can help us to better explain the relationship between brain, behaviour, and environment.