The effect of concurrent task load on stimulus over-selectivity.
Stimulus over-selectivity is a phenomenon displayed by individuals with autism, and has been implicated as a basis for many autistic-spectrum symptoms. In four experiments, non-autistic adult participants were required to learn a simple discrimination using picture cards, and then were tested for the emergence of stimulus over-selectivity, both with and without a concurrent task. Greater stimulus over-selectivity was noted when participants completed the concurrent task. The results are discussed in relation to the implications for the development of a model of memory deficits in autism.
Reed
Phil
P
Department of Psychology, University of Wales Swansea, UK. p.reed@swansea.ac.uk
Gibson
Evelyn
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged