Using the antisaccade task to investigate the relationship between the development of inhibition and the development of intelligence.
A number of authors have proposed models of cognitive development that explain improvements in intelligence over the course of childhood via changes in the efficiency of inhibitory processes (Anderson, 2001; Bjorklund & Harnishfeger, 1990; Dempster, 1991, 1992; Dempster & Corkill, 1999a; Harnishfeger, 1995; Harnishfeger & Bjorklund, 1993). A review of the literature reveals little empirical support for the thesis. This is largely due to a failure to distinguish between age-related and non-age-related changes in both inhibitory ability and intelligence. Empirical evidence is presented from a developmental study employing the antisaccade task to provide support for the role of inhibitory processes in the development of intelligence. Additionally, a case is made for a functional difference underlying antisaccade errors that are subsequently corrected and those that remain uncorrected.
Michel
Fiona
F
School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Australia. fiona1michel@yahoo.com.au
Anderson
Mike
M
D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007360:Intelligence; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time; D012438:Saccades / Q000502:physiology*