Age Related Changes in Inhibitory Control as Measured by Stop Signal Task Performance

Abstract

A modified version of the stop signal task (suitable for use with very young children) was administered to a pre primary school group of children (< 5 years, 6 months); a young primary group (5 years, 7 months to 7 years, 6 months); a mid primary group (7 years, 7 months to 9 years, 6 months) and a group of adults. Significant age differences in the ability to inhibit responding were found. These results highlight the need for measures of response inhibition which are appropriate for use with very young children, when the first signs of inhibitory skills are emerging. It is also imperative that such measures allow the assessment of skills across a broad range of age groups in order to comprehensively monitor their development.

Key Words:

• Impulsivity
• Stop signal task
• Response inhibition
• Executive function and frontal lobe function