Attention, Response Inhibition, and Face-Information Processing in Children: The Role of Task Characteristics, Age, and Gender

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess: (a) developmental changes in attention, response inhibition, and face-information processing using the new Balloons task and (b) to evaluate the association between measures derived from the task with reported behavior problems. One hundred and thirty-four typically developing children (53 boys and 81 girls) were tested with the Balloons. Their parents and teachers completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Our results validate the Balloons as a reliable task with significant effects of manipulations in difficulty level (speed, processing load, and processing type). The results suggest that face-information processing undergoes significant changes during the age period between 7 and 13 years with significant gender differences. Modest but significant correlations were found between the Balloons' measures and behavior problems.

Keywords:

• Face processing
• Executive function
• Development
• Emotion

The research was supported by the Israel Science Foundation (Grant # 334/04). We thank all the participating children and parents. Special thanks to Ornit Arbel who coordinated all the logistics of this study.