Research article summary (published 30 May 2003):

Subitizing speed, subitizing range, counting speed, the Stroop effect, and aging: capacity differences and speed equivalence.

Full Abstract

Thirty younger and 29 older adults were tested on reaction times for set size of a display of 1 to 9 digits. On half of the trials, the nominal value of the digits was equal to the size of the set displayed; on the other half, the value differed by 1 from the set size (Stroop interference). We found evidence for age differences in subitizing span (2.83 vs. 2.07). Once individual differences in subitizing range were taken into account, no age differences were found in the rate of either subitizing or counting, and no individual differences were apparent in subitizing speed. There was no age difference in the susceptibility to the Stroop effect. The results suggest that, with advancing age, the size of the focus of attention may shrink, but speed of access to elements in the focus of attention may remain constant.

Author information

Author/s: Basak, Chandramallika (C); Verhaeghen, Paul (P);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, New York 13244-2340, USA. cbasak(-atsign-)mailbox.syr.edu

Grants: AG-16201 (Agency:NIA NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Psychology and aging (Psychol Aging), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Jun; vol 18 (issue 2) : pp 240-9

Dates: Created 2003/06/26; Completed 2003/10/31; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12825774, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adolescent Adult Age Factors Aged Aged, 80 and over Aging - physiology

Aging - physiology Female Humans Male Models, Psychological Reaction Time

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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