Visual Search in Learning Disabled and Hyperactive Boys.

Twelve learning disabled (LD), 12 learning disabled hyperactive (LDH) and 12 hyperactive (H) boys (6-11 years old) participated in an investigation of selective attention. Ss were asked to search for a target letter embedded within an array of noise letters. Two variations were included: one involving a simultaneous search for four possible target letters, the other involving a physical dissimilarity between the target and noise letters. Results indicated that latencies of the LD and LDH Ss were significantly longer than those of control Ss. The latencies of the H Ss were not longer than those of control Ss. Results supported Ross's suggestion that a deficit in selective attention is characteristic of LD Ss but not H Ss. (Author/CL)