Asymmetric Attention Networks: The Case of Children. (11th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yaakoby-Rotem, Sarit; Geva, Ronny
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. Volume 20:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 434
• Page End: 443
• Publication Date: 2014-03-11
• Subjects: Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1017/S1355617714000150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6177

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Visuospatial attention-networks are represented in both hemispheres, with right-hemisphere dominance in adults. Little is known about the lateralization of the attentional-networks in children. To assess the lateralization of attentional-networks in children aged 5 years, performance on a Lateralized-Attention-Network-Test specifically designed for children (LANT-C) was compared with performance on the Attention-Network-Test for children (ANT-C). Participants were 82 children, aged 5–6 years (55% boys, middle–class, mainstream schooling). They were examined with both the ANT-C and the LANT-C along with evaluation of intelligence and attention questionnaires. Multiple analysis of variance showed a main effect for network, with high efficiency for orienting and lower executive efficiency (accuracy; <italic>p</italic> < .001; η<sup>2</sup> = .282). An effect for procedure, elucidated higher efficiency in the ANT-C relatively to the LANT-C (accuracy; <italic>p</italic> < .01; η<sup>2</sup> = .097). A procedure × network interaction effect was also found, showing that this procedure difference is present in the alerting and executive networks (accuracy; <italic>p</italic> < .05; η<sup>2</sup> = .096). LANT-C analysis showed a left visual-field advantage in alerting, (accuracy; <italic>p</italic> < .05; η<sup>2</sup> = .066), while executing with the right hand benefitted executive performance (response-time; <italic>p</italic> < .05; η<sup>2</sup> = .06). Results extend previous findings manifesting a right-hemisphere advantage in children's alerting-attention, pointing to the importance of lateralization of brain function to the understanding of the integrity of attention-networks in children. (<italic>JINS</italic>, 2014, <italic>20</italic>, 1–10)</p> </abstract>