Abstract
Three groups of three boys referred to a hospital study unit for evaluation of hyperactive behavior were tested on a classification task involving selective attention while on either dextroamphetamine (D) or placebo (P). In two sessions, groups had D first, P second (DP), or PD, or PP. Amphetamine reduces response times in general and reduces interference due to orthogonally varying irrelevant information. Practice while on placebo improves performance in a subsequent placebo session. Practice while on amphetamine does not, however, improve performance in the subsequent session on placebo. Assessment of the extent of the drug-state-related practice effect is necessary for evaluation of long-term benefits of dextroamphetamine therapy in these children.
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Thanks go to Ramona Roberts for assistance in running subjects. The University of Maryland Computer Science Center provided the computer facilities for data analysis.
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Fisher, M.A. Dextroamphetamine and placebo practice effects on selective attention in hyperactive children. J Abnorm Child Psychol 6, 25–32 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00915779
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00915779