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Estimates of the Validity and Utility of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test in the Assessment of Inattentive and/or Hyperactive-Impulsive Behaviors in Children

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Abstract

This study evaluated the validity and classification utility of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CCPT) in the assessment of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors in children. Significant, positive correlations between the CCPT parameters and behavioral ratings of ADHD behaviors were hypothesized. In addition, it was hypothesized that the CCPT parameters would perform better than a random test (chance) and show fair to moderate utility of classification across the different indices. Participants were 104 children between 6 and 12 years of age who were referred for evaluation of attention problems. The first hypothesis was not supported. There were no significant, positive correlations between the CCPT parameters and parent and teacher ratings of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. The second hypothesis was only partially supported. The CCPT Overall Index and the Omission Errors (84th percentile cutoff) performed better than a random test; however, the utility of the CCPT Overall Index only ranged from poor to slight. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed the accuracy of the CCPT to be low. The implications and limitations of this study and future research directions are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72202-3591, USA

    Mark C. Edwards, Eunice S. Gardner, John J. Chelonis & Eldon G. Schulz

  2. Department of Research and Sponsored Programs, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, USA

    Eunice S. Gardner, John J. Chelonis, Rebecca A. Flake & Pamela F. Diaz

  3. National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA

    John J. Chelonis

  4. Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky at Lexington, Lexington, USA

    Rebecca A. Flake

  5. Department of Psychology, Idaho State University at Pocatello, Pocatello, USA

    Eunice S. Gardner

  6. Pediatric Psychology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 800 Marshall Street, Slot 512-21, Little Rock, AR, 72202-3591, USA

    Mark C. Edwards

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Correspondence to Mark C. Edwards.

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Edwards, M.C., Gardner, E.S., Chelonis, J.J. et al. Estimates of the Validity and Utility of the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test in the Assessment of Inattentive and/or Hyperactive-Impulsive Behaviors in Children. J Abnorm Child Psychol 35, 393–404 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9098-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9098-3

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