Skip to main content
Log in

Single-component microcomputer-driven assessment of attention

  • Instrumentation & Techniques
  • Published:
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Gordon Diagnostic System (GDS) is a single-component microcomputer-based instrument that can be used to administer 11 psychological tests. The game-like tasks provide objective data for evaluating possible attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or other conditions that affect a person’s ability to sustain attention and exert self-control. The core of the instrument is an integrated circuit with a microprocessor, a random access memory, and an erasable, programmable read-only memory (EPROM). It can be programmed with an IBM PC and an EPROM programmer. The assembly language source is compiled into machine language, which is used to simulate the GDS on the IBM PC or is “burned” into the ROM. The memory is erasable with ultraviolet light, so revisions can be made easily. The GDS illustrates that “custom” programming a ROM is not limited to large industrial concerns, and that it can be done within small research groups.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • American Psychiatric Association (1987).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (3rd ed., rev.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barkley, R. A., Fisher, M., Newby, R. F., &Breen, M. J. (1988). Development of a multimethod protocol for assessing stimulant drug response in children with attention deficit disorder.Journal of Clinical Child Psychology,17, 14–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. T., &Sexson, S. B. (1988). A controlled trial of methylphenidate in black adolescents: Attention, behavioral, and psychological effects.Clinical Pediatrics,27, 74–81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M. (1983).The Gordon diagnostic system [Microcomputerbased psychological testing instrument]. Dewitt, NY: Gordon Systems, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M. (1987). How is a computerized attention test used in the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder? In J. Loney (Ed.),The young hyperactive child (pp. 53–64). New York: Haworth.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., Beeber, A., &Mettelman, B. (1987).Primary degenerative dementia and continuous performance tasks. Unpublished manuscript, SUNY Health Sciences Center, Syracuse, NY.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M., &Mettelman, B. (1988). The assessment of attention: I. Standardization and reliability of a behavior-based measure.Journal of Clinical Psychology,44, 682–690.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, M.,Mettelman, B.,Smith, D., &Irwin, M. (1990).ADHD profiles based upon a cluster analysis of clinic measures. Manuscript submitted for publication.

  • Grant, M. I., Ilai, D., Nussbaum, N. L., &Bioler, E. D. (1990). The relationship between the continuous performance tasks and neuropsychological tests in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.Perceptual & Motor Skills,70, 435–445.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hagerman, R. J., Murphy, M. A., &Wittenberoer, M. D. (1988). A controlled trial of stimulant medication in children with the Fragile X syndrome.American Journal of Medical Genetics,30, 377–392.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McClure, F. D., &Gordon, M. (1984). The performance of disturbed hyperactive and nonhyperactive children on an objective measure of hyperactivity.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology,12, 561–572.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Risser, A. H., &Hamsher, DeS. (1990, February).Vigilance and distractibility on a continuous performance task by severely head-injured adults. Paper presented at the 18th Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, Orlando, FL.

  • Saykin, A.,Janssen, R.,Cannon, L.,Moreno, I.,Sprehn, G.,O’Connor, B.,Watson, S., &Allen, R. (1990, February).Neurobehavioral patterns in HIV-1 infection: Relation of cognitive and affective changes and activities of daily living. Symposium presented at the 18th Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, Orlando, FL.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Post, E.M., Burko, M.S. & Gordon, M. Single-component microcomputer-driven assessment of attention. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 22, 297–301 (1990). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209819

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209819

Keywords

Navigation