Department or Program

Psychology

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by one or more of the following: poor attention, impulsivity, and kinetic over-activity. Many studies have found support for the theory that ADHD is the result of right hemisphere dysfunction. Additionally, those with ADHD often resemble older adults or patients with right hemisphere lesions who show clear signs of left hemi-spatial neglect. Several studies have attempted to identify differences in lateralization between the ADHD subtypes, although the results have been conflicting. The current study aims to clarify these conflicting results by controlling for a number of relevant factors including age, gender, and ADHD sub-type. In part 1 of the study, participants completed a screening task comprised of both ADHD and handedness measures. In part 2, participants found to be eligible completed a number of lateralization measures. Results of a line bisection task were not significant, however the overall trends were consistent with those found in previous research, indicating evidence of a slight leftward perceptual bias in controls known as pseudo-neglect, a stronger leftward bias in ADHD-I groups, and a contrasting rightward bias in ADHD-C/H groups. On a cancellation task, participants with ADHD-C/H made significantly more left- than right-sided omissions, as well as more left-sided omissions than the ADHD-I group. Results of the lateralization drawing task indicated that both ADHD groups showed a tendency to draw objects more toward the right side than controls. Implications of the current study and ideas for future research are discussed.

Level of Access

Open Access

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-2012

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

60

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