Abstract: | Questions the assumption that a central processing deficit exists in the speed of performing mental operations by children as compared to adults. Two hypotheses were proposed. First, developmental differences in reaction time need not be due to differences in the speed of elementary mental operations. Data from the Sternberg scanning paradigm are cited as evidence. Second, above and beyond reaction time differences attributable to peripheral processes, further differences can be accounted for by children's use of inefficient processes. Data from qua tification studies are provided as supportive evidence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |