The attention controls of 30 learning disabled and 30 normal males (8-to 11-years-old) were tested by a vigilance task in which vigilance was defined as ability to detect infrequently occurring signals over a prolonged time period when signals were embedded in a background of regularly occurring events. (Author/GW)

Evaluated with 18 learning disabled boys (from 6 to 12 years of age) was the diagnostic potential of a vigilance task to evaluate the effects of medication on attention span and distractibility. (DB)

A series of studies on hyperkinesis in learning disabled children conducted at Texas Tech University over the past 10 years is reviewed. The research is described to have included three phases: the development of a basic vigilance task for assessing hyperkinesis and attentional deficits (a computer controlled series of regularly occuring events to…

A modified operant design demonstrated the effectiveness of the feedback procedure. Significant changes were evidenced by all groups of subjects. Initial results and follow-up observations indicated that the attending behavior of the experimental subjects increased and was maintained, without the use of tangible reinforcers. (Author)

An attempt was made to modify the attending, on-task behavior of hyperkinetic children in a naturalistic school setting. The boys were taught how to "pay attention." The procedures utilized were based on previous research findings regarding the performance of hyperkinetics on a vigilance monitoring task. (Author)