Muszynska, Marianna and Ossmy, Ori (2025) A multivariate analysis reveals benefits of specific ADHD characteristics in trial-and-error learning. Working Paper. arXiv. (Submitted)
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Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts academic and occupational performance through symptoms of impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention. While deficits in cognitive functions such as executive function (EF) are well-documented in ADHD, the link between ADHD characteristics and the ability to solve problems via trial and error is more cloudy. We tested 70 adult participants, with ADHD and without, in trial-and-error reasoning problems called ‘Virtual Tools’. Performance metrics included success rates, number of attempts, completion time, and strategy measures. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct patterns of ADHD characteristics that are beneficial for trial and error. Individuals with higher inattention performed better, those with balanced ADHD profiles performed similarly to nonADHD controls. Profiles with high inattention switched trial-and-error strategies more often, supporting their performance. Findings imply that elevated levels of inattention may enable individuals to avoid becoming trapped in cognitive attractors, where they persist in using a single strategy with only marginal adjustments.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Monograph (Working Paper) |
|---|---|
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences |
| Research Centres and Institutes: | Brain and Cognitive Development, Centre for (CBCD) |
| Depositing User: | Ori Ossmy |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Jun 2025 09:12 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Sep 2025 13:13 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/55773 |
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