Normative Date of Attention by Cancelling Test (ACT) Among Fundamental Level Students

Abstract

This paper presents normative data concerning Attention by Cancelling Test (ACT). A group of 524 subjects aged between seven and 16 years and registered in elementary private and public schools in Natal/RN/Brazil took part in this research. Simultaneously differences were analyzed in student’s performance according to the type of school, gender and age. It was found that educational level and school type were statistically significant for student’s performance (p < 0.05), while gender did not show relevant effect. A statistically significant improvement in accuracy and speed in selectivity and alternance tasks was verified in students of 1st to 3rd primary school years. On the other hand, performance of students during the last three primary school years showed a clear stabilization, which leads to think in a developmental plateau in attention processes. Data issued from ACT showed sensibility in order to evaluate both neurodevelopmental and sociocultural aspects of human cognitive functioning.