Comparing explicit and implicit memory in children with attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder and matched typical developing children

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Associate Prpfessor, Psychology & Cognitive Rehabilitation Departments, Psychology Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Prpfessor, Psychology Department, Psychology Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

3 Msc of Clinical Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

4 Msc of Occupational Therapy, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

10.22122/jrrs.v10i1.913

Abstract

Introduction: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have problem in sustain attention that is necessary for learning. The purpose of present study is comparing explicit and implicit memory in children with attention deficit disorder and typically developing children. Material and Methods: In present cross sectional study, fifteen children with attention deficit disorder compared with fifteen typically developing children in Abarkouh city (Yzad, Iran). Children should be recalled auditory presented word immediately and after a delay for explicit memory and recognize presented words that merged with non presented word for implicit memory. T- Test and ANOVA were used for analysis.Findings: Results show that children with ADHD have lower performance than typically developing children in explicit memory task (P=0.041) Implicit memory task performed similarly in both groups (P=0.343).  Conclusion: Children with ADHD have deficit in explicit memory. We propose that education and rehabilitation strategy should be based on implicit learning.Key Words: Explicit Memory, Implicit Memory, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder