The construct validity of selective attention in a computerized test battery for attentional performance in children (KITAP)

Abstract

Selective attention is highly relevant for the psychosocial development of children. The KITAP test results of N = 467 children (52 % boys) aged 7 – 10 years (M = 105.23 months, SD = 5.87) in the subtests Distractibility and Go/NoGo are presented. Theoretical assumptions regarding selective attention in the KITAP are reviewed. It was not possible to present a model specification of selective attention, which represents the available data adequately. An exploratory factor analysis resulted in three factors (performance speed, performance quality, and effect of interference) with 45 % explained variance. In addition, age and sex effects were identified. The reliability scores were very similar to the standardization sample and are only partially satisfactory. Consequences for the differential interpretation of the two KITAP subtests are discussed.