This study used
computerized tests to examine the choice behavior of children who were considered to have demonstrated ADHD
behavioral patterns (hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive). The participants were 30 boys aging from 5 year old to 9 year old from the same class, with 15 considered to be hyperactive and the rest normal.
Preference assessment was conducted before the first computer tests to find out what items (food) the participants like and the 6 chosen items were then included in the 10 item trials. In one condition, reinforcers were delivered when a math problem was correctly answered and the children had the choice between large longer delayed reinforcer and small soon reinforcer; in the other condition, children would get one treat immediately if they answered an easy math question correctly and three treats immediately if they answered a difficult question correctly. Their class behaviors were collected for 3 consecutive mornings for the purpose of examining the relationship between preferences and classroom behavior. They found that children identified as having ADHD features shown more gross motor behavior, in appropriate vocalizations, inappropriate use of materials and inattention than controls. They chose smaller sooner rewards in the computerize tests more often than their peers and are more likely to choose easy problems that led to smaller reinforcers.
Preference assessment was used in this study to identify reinforcers relevant to each participant to make sure that the reinforcers exert effects when they make choices in the experimental conditions. The results obtained in this study showed that personal preference for children is related to personal characteristics, such as impulsivity results in choosing smaller but immediate options which leads to a lower overall value. Further more, the used of
computerized tests of self control (CTSC) was advantageous in that they can be attractive to young children; generation of test conditions is hence easier. CTSC is shown to be effective examining choice behaviours of children so future studies involving choice making and its relation to other aspects could consider using computer programs.