Interactive Avatar Boosts the Performances of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Dynamic Measures of Intelligence

• DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2018.0711
• Publication Date: 2019-08-23T14:11:02Z
• Authors: Rosa Angela Fabio; Tindara Caprì; Giancarlo Iannizz...; Andrea Nucita; Nasrin Mohammadha...
• Keywords: ADHD; dynamic measures; intelligence; interactive avatar; virtual avatar; Intelligence Tests; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; 4. Education; 05 social sciences; Humans; Child; 0503 education; Feedback

This study examined both children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and typically developing students in dynamic measures of intelligence through the use of a virtual avatar. Three conditions were compared: in the first condition, the avatar simply gave the instructions; in the second condition, the avatar presented the instructions and gave feedback on the attention of the learner; in the third condition, the avatar was not presented. Results indicated that ADHD subtypes do not differ in problem solving and the interactive avatar improved the performance of groups with ADHD in the dynamic intelligence test. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that the function of regulation and feedback of the avatar improve the attention process and, consequently, boosts performance.