Showing 14 results for Attention
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2015)
Abstract
Aim: Pediatric sleep problems can result in negative consequences for both mothers and children. Considering the relatively high prevalence of sleep disorders among children with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), this study was designed to investigate the impact of a sleep hygiene intervention to promote sleep problems in children with ADHD and maternal mental health.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 62 children aged 7-13 years with the diagnosis of ADHD and comorbid sleep disorders accompanied by their mothers. Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were completed by the children's mothers, and then the participants were allocated randomly into experimental and control groups. Mothers of the children in the experimental group received a sleep hygiene educational intervention, which was delivered through a training session and a booklet followed by two telephone calls and educational text messages. Participants in the control group received usual clinical care. The post-test was performed two months after intervention.
Findings: 56 participants (experimental group: n=28, control group: n=28) completed the survey. Data analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significant reduction in mean scores of CSHQ (P=0.001) and stress subscale scores (F= 0.106, P= 0/015), after controlling pre-test. Besides, the mothers' stress was correlated with the children's CSHQ overall scores (r= 0.52, P= 0.001).
Conclusion: Implementing a sleep hygiene intervention in a sample of children with ADHD could result in improved children sleep problems and maternal well-being.
Volume 4, Issue 1 (3-2013)
Abstract
In cognitive linguisics, the concept of perspective has an essential role to construe scenes. How to construe each scene is dependant upon what perspective a speaker and viewer of that scene have adopted towards it. This is why there are different utterances in language to express the same subject from different perspective. In other words, different speakers conceptualiz them different linguistically because different viewers conceptualize each scene differently. On the other hand, perspective has a determining role in narrative. It is worth mentioning that perspective includes some factors such as viewpoint, vantage point, orientation, figure and ground, subjectivity and objectivity and deixis, which in this research four of them have been taken into account. In this paper, the goal is to study the concept of perspective in three narrational categories of story and adopted filmscript and the film from the viewpoint of cognitive linguistics based on the theories of three outstanding cognitive linguists: Langacker, Talmy and Stockwell. The results showed an interaction among these three categories. The findings also proved that linguistic aspect is a dominant factor of perspective in story. It was also shown that the perspective is not a constant phenomenon, rather it might change through onfolding events in the story.
Volume 5, Issue 19 (6-2008)
Abstract
Maryam Bayad. PH.D
Q.Karimi Doostsn.PH.D
Zakarya Bezdodeh
Abstract
This article means to survey the focus of attention and the focus of narration in the narrative theories within a novel entitled as ”Turn of the Screw”. Within the narrative approaches, there is no tendency to make discriminations between the two aspects of point of view in narration. The distinction between the two concepts of narration and focus of observation were of notice before Gerard Genette; the famous French narrative theorist. Yet Gerard Genette made a systematic study on this distinction. Genette used these two different terms for point of view, in which the first one relates to the act in which verbal transfer of story takes place by the storyteller, ( narrator in literature) while the second one refers to the focus through which the narration is observed from these aspects; setting ( place –time) , psychologically and ideologically. Genette believes that in every narrative work two distinct aspects of point of view might be manifested through one single person or be transferred simultaneously through a few narrators and observers. In a narrative work such as “Turn of the Screw” by Henry James, which is as a matter of fact a prominent work in narrative literature, one can observe different aspects of point of view, in addition to focus of attention there. Therefore this research intends to study the two distinct aspects of point of view as mentioned and further on point to their significance within the best world literary works.
Volume 7, Issue 1 (3-2016)
Abstract
The present research is aimed to evaluate the working memory (WM) in Persian words (as a L2) in comparison to it in Chinese words (as L1) in Chinese Persian learners. Thirty learners at Dehkhoda institute were chosen as the study sample. Sampling has been relied on the available subjects who took part in the visual n-back task which was specifically designed to measure WM. The participants had to press the congruent key (predetermined number 1) if the stimulus was the same as the one presented just before, and pressed incongruent key (number 2) if it was not. Then they took part in the stroop test. In psychology, the Stroop effect is a demonstration of interference in the reaction time of a task. the stroop test here included 40 stimuli- a pseudorandom selection of 20 Persian words and 20 Chinese words, selected among four main color which was written with incongruent ink. The participants had to press the key predetermined the color of the word- not ink-. Accordingly, the score of their WM “accuracy”, WM “mean respond time”, attention bias “accuracy” and attention bias “mean respond time” have been calculated separately for both languages and compared with paired samples T test. Results illustrate a meaningful difference between L1 and L2 among the selective attention mean respond time, WM accuracy and WM mean respond time, and didn’t illustrate meaningful diference between L1 and L2 among selective attention accuracy.
Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of the present study was to identify the effectiveness of computer games interventions in improving attention and working memory of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Participants & Methods: This semi-experimental study was pre-test/post-test with the control group and the statistical population was the second to sixth grade students in Najafabad City in the academic year of 2018-2019. Among them, 20 students were purposively selected based on diagnostic interview and screening score using Swanson et al. questionnaire and were randomly divided into two 10 experimental and control groups. Data were collected using SNAP-IV (Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham; 2001) questionnaire, Digit Span Backwards Task (Wechsler; 2008) and Corsi Block-Tapping Test (Corsi; 1972). Computer game interventions consisting of 20-minute in 18 sessions run just for the experimental group. Finally, data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.
Findings: Results showed that computer game interventions had a positive effect on improving spatial visual attention and working memory, but there was no significant effect on verbal memory (p<0.05). Also, 74% of the differences in the groups were due to the impact of the intervention (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results, computer games as a cognitive intervention have been effective in increasing attention and spatial memory in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, it is suggested that new methods such as computer games can be used to improve cognitive skills and reduce students' learning problems.
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2020)
Abstract
Aims: This study was done to investigate the Effectiveness cognitive effect of visual and auditory memory on improving cognitive flexibility of children with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder.
Participants & Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental one which was done by pretest-posttest with control group. The statistical population of this study was all students with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in Kermanshah in the academic year of 2018-2019. The sample consisted of 34 people who were selected by randomized sampling and replaced in two equal groups of experimental (17 subjects) and control group (17 subjects). The research tools were: SWAN Qquestionnaire and Stroop Color-word Test. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation of Levine test and homogeneity of slope from regression and covariance analysis for study the research hypotheses.
Findings: The results of this study showed that cognitive effect of visual and auditory memory could improve the cognitive flexibility with effect size 0.45 in children with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder at the significant level (P<0.01)
Conclusion: It can be concluded that cognitive of visual and auditory memory training may enhance certain skills in ADHD children, but more research is required to generalize the positive effects of these programs to the other clinical features of ADHD.
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2020)
Abstract
Aims: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various interventions on the improvement of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Materials & Methods: Participants were 52 attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder children who were assigned to four experimental and control groups of 13. Data were gathered with strengths and difficulties questionnaire, n-back test, and continuous performance test.
Findings: The findings showed that the effect of therapeutic interventions on behavioral symptoms, attention, and working memory was significant. The maximum useful size was observed to be 0.66 on reaction speed, 0.57 on the correct response, and then 0.52 on Omission error. The sustainability of interventions in the next stage was significant and different.
Conclusion: The results indicate that most of the components of attention, working memory, and behavioral symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have been improved in all experimental groups.
Volume 12, Issue 1 (1-2024)
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the impact of specific socio-economic factors and eating habits on attention, working memory, and academic performance among high school students.
Instrument & Methods: The sample of this quantitative study comprised high school teenagers aged 15 to 22 years from both rural and urban areas. Eating habits were assessed using a questionnaire covering student demographics and dietary behaviors. Attention and working memory were evaluated using the computer-based Rey complex figure (RCF) test, while academic achievement was determined based on students' overall grades.
Findings: The results revealed correlations between certain dietary habits and RCF test parameters. Specifically, we observed a correlation between breakfast consumption frequency and attentional performance (χ2=6.599; p=0.037), as well as working memory (χ2=6.053, p=0.048). Additionally, we found associations between weekly consumption of fish and attentional performance, as well as between the consumption of milk and its derivatives, Argan oil, and attentional performance. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between weekly fruit consumption and students' memory performance.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significant impact of dietary habits on students' attention and working memory capacities. Adopting healthy eating habits enhances these neurocognitive skills, thereby contributing to improved academic success among adolescents.
Volume 12, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Aims: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects approximately 5.3% of children globally, causing significant functional challenges. This study examined the relationship between parental stress-coping strategies and the quality of life in children with this disorder.
Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, 220 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aged 8 to 12 years) and their parents were selected from medical centers affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Diagnoses were confirmed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist using DSM-5 criteria. Parents completed the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Short Form, while the children's quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric QoL Inventory.
Findings: Children rated their quality of life and its specific aspects higher than their parents did. A significant difference was observed only in the emotional coping strategy within the emotional functioning domain, where children in the high-quality-of-life group reported better scores (p=0.017). Other dimensions and coping strategies did not show statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Furthermore, from the parents' perspective, no significant associations were found between stress-coping strategies and their children's quality of life across any dimension (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Parental coping strategies, particularly those involving emotional support, play a key role in shaping the emotional experiences of children with ADHD.
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The present paper synthesizes the germane studies on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ motivation and foreign language anxiety (FLA) and their role in working memory. Earlier investigations have proved that learner motivation accelerates the learning process in working memory. Literature shows that learners prioritize some typical information based on their learning motivation. Nonetheless, specific strategies can be employed in order to augment learner motivation, which per se speeds up cognitive processing. Furthermore, earlier studies indicate a negative relationship between learners’ FLA and working memory. Learners’ FLA limits the attentional control system, which negatively affects learners’ working memory. Furthermore, the study offered some implications and future directions for the individuals like EFL teachers, teacher educators, and foreign language scholars. The postulations can improve their awareness of learner motivation and FLA and their role in working memory.
Volume 16, Issue 3 (8-2025)
Abstract
It is becoming an established strategy to add humor in Persian subtitles even often when the original dialogue does not include the created or any other humor. This study measures the impact of this strategy on viewers’ attention allocation while reading subtitles. The eye movements of 32 participants were recorded while watching a humorous and non-humorous version of the same scene extracted from Superchondriac (Boon, 2014), a French comedy. The results show that there is a significant difference between attention allocation in the two versions, and the viewers’ attention to the subtitles with added humor is significantly larger than non-humorous subtitles. The interviews showed that some viewers liked the added humor because they thought it is funny and close to their cultural and ideological views. On the other hand, some of the participants opted for the non-humorous subtitles because they thought the added humor was distracting, confusing, at times offensive, and detached from the original culture.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (2-2022)
Abstract
More than 30% of adults suffer from sleep deprivation (SD). SD has adverse effects on cognitive functions such as attention. In psychology, attention is defined as the concentration of awareness on some events to exclude other stimuli. It has a very important role in regulating the human behavior. Although several studies have investigated the alteration in activity of different attention supporting brain regions following SD, however, these effects are not still fully addressed. Considering the significance of attention in learning and directing the human behavior and regarding the high prevalence of SD, here we review the consequences of acute SD on activity and connectivity of different regions involved in the attention processing by focusing on neuroimaging studies.
Volume 25, Issue 2 (2-2022)
Abstract
Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that lipoproteins levels are associated with cognitive health. This study examines the relationship between lipoprotein levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and young adults. It addresses the impact of abnormal lipid levels and hypercholesterolemia on cognitive impairment.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study involving 123 healthy security guards aging 20- 60 years old. Lipid profiles included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured in serum. EEG recording was used to obtain the cognitive indicators of attention, memory, salience, language, mood and executive function. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between lipoproteins and cognitive indices.
Results: A significant relationship with executive function was found for TC (r = -0.2944, p = 0.0202) and LDL (r = -0.3687, p = 0.0032). Additionally, a significant relationship was found between attention and serum HDL levels (r = -0.1987, p = 0.0296). In middle-aged security guards, there was a significant correlation between attention and TC (r = -0.4338, p = 0.0187) and LDL (r = -0.3909, p = 0.0360). Also, there was a significant correlation between executive function and TC (r = -0.5475, p = 0.0368) as well as LDL (r = -0.6709, p = 0.0077).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that executive function and attention are key cognitive indices significantly linked to lipoproteins. In the middle-age group, higher TC and LDL levels correlated with lower cognitive scores compared to the general population, indicating a potential role of lipoprotein factors in cognition.
Sadjad Mousavi, Arsalan Golfam, Ferdows Agha Golzadeh, Aliyeh K. Z. Kambuziya,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (12-2019)
Abstract