Individual Differences in Executive Attention: Task Performance vs Self-Report

In previous research, executive attention has been measured through task performance and cognitive tasks such as the famous Stroop test. In a study, we sought to discover whether individuals can also indicate through self-report whether they have good executive attention skills. We developed and administered an attention questionnaire designed to reflect differences in the ability to focus attention and concentrate, to scan attention between stimulus or responses, and to sustain attention during boring tasks. We also measured attention with a series of cognitive tasks including Stroop, visual search, vigilance, and various other tests.  Undergraduate students completed these assessments to determine whether self-reporting and task performance were related. Preliminary analysis of these data showed significant but modest correlations between self-reporting and task performance for an individual’s executive attention. This suggests that individuals do not have clear self-awareness regarding their abilities in executive attention. In this study, the data was analyzed to determine if scores on attention strengths and weaknesses were different as a function of gender and race. Through statistical analysis, one-way ANOVAs, and correlation, it was determined that Black participants had a higher endorsement of attention weaknesses and White participants rated themselves lower in attention strength items. Gender had no significant effect on strong or weak scores.