Face processing in autism spectrum disorder re-evaluated through diffusion models

Neuropsychology
Georgie PowellPetroc Sumner

Abstract

Research using cognitive or perceptual tasks in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often relies on mean reaction time (RT) and accuracy derived from alternative-forced choice paradigms. However, these measures can confound differences in task-related processing efficiency with caution (i.e., preference for speed or accuracy). We examined whether computational models of decision-making allow these components to be isolated. Using data from two face-processing tasks (face recognition and egocentric eye-gaze discrimination), we explored whether adolescents with ASD and wide-ranging intellectual ability differed from an age and IQ matched comparison group on model parameters that are thought to represent processing efficiency, caution, and perceptual encoding/motor output speed. We found evidence that autistic adolescents had lower processing efficiency and caution but did not differ from nonautistic adolescents in the time devoted to perceptual encoding/motor output. These results were more consistent across tasks when we only analyzed participants with IQ above 85. Cross-task correlations suggested that processing efficiency and caution parameters were relatively stable across individuals and tasks. Furthermore, logistic classificati...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 5, 2020·Personality and Individual Differences·Craig HedgePetroc Sumner
Mar 12, 2021·Brain Structure & Function·Phoebe ImmsKaren Caeyenberghs
May 4, 2021·Attention, Perception & Psychophysics·Daniel PooleEllen Poliakoff
Oct 5, 2021·Cognitive Science·Anton Leontyev, Takashi Yamauchi

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Attention Disorders

Attention is involved in all cognitive activities, and attention disorders are reported in patients with various neurological diseases. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to attention disorders.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues. Here is the latest research on autism.