Differences between normal, learning disabled and gifted children based upon an auditory evoked potential task

The averaged auditory evoked potentials of 42 children were compared to investigate any differences that may exist between LD, normal and gifted children. The three groups were selected according to their IQ scores on the the Otis-Lennon psychometric test and school performance. All hyperkinetic children were screened out of the study. The auditory stimulus in the study was presented with an odd ball stimulus paradigm. Significant differences between the groups were found during the target or odd-ball stimulus condition. The significant differences between the averaged evoked potential P3 and Late components of the LD, normal and gifted groups reflected a difference existing between the groups in two main areas of cognitive functioning. First, in the group's ability to recognise the stimulus as the target tone. Second, in the group's ability to resolve the task after the response was made and ready themselves for the next stimulus. The gifted group was best able to recognise the target tone, respond to it, and the ready themselves for the next trial. The LD group had the most difficulty recognising the target tone, resolving the task as finished, and ready themselves for the next trial