Effects of Early and Later Onset of Cerebral Dysfunction upon Psychological Test Performance

Abstract

30 pairs of young adults with cerebral dysfunction were matched according to education, sex, color, handedness, and chronological age at time of testing. In each pair one S had incurred cerebral damage prior to age 10 yr. and one after age 12 yr. Mean difference scores were compared by t test for 22 test measures. The later-injured group performed at generally better levels than did the early group, predominantly on several tasks which are not heavily dependent upon language skills. The findings are discussed with respect to developmental considerations.