Comparison of High-and Low-Impulse Groups on Two Tests of Motor Inhibition

Abstract

The relationship between impulsivity and motor inhibition was investigated by comparing the performance of high- and low-impulse groups on the Chamber and Spiral Tests of Motor Inhibition. 80 Ss were employed and neither test differentiated the high- from low-impulse institutionalized Ss or delinquent from nondelinquent Ss. The significant correlation ( r = .74, p < .01, N = 80) obtained between the tests suggests that they are measuring the same trait (motor inhibition). However, the failure of the tests to differentiate the groups in the expected direction indicates that motor inhibition is, at best, only one aspect of impulsivity.