There are reasons to hypothesize that depression impairs specifically pitch identification: Pitch identification was assessed using a choice reaction task [ 11], and visual choice reaction was poor in depression [ 6, 12, 13].
The effects of sleep loss on various cognitive functions have been elucidated by using a simple reaction task [13], [14] and a working memory (WM) task [15] in both healthy and sleep disordered subjects [16].
Most of these studies have focused on motor sequence learning by using a serial reaction time task combined with a secondary task.
The participants performed pitch identification using a four-choice reaction task, pitch contour perception, and pitch discrimination.
The performance of 16 attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD /C, 26 ADHD/IA, and 24 control children was compared using a computer reaction time task designed to measure the effects of Posner's orienting, conflict and alerting attentional systems.
For example, a recent study (Albrecht et al. 2008) compared boys diagnosed with ADHD with their unaffected siblings and with non-ADHD controls using a computerized reaction time task in which the stimuli were either congruent or incongruent with a previous target stimulus.
Deficits in implicit learning indicative of a fronto-striatal dysfunction have been reported using a serial reaction-time task (SRT), but the impact of typical neuroleptic medication and chronicity remains controversial.
In the present study, we sought to examine incentive motivation in psychosis, using a simple choice reaction time task (the Cued Reinforcement Reaction Time Task, or CRRT [ 20]) in which healthy participants have previously shown speeding of responses after presentation of coloured cues signalling higher probability of reward: 'reinforcement-related speeding'.
The cognitive load was manipulated using a concurrent simple reaction time task or a complex calculation task.
Response initiation was studied using a light dark discrimination reaction time task that required a correct response within 2.5 s of a spatially and temporally uncertain stimulus onset.
