Processing speed is a bit like your computers processing speed - it is how long it takes to do the mental work to produce infomration or the amswer or whatever it was you were asked to do. Some folk are faster at this than others and it is separate from memory size or thinking ability - it is simply how lng it takes to show your thinking. If there is a big differnce between thinking and processing speed there is often accompanying frustration, tendencies towards rushing and cutting corners.
Thanks Alison. So, it's a mental thing; ie, how long it takes to actually work out the problem? Or is it a physical thing; ie, how long it takes to physically write down the answer? Eg, the child can work out the answer quickly but can't write it down fast enough (so, a gap between thinking speed and writing speed).
Sorry, I just can't seem to wrap my head around it. Could you give me an example?
It's a mental thing; the way it is measured may involve writing, or recording, something on paper and obviously will be effected by hand-eye coordination/fine motor skills etc. however, if a child has issues concerning FMS these are usually obvious and so tests of processing speed would need to be carefully selected. Processing speed can be measured as visual or auditory but many tasks involve a combination of both. Where it gets tricky is trying to determine what is delaying processing: is it the remembering of relevant information, the recall of required facts or the actual ability to manipulate the information effectively?
Hope this helps
On that note, I have another question. I remember reading that this is often a 'sticking point' area in testing with gifted kids. Does anyone know why that is?
Alison can you explain further what you meant by the difference in thinking and processing speed? Apart from frustration what might other implications be?
I find this really interesting so if anyone has good web links / reading I'd be fascinated!
Thanks
Madelaine
