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Development of oculomotor functioning in preadolescence, adolescence, and adulthood

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 July 2016

JOANNA KATSANIS
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
WILLIAM G. IACONO
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
MARK HARRIS
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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Abstract

We examined developmental differences in smooth pursuit eye tracking proficiency in a large sample of preadolescent, adolescent, and adult males. Smooth pursuit was quantified using general measures of oculomotor functioning and by examining the frequency and dynamic characteristics of specific saccadic events. Examination of age effects using general measures indicated that, by late adolescence, the smooth pursuit system reached adult levels of functioning. No significant differences were found between the adolescent and adult groups on most global measures. However, both groups had better eye tracking than the preadolescent group, suggesting that during preadolescence the oculomotor system is still developing and is not yet capable of optimal performance. Examination of the frequency and dynamic characteristics of the saccadic events yielded additional information regarding the nature of the smooth pursuit eye tracking differences of the three age groups.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
1998 Society for Psychophysiological Research

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