Age and sex differences in neurobehavioral performance: a study of Portuguese elementary school children

Int J Neurosci. 2005 Dec;115(12):1687-709. doi: 10.1080/00207450590958556.

Abstract

In this study normative data were obtained on measures of IQ, visual/motor, motor and memory functions among Portuguese elementary school children. Subjects were 228 females and 275 males, 8.0 to 11.9 years of age, in grades 2 through 4, who participated in a dental study. Performance on all tests improved with increasing age. Females performed better in rote verbal learning, psychomotor speed, and speed of information processing. Males had higher scores on tests of visual learning, visual memory, and fine motor speed and coordination. Nonverbal IQ had a significant impact on all tests except motor speed and coordination. Results represent an initial attempt to evaluate Portuguese children in educational and medical settings.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / physiology*
  • Child Development / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / physiology
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Portugal
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reference Values
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Verbal Learning / physiology