Processing speed development in the United States and Taiwan: a brief report

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.111227

Explanation

Processing speed in brain functioning is an important component of intelligence and an important cognitive ability in facilitating human learning.

Previous research has investigated the development of processing speed across cultures. This study used aggregate data from standardized Wexler scales in the United States and Taiwan over the past 20 years to investigate processing speed performance.

Comparing national standards from ages 4 to 80, the study found that older Taiwanese people had slower processing speeds than their U.S. counterparts.

Conversely, younger Taiwanese recorded faster processing speeds than their U.S. counterparts. This evidence shows that physiological, environmental, and genetic factors contribute to group differences in the development of processing speed.