Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The Conner Continuous Performance Test Third Edition (CPT-3) is a behavior-based measure of attention-related problems commonly used to assess Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Research into the discriminant validity of the CPT-3 remains limited, particularly regarding the influence of internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression on performance. The current study examined whether CPT-3 performance was more strongly associated with cognitive indicators of inattention or internalizing symptoms, such as depressive or anxious symptoms. Archival data from 105 adult clients at Murray State University Psychological Center was analyzed. Cognitive inattention was measured using Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) – Working Memory Index (WMI) discrepancy score. Anxiety (ANX) and Depression (DEP) scores from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was used as the measure for internalizing symptoms. Pearson’s correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted on the CPT-3 Detectability, Omissions, and Hit Reaction Time (HRT) Standard Deviation scores. Results indicated that VCI-WMI discrepancy scores were not significantly associated with CPT-3 performance indices. PAI Anxiety scores demonstrated significant positive relationship with CPT-3 Omission Errors. Furthermore, VCI, WMI, and Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) scores demonstrated significant negative relationships with certain CPT-3 indicies. These findings suggests that the CPT-3 performance may reflect broader psychological functioning beyond ADHD-related attentional dysfunction alone. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of multi-modal approach to assessment and a need for further research into the CPT-3.

Year manuscript completed

2026

Year degree awarded

2026

Degree Awarded

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

College/School

College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Thesis Advisor

Laura Liljequist

Committee Chair

Laura Liljequist

Committee Member

Mike Bordieri

Committee Member

Jana Hackathorn

Committee Member

Alison Brown

Document Type

Thesis

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