Consideration of the several processes involved in sustained attention underscores the need for techniques designed to separate the components. This study_employed two parameters from signal detection theory, perceptual sensitivity [P(A)] and decision criterion cutoff scores [Z(S/M)]> in the analysis of vigilance performance of hyperactive (« = 30), hypoxic (n = 30), and normal (n = 47) children Signal detection analyses of three Continuous Performance Test conditions indicated that, with increasing age, children obtained significantly more hits, fewer false alarms, higher perceptual sensitivity, and responded with greater caution Overall deficits in signal discrimination (perceptual sensitivity level) were obtained for both the hyperactive and the hypoxic groups when compared to normal age mates Whereas the hypoxic group demonstrated additional decrements in sustaining attention (sensitivity decrement over time), the hyperactive children were impaired by lowresponse caution, reflecting difficulty inhibiting impulsive responses Possible differences in hyperactive sample characteristics across studies and time-related recovery factors following hypoxia are discussed

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