Development of a Computerized Cognitive Skills Package and Evaluation of Its Effectiveness on Selective Attention, Response Inhibition, and Working Memory in Children with Dyslexia

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a computerized cognitive skills package and investigate its effects on selective attention, response inhibition, and working memory in children with dyslexia. In the package-development phase, a qualitative research method was employed in two stages. In the first stage, a triangulation strategy was used to enhance the credibility of the findings. In the second stage, the designed computerized package was validated using the Delphi method and the opinions of 10 psychology specialists. The quantitative phase employed a quasi-experimental design. Thirty third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade children in Tabriz were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group, with 15 participants in each group. Following the implementation of the researcher-developed computerized cognitive skills package for the experimental group, the d2 Test, Stroop Test, and N-back Test were administered to both groups as posttests. The resulting data were subsequently analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The findings indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in selective attention, response inhibition, and working memory. It can therefore be concluded that the developed computerized cognitive skills package is effective in improving selective attention, response inhibition, and working memory among children with dyslexia.