Intro to Assessment: Processing Speed
Processing Speed is one’s ability to maintain speed and accuracy on simple timed tasks. More specifically, it is our ability to sustain attention well enough to complete a simple task by balancing speed and accuracy. Consider it our “thinking efficiency.” If one’s verbal comprehension skills are like in depth fact files on a computer, then processing speed is the WiFi.
What are Processing Speed Skills?
Processing speed skills aid in our “quick and accurate thinking,” and are considered to be important automatic processes for thinking efficiency and academic fluency. This involves how well their brain can process (take in, understand, and use) information, regardless of how smart they are. While Fluid Reasoning taps into one’s ability to process information efficiently by analyzing patterns, Processing Speed is much more about how well one can sustain attention, concentration, and effort to complete tasks. There are other factors that can influence performance on processing speed tasks, including executive functioning skills (e.g., sustained attention, sequencing), visual acuity, auditory processing, impulsivity, anxiety (perfectionism), fine motor skills, as well as other aspects of cognitive functions, including visual processing or working memory.
What do Processing Speed scores in the “Average” range mean?
If someone performs in the Average range on processing tasks, this demonstrates evidence that they have developmentally typical speed and fluency skills. They can sustain focus for adequate lengths of time to complete simple tasks accurately and efficiently when compared to others their age. These skills can contribute to their academic fluency, particularly when under timed pressure to perform (like tests). When processing speed is consistent with their other strengths and cognitive skills, these individuals generally have the capacity to learn efficiently in school and can demonstrate their skills rapidly and accurately when needed.
What do Processing Speed scores above the High Average, Very High, or Extremely High range mean?
High processing speed performance scores typically means someone can focus intently and complete tasks both rapidly and accurately. They are likely recognized as skilled in completing simple tasks or tests much faster than othes their age, particularly with mastered or rote tasks. These individuals may automatically process information quickly and unconsciously, and may even struggle to tolerate being taught something they already understand because it has “clicked” for them faster than it may have for others. If someone has strong processing speed, they are more efficient when thinking and learning and may complete tests or homework quickly. Occasionally, high processing speed can also lead to occasional pacing/rushing concerns so strategies can be helpful to slow down if needed.
What do Processing Speed scores in the Low Average, Very Low, or Extremely Low range mean?
Low processing speed skills indicate difficulties with efficiency skills. Individuals with difficulties in processing may struggle to sustain focus or follow through. This can be someone who needs several reminders (and good intention) to complete a task, yet can’t get started. While it does not mean someone cannot think or complete tasks, they likely need reminders, prompts, or focus strategies to complete tasks despite their intelligence or capability. Since processing speed skills are highly important in school settings, they may need additional skill building, support, or accommodations for extended time in order to demonstrate their knowledge on timed tasks. There can be many factors that influence processing speed performance other than pure weaknesses in this area, including testing error, underlying neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, health concerns, fine motor weaknesses, difficulty with performing under timed pressure, anxiety, and other cultural implications/factors. Of note, processing speed weaknesses can be common for children with high intellect, giftedness, or twice exceptionality (being gifted and having neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia) due to difficulties funneling or organizing their exceptional strengths on timed tasks.
Sources:
Forchelli G.A., et al. (2021). What is a processing speed weakness? Importance of cognitive ability when defining processing speed in a child psychiatric population. Child Neuropsycholgy, 28 (226-286).
American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, & National Council on Measurement in Education. (2014). Standards for educational and psychological testing. Washington, DC: American Educational Research Association.
Ayearst, L. E., & Bagby, R. M. (2010). Evaluating the psychometric properties of psychological measures. In M. M. Antony & D. H. Barlow (Eds.), Handbook of assessment and treatment planning for psychological disorders (pp. 23–61). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Groth-Marnat, G., & Wright, A. J. (2016). Handbook of psychological assessment (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
