Problem solving in hyperactive, normal, and reading-disabled boys.

Diagnostic problem solving was examined in groups of hyperactive, normal, and nonhyperactive reading-disabled boys matched on age and verbal IQ. On the matrix solution task employed (a version of the game of 20 Questions) hyperactives used less efficient questions and strategies than the other two groups, in spite of the task being designed to maximize the performance of the hyperactives. Reading-disabled children were not significantly worse than normal children on the task. The results were interpreted as suggesting that the attentional difficulties of hyperactives retard the development of strategies for solving complex problems. Nonhyperactive reading-disabled children may be less affected in this area because of the absence of significant attentional difficulties.