Diurnal Effect on Differential Sensitivity, Temporal Processing in School-going Children

Abstract Introduction: The current study aimed to compare the parameters of temporal processing and differential sensitivity abilities in the morning and evening testing in three groups of participants (moderately morning, intermediate, and moderately evening). Methods: Sixty participants aged 10 to 15 with no otological complaints participated in the study. Based on the Morning–Eveningness Questionnaire, 60 participants were divided into three groups, with 20 participants in each group (moderately morning, intermediate type, and evening type), and included in the study. Difference limen for intensity, difference limen for frequency, duration discrimination test, gap detection test, and temporal modulation transfer function test were administered. The tests were administered twice daily, once in the morning (7.00–9.00 am) and in the evening (6.30–8.30 pm). Results: The results revealed no significant difference in the values of differential sensitivity and temporal processing abilities between morning and evening testing. Conclusion: The effect of circadian rhythm may not be present in children and would develop as age increases. The reduced selective attention in children may also have an impact on the obtained result. Hence, the present study suggests that diurnal changes do not affect school-going children’s differential sensitivity and temporal processing abilities.