Differential effects on latencies in solving reasoning items

Item response times in computerized untimed intelligence tests are investig ated. Recent findings show that incorrect answers require more time than co rrect answers. In the present study the "false > correct-phenomenon" was in vestigated with regard to its generality and its universality. For this pur pose 169 participants (mean age 14;6 years) were given 3 reasoning tests (f igure series, number series, and verbal analogies). Results confirmed the g enerality of the "false > correct-phenomenon". But the weaker the test perf ormance the smaller was the difference between the latencies for correct an d false answers (restricted universality). Moderate positive correlations b etween latencies and test scores were found. The timing behavior was consis tent over all tests. It is assumed that timing behavior could provide addit ional diagnostic information concerning a more process-oriented interpretat ion of test performance. Cognitive styles (i.e. impulsivity vs. reflexivity ) can nor be taken as an explanation of the timing behavior.