Some thoughts on neurocognitive slowing

An historical review of the use of Brinley analyses in reaction time studies of age-related cognitive slowing is presented. The debate between critics and supporters of this procedure is discussed. It is concluded that the debate has served to sharpen our understanding of when and how this analytic procedure should be used. It is also argued that our insights into mental slowing may be deepened by studying this phenomenon using cognitive psychophysiological methods.