I. Core Executive Function Tasks (Miyake Framework)
Shifting/Mental Set Shifting Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plus-Minus Task | Mental set shifting | Arithmetic processing, processing speed | Switch cost (alternating list time minus average single-task time) |
| Number-Letter Task | Task switching | Visual attention, categorical judgement | Switch cost RT, accuracy difference switch vs. non-switch trials |
| Local-Global Task | Perceptual set shifting | Visual processing, response inhibition | Switch cost, interference effects from incongruent stimuli |
| Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) | Conceptual set shifting | Concept formation, feedback utilisation | Perseverative errors, categories completed, failure to maintain set |
| Trail Making Test Part B | Cognitive flexibility | Visual scanning, motor speed, working memory | Completion time (B minus A), error count |
| Task Switching Paradigm | Task-set reconfiguration | Conflict monitoring, preparation effects | Switch cost, mixing cost, preparation benefits |
Updating/Working Memory Monitoring Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-Back Task | Working memory updating | Sustained attention, response inhibition | Accuracy (% correct), d-prime, reaction time slope with increasing n |
| Keep Track Task | Multi-source updating | Categorical memory, interference control | Proportion correctly recalled, intrusion errors |
| Letter Memory Task | Serial updating | Phonological loop, rehearsal suppression | Proportion correctly recalled, position errors |
| Operation Span | Complex working memory | Arithmetic processing, dual-tasking | Total words recalled correctly, proportion correct equations |
| Reading Span | Verbal working memory | Language processing, comprehension | Total words recalled correctly, reading time |
| Spatial Span | Visuospatial updating | Spatial memory, mental rotation | Span length, sequence reproduction accuracy |
| Running Memory Span | Continuous updating | Temporal order memory, interference control | Proportion correctly recalled, recency effects |
Inhibition/Response Control Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stroop Colour-Word Test | Interference control | Reading automaticity, selective attention | Interference score (incongruent minus neutral RT), error rate |
| Stop-Signal Task | Response inhibition | Impulse control, timing estimation | Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT), go trial RT, probability of inhibition |
| Go/No-Go Task | Response withholding | Sustained attention, prepotent response control | Commission errors (false alarms), omission errors, d-prime |
| Antisaccade Task | Oculomotor inhibition | Visual attention, voluntary saccade control | Direction errors (prosaccades), antisaccade latency, gain |
| Flanker Task | Interference suppression | Selective attention, conflict monitoring | Congruency effect (incongruent minus congruent RT), error rates |
| Simon Task | Stimulus-response interference | Spatial compatibility effects, conflict resolution | Simon effect (incongruent minus congruent RT) |
| Hayling Sentence Completion | Verbal inhibition | Semantic processing, verbal fluency | Response inhibition errors, completion time |
II. Memory Assessment Tasks
Working Memory Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digit Span | Verbal working memory | Attention, auditory processing | Forward span, backward span, total score |
| Corsi Block-Tapping | Visuospatial working memory | Spatial attention, sequential processing | Forward span, backward span, total score |
| Spatial Working Memory | Spatial updating | Strategic search, error monitoring | Between-search errors, strategy score |
| Sternberg Task | Working memory scanning | Memory search, decision making | Set-size effect on RT, accuracy across set sizes |
Long-Term Memory Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rey Auditory Verbal Learning | Verbal episodic memory | Learning rate, interference effects | Total learning, delayed recall, recognition hits/false alarms |
| California Verbal Learning | Verbal learning/memory | Semantic clustering, proactive interference | Learning trials, short/long delay recall, recognition |
| Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure | Visuospatial memory | Planning, perceptual organisation | Copy accuracy, immediate/delayed recall scores |
| Paired Associates Learning | Associative memory | Relational binding, pattern separation | Trials to criterion, errors across trials |
| Pattern Recognition Memory | Visual recognition | Perceptual discrimination, novelty detection | Percentage correct, response latency |
| Spatial Recognition Memory | Spatial recognition | Location memory, positional discrimination | Percentage correct, response bias |
III. Attention and Processing Speed Tasks
Sustained Attention Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Performance Test | Sustained attention | Vigilance, response consistency | Omission/commission errors, hit rate, reaction time variability |
| Mackworth Clock Test | Vigilance | Visual monitoring, signal detection | Hits, misses, false alarms, reaction time slowing |
| Psychomotor Vigilance Task | Sustained attention | Simple reaction time, lapse frequency | Reaction time, lapses (RT > 500ms), fastest/slowest 10% RT |
| SART (Sustained Attention Response) | Sustained attention | Response withholding, error awareness | Commission errors, omission errors, RT variability |
Selective Attention Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| D2 Test of Attention | Selective attention | Visual scanning, concentration | Total processed, concentration performance, error percentages |
| Test of Everyday Attention | Attentional components | Divided attention, auditory attention | Elevator counting, visual elevator, telephone search scores |
| Posner Cueing Task | Attentional orienting | Exogenous/endogenous attention, disengagement | Valid/invalid cue effects, cost-benefit analysis |
| Visual Search Tasks | Feature/conjunction search | Parallel/serial processing, pop-out effects | Set-size slope, search efficiency ratios |
Processing Speed Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digit Symbol Coding | Processing speed | Visual-motor coordination, associative learning | Number of correct symbols in time limit |
| Trail Making Test Part A | Visual-motor speed | Visual scanning, number sequencing | Completion time, error count |
| Symbol Search | Perceptual speed | Visual discrimination, decision making | Number correct minus errors |
| Choice Reaction Time | Decision speed | Motor preparation, stimulus-response mapping | Mean RT, RT variability, error rate |
IV. Language and Verbal Function Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled Oral Word Association | Verbal fluency | Lexical access, cognitive flexibility | Total words generated (F, A, S), clustering/switching |
| Semantic Verbal Fluency | Semantic memory | Category access, retrieval strategies | Total animals/items, clustering patterns |
| Boston Naming Test | Confrontation naming | Lexical retrieval, visual recognition | Number correctly named, cueing benefits |
| Token Test | Auditory comprehension | Following commands, working memory | Total correct, error types |
| Peabody Picture Vocabulary | Receptive vocabulary | Semantic knowledge, picture matching | Standard score, age equivalents |
V. Visuospatial and Perceptual Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judgement of Line Orientation | Visuospatial perception | Angular discrimination, mental rotation | Number correct, error magnitude |
| Benton Facial Recognition | Face perception | Pattern matching, visual memory | Total correct, matching accuracy |
| Visual Object and Space Perception | Object/space processing | Form discrimination, spatial localisation | Subtest scores, error patterns |
| Mental Rotation Tasks | Spatial manipulation | Image transformation, mental imagery | Accuracy, rotation slope, response time |
| Block Design | Visuoconstructional ability | Analysis-synthesis, motor planning | Time scores, construction accuracy |
VI. Social Cognition Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading the Mind in the Eyes | Theory of mind | Emotional recognition, mental state attribution | Number correct, response confidence |
| Faux Pas Recognition | Social reasoning | Perspective-taking, empathy | Detection accuracy, justification quality |
| Iowa Gambling Task | Decision making | Risk assessment, reversal learning | Net score, deck selections, learning curves |
| Ultimatum Game | Social decision making | Fairness perception, emotion regulation | Acceptance rates, offer patterns |
| Emotion Recognition Tasks | Affect perception | Facial processing, emotional labelling | Accuracy for basic/complex emotions |
VII. Higher-Order Executive and Planning Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tower of London/Hanoi | Planning/problem solving | Inhibition, working memory, rule learning | Moves to solution, planning time, rule violations |
| Stockings of Cambridge | Spatial planning | Working memory, impulse control | Problems solved in minimum moves, initial thinking time |
| Proverb Interpretation | Abstract reasoning | Verbal comprehension, conceptual thinking | Concrete/abstract responses, quality of explanation |
| Raven’s Progressive Matrices | Fluid intelligence | Pattern recognition, relational reasoning | Total correct, difficulty level achieved |
| Category Test | Concept formation | Feedback learning, cognitive flexibility | Total errors, perseverative errors, learning curves |
| Twenty Questions Task | Hypothesis testing | Information gathering, efficient questioning | Number of questions, constraint questions percentage |
VIII. Motor and Praxis Tasks
| Task Name | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finger Tapping Test | Motor speed | Motor control, lateralisation | Taps per 10 seconds, inter-hand difference |
| Grooved Pegboard | Fine motor dexterity | Visuomotor coordination, manipulation | Completion time, drops/errors |
| Purdue Pegboard | Manual dexterity | Bimanual coordination, assembly | Number placed, assembly scores |
| Luria Motor Sequences | Motor programming | Sequential learning, perseveration | Sequence accuracy, timing, perseverative errors |
IX. Computerised Test Batteries
| Battery Name | Included Domains | Key Features | Representative Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANTAB | Memory, attention, executive | Touch-screen, normed database | SWM, PRM, SSP, IED, SST |
| CNS Vital Signs | Neurocognitive screening | Brief, automated scoring | Verbal/Visual Memory, Finger Tapping, Symbol Digit |
| ANAM | Cognitive readiness | Military applications, repeated testing | Matching to Sample, Mathematical Processing |
| NIH Toolbox | Multi-domain assessment | Age 3-85, iPad administration | Flanker, DCCS, Pattern Comparison |
| Cogstate | Clinical trials | Minimal practice effects, sensitivity | Detection, Identification, One Card Learning |
X. Ecological/Real-World Assessment
| Assessment Type | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple Errands Test | Real-world executive | Planning, rule following, multitasking | Task completion, rule breaks, efficiency |
| Virtual Reality Shopping | Everyday memory | Navigation, budgeting, organisation | Items purchased, route efficiency, budget adherence |
| Prospective Memory Tests | Future-oriented memory | Time-based/event-based PM | PM hits, ongoing task performance |
| Naturalistic Action Test | Procedural memory | Object use, sequencing, error detection | Action errors, sequence errors, omission errors |
XI. Physiological Correlates of Cognitive Performance
| Measure | Cognitive Correlates | Typical Recording During | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEG/ERP (P300) | Attention, memory updating | Oddball paradigms, working memory tasks | Amplitude (resource allocation), latency (processing speed) |
| EEG/ERP (N400) | Semantic processing | Sentence reading, word priming | Semantic integration difficulty |
| EEG/ERP (ERN/Ne) | Error monitoring | Flanker, go/no-go tasks | Error detection sensitivity, performance monitoring |
| fNIRS (PFC oxygenation) | Executive load | N-back, Stroop, task switching | Prefrontal haemodynamic response to cognitive demand |
| Eye Tracking (fixations) | Visual attention, strategy | Reading, visual search, problem solving | Fixation duration, saccade patterns, scan paths |
| Pupillometry | Cognitive effort, arousal | Memory load, attention tasks | Pupil dilation amplitude, latency |
XII. Meta-Cognitive Assessment
| Task/Measure | Primary Function | Secondary Functions | Key Performance Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeling of Knowing | Meta-memory monitoring | Confidence calibration, retrieval monitoring | FOK accuracy, gamma correlations |
| Judgement of Learning | Learning monitoring | Study time allocation, memory predictions | JOL accuracy, resolution indices |
| Retrospective Confidence | Performance evaluation | Error awareness, decision certainty | Confidence-accuracy relationship |
| Cognitive Reflection Test | Intuitive vs. reflective thinking | Impulse suppression, analytical reasoning | Correct solutions, intuitive errors |
Summary of Primary Function-Task Associations
| Cognitive Function | Primary Assessment Tasks | Key Performance Indices |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Set Shifting | WCST, Task Switching, Trail Making B | Switch cost, perseverative errors, completion time |
| Working Memory Updating | N-Back, Operation Span, Keep Track | Accuracy, span length, updating efficiency |
| Response Inhibition | Stop-Signal, Go/No-Go, Stroop | SSRT, commission errors, interference effects |
| Planning | Tower of London, Stockings of Cambridge | Moves to solution, planning time, rule adherence |
| Sustained Attention | CPT, PVT, SART | Omission errors, reaction time variability, lapses |
| Episodic Memory | RAVLT, CVLT, Pattern Recognition | Learning slope, delayed recall, recognition discrimination |
| Processing Speed | Digit Symbol, Trail Making A, Choice RT | Items completed/time, mean reaction time |
| Verbal Fluency | COWAT, Semantic Fluency | Total words, clustering/switching patterns |
| Social Cognition | RMET, Faux Pas, Iowa Gambling | Accuracy, net score, learning curves |
| Visuospatial Ability | Judgement of Line Orientation, Block Design | Accuracy, completion time, error types |
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