Trail-making test
Encyclopedia
The Trail-making test is a neuropsychological test
of visual attention and task switching
. The task requires a subject to 'connect-the-dots
' of 25 consecutive targets on a sheet of paper or computer screen. Two versions are available: A, in which the targets are all numbers (1,2,3, etc.), and B, in which the subject alternates between numbers and letters (1, A, 2, B, etc.). The goal of the subject is to finish the test as quickly as possible, and the time taken to complete the test is used as the primary performance metric.
The test was initially used for assessing general intelligence (and was part of the Army Individual Test of General Ability), but has since become a common diagnostic tool in clinical settings as well, as poor performance is known to be associated with many types of brain impairment; in particular frontal lobe lesions.
Neuropsychological test
Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks used to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway. Tests are used for research into brain function and in a clinical setting for the diagnosis of deficits. They usually involve the...
of visual attention and task switching
Task switching (psychology)
Task switching is an experimental research paradigm frequently used in cognitive and experimental psychology. It is mainly used to investigate executive functions.- Background & History:...
. The task requires a subject to 'connect-the-dots
Connect the dots
Connect the dots, also known as dot to dot or join the dots is a form of puzzle containing a sequence of numbered dots. When a line is drawn connecting the dots the outline of an object is revealed. The puzzles often contain simple line art to enhance the image created or to assist in rendering a...
' of 25 consecutive targets on a sheet of paper or computer screen. Two versions are available: A, in which the targets are all numbers (1,2,3, etc.), and B, in which the subject alternates between numbers and letters (1, A, 2, B, etc.). The goal of the subject is to finish the test as quickly as possible, and the time taken to complete the test is used as the primary performance metric.
The test was initially used for assessing general intelligence (and was part of the Army Individual Test of General Ability), but has since become a common diagnostic tool in clinical settings as well, as poor performance is known to be associated with many types of brain impairment; in particular frontal lobe lesions.
External links
- PEBL Test Battery A free computer-based research-oriented implementation of the trail-making test is available as part of the