Attention tests 

picking the right test for the right study 

Attention is one of the most popular experimental variables in neuropsychology studies. But how do we measure attention using tests? There are quite a few tests dedicated to the measurement of attention. The classic Stroop test is the most widely used test for attention. It demonstrates a set of name of colors printed in a color that is not denoted by the name. For example, the word “green” may be printed in red color, but not green. This reaction time of interference is thought to reflect attention.

Another test -T.O.V.A test (test of variables of attention) is an assessment that measures someone’s attention. Generally, this test is conducted to help diagnose ADHD. It is not a traditional pen-and-paper test. It is a simple computer game that is thought to be extremely boring. And I guess this is the point: trying to see how long the attention span is under unexciting task. Nethertheless, it measures the test-taker’s response to visual and auditory stimulus by looking at the response times and the attention span.

The famous Chocolate Craving study is one of those experiments that look at attention and goal attainment. The reason for craving is generally due to unwanted thoughts and attention towards certain things, especially in food. For example, when someone is craving for chocolate, he or she can’t help but thinking about chocolate: having imaginary picture of chocolate in the mind, trying to remember the taste of chocolate and the feeling of smooth chocolate melting in the mouth… All these thoughts prevent people from focusing on current task and shifting attention even more towards the unwanted thoughts. In this particular study, the attention was not assessed using the T.O.V.A test. Instead, participants were asked to do a series of simple math addition problems and Stroop test. This study’s purpose was to examine the effectiveness of certain methods when dealing with craving. Strategy such as mediation is one of them. Then after the session, participants need to finish another series of math addition problems and Stroop test. The accuracy of the math problem and the reaction time of the Stroop test were recorded. If the participants performed better after the session, then that means the strategy is effective to some degree.

The T.O.V.A test of attention involves simple math problem, and other tasks. But in the chocolate craving test, the researchers chose the math addition problems and Stroop test to evaluate attention. When we are trying to think pick an appropriate test for testing one specific variable, depending on the participant group and method of administration, the test we can use varies. Because the group of participants in the chocolate craving study are healthy university students, using the whole battery of T.O.V.A test seems unnecessary. In conclusion, we should be cautious in choosing the appropriate test for the administrated group, and the tested variables.