Executive function

Multitasking Test (MTT)

The Multitasking Test is a test of the participant’s ability to manage conflicting information provided by the direction of an arrow and its location on the screen and to ignore task-irrelevant information.

Executive function tasks

Task format

The test displays an arrow which can appear on either side of the screen (right or left) and can point in either direction (to the right or to the left).

Each trial displays a cue at the top of the screen that indicates to the participant whether they have to select the right or left button according to the “side on which the arrow appeared” or the “direction in which the arrow was pointing”.

In some sections of the task this rule is consistent across trials (single task) while in others it may change from trial to trial in a randomised order (multitasking). Using both rules in a flexible manner places a higher demand on cognition then using a single rule.

Some trials display congruent stimuli (e.g. arrow on the right side pointing to the right) whereas other trials display incongruent stimuli, which require a higher cognitive demand (e.g. arrow on the right side of the screen pointing to the left).

CANTAB® cognitive assessments

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Multitasking Test (MTT)

Outcome measures

Outcome measures for the Multitasking Test include response latencies and error scores that reflect the participant’s ability to manage multitasking and the interference of incongruent task-irrelevant information on task performance (i.e. a Stroop-like effect).

Recommended use

We would recommend using this test to assess cognitive function in:

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