Result type (correct or incorrect) of a given trial as part of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Domain Dimensional Change Card Sort Test

Ages 3 to 85.

2016-04-07

Copyright: 2006-2016 National Institutes of Health and Northwestern University. References: http://www.healthmeasures.net/score-and-interpret/interpret-scores/nih-toolbox. More information: http://www.nihtoolbox.org/Resources/Pages/Lists,descriptions-of-measures.aspx

The NIH Toolbox Dimensional Change Card Sort Test is a measure of cognitive flexibility. Two target pictures are presented that vary along two dimensions (e.g., shape and color). Participants are asked to match a series of bivalent test pictures (e.g., yellow balls and blue trucks) to the target pictures, first according to one dimension (e.g., color) and then, after a number of trials, according to the other dimension (e.g., shape). "Switch" trials are also employed, in which the participant must change the dimension being matched. For example, after four straight trials matching on shape, the participant may be asked to match on color on the next trial and then go back to shape, thus requiring the cognitive flexibility to quickly choose the correct stimulus. This test takes approximately four minutes to administer and is recommended for ages 3-85. For scoring instructions, please refer to the NIH Toolbox Scoring and Interpretation Manual: http://www.nihtoolbox.org/WhatAndWhy/Scoring%20Manual/NIH%20Toolbox%20Scoring%20and%20Interpretation%20Manual%209-27-12.pdf