['5 digit test': a multilinguistic non-reading alternative to the Stroop test]

Area of Science:

• Cognitive psychology
• Neuroscience
• Psychometrics

Context:

• The Stroop test is a standard measure of executive functions.
• Existing tests can be limited by reading ability, education, and social class.
• A multilingual, non-reading alternative is needed for broader cognitive assessment.

Purpose:

• Introduce the five digit test (5DT) as a novel cognitive assessment tool.
• Evaluate the 5DT's efficacy as a multilingual, non-reading alternative to the Stroop test.
• Assess the impact of aging and neurological conditions on cognitive performance using the 5DT.

Summary:

• The five digit test (5DT) utilizes digit groups to assess processing speed and attentional control, accommodating variations in numerical value versus quantity.
• The 5DT demonstrated advantages over traditional tests by minimizing educational and socioeconomic biases, enabling assessment in younger populations and clinical cases unable to read.
• Studies involving aging adults (55+) and individuals with cerebrovascular episodes revealed age-related slowing and significant cognitive deficits due to neurological dysfunction.

Impact:

• The 5DT provides a valid method for exploring Stroop-like effects in prereading and non-reading individuals across different languages.
• This tool expands the scope of cognitive testing, particularly for diverse and clinical populations.
• Findings highlight the sensitivity of the 5DT to age-related cognitive changes and neurological impairments.