An Open-Source Cognitive Test Battery to Assess Human Attention and Memory

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive test batteries are essential for research but often lack open-source availability and flexibility.
• Existing tools limit detailed tuning by researchers for specific experimental needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a novel, open-source cognitive test battery using p5.js to assess attention and memory.
• Provide a flexible and customizable tool for cognitive science research.

Main Methods:

• Developed a cognitive test battery with seven tasks: multiple-objects tracking, enumeration, go/no-go, load-induced blindness, task-switching, working memory, and memorability.
• Utilized the javascript library p5.js for development.
• Conducted an online experiment to collect benchmark data and assess reliability.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated high cross-day reliability, with consistent task performance across separate testing days.
• The battery effectively captures and evaluates diverse individual differences through latent factor analysis.
• Source code availability allows for flexible expansion and manipulation of experimental conditions.

Conclusions:

• The open-source cognitive test battery offers a reliable, flexible, and customizable solution for assessing attention and memory.
• The tool supports both online and laboratory experimental environments, enhancing accessibility for researchers.
• Facilitates in-depth cognitive research and the study of individual differences in cognitive functions.