[Computerized tests of attention, memory and motor performance applied to geriatric research]

The purpose of this paper is to present certain psychological tests adapted for computerized testing of subjects. The reasons why we have considered such tests are numerous: computerized test facilitate measurement of reaction time, testing conditions are standardized without reliance on performance of research assistants, data can be recorded on disc storage without paper handling, preliminary analyses and individual results can be available immediately after testing, simulation of certain real-life situations is possible, randomization of testing materials is facilitated. The computerized testing paradigms for use in gerontology to be discussed are: one an attention task of possible use in psychological research; the second a memory task aimed at basic cognitive psychological research and finally a performance task relating to a complex motor ability (flying). All provide inexpensive, reliable, quantified data and all use the same hardware. It is expected that this area will expand enormously and rapidly.