COG
G. Schuhfried © SCHUHFRIED GmbH
Application
Assessment of attention and concentration through comparison of figures with regard to their congruence. Can be used with respondents from 4 years of age (depending on test form).
Theoretical background
The Cognitrone is based on the theoretical model of Reulecke (1991), which sees concentration as a state that can in principle be described by three variables: 1. Energy: the concentrative state is demanding and consumes energy; 2. Function: the function of concentration in performing a task; 3. Precision: the quality of task performance. In the test forms with unlimited working time the variable “Energy” as defined by Reulecke (1991) is measured by the time taken at a pre-set level of precision and function.
Administration
The Response Panel or computer keyboard is used as the input device. An animated instruction phase and an error-sensitive practice phase lead on to the task itself. In the test forms with free working time the respondent’s task is to compare an abstract figure with a model and to decide whether the two are identical. Once the answer has been entered the next item follows automatically. In the test forms with fixed working time a reaction is required only if the figure is identical with the model. Once the presentation time has expired the next item follows automatically. It is not possible to omit an item or to go back to a preceding one.
Test forms
There are six test forms with free working time (S1-S3, S8-S9, S11) and two test forms with a fixed working time of 1.8 seconds per item (S4-S5). Forms S1 and S4 contain the same stimulus material, as do Forms S2 and S5. However, the three groups differ with regard to the complexity of the material. S8 and S9 contain very simple, unvarying stimulus material; form S8 is the more difficult of the two. These two forms have a seven-minute time limit.
Scoring
Main variable of forms S1-S3, S11: Mean time “correct rejection” (sec); Main variables of forms S4-S5: Total “correct reactions”, Total “incorrect reactions”. Main variables of forms S8-S9: Total “reactions” (correct and incorrect reactions), percentage “incorrect reactions”.
Reliability
The reliabilities are very high, the majority of them being over r=0.95.
Validity
Many studies of different aspects of validity (content validity, convergent and discriminant validity, construct validity, criterion validity) have been carried out; all these studies indicate that the test is valid. A number of studies carried out in the field of traffic psychology also confirm the validity of the test.
Norms
For the COG forms S1 – S5, S8, S9 and S11 norm samples ranging in size from N=165 to N=1475 are available. Most of the norms are also available separated according to age and educational level. Special norms from among the following are also available for these forms: norms for drivers with conspicuous behavior, Swedish adults, job seekers, schoolchildren.
Time required for the test
Approx. 5–20 minutes (including instruction and practice phase).