Advances in the assessment of cognitive skills using computer-based measurement

The influence of interruptions and planning on serial everyday multitasking in older adults

Cognitive aging research has studied the influence of healthy aging on the ability to multitask. Yet, little is known about the factors that might improve or impair serial multitasking performance in older adults. Three experiments involving younger and older adults assessed the impact of interruptions and planning on a prop-based test of multitasking. In Experiment 1, 26 younger adults and 25 older adults' multitasking abilities were assessed; older adults performed significantly more poorly than younger adults. In Experiment 2, 19 younger and 22 older adults were randomly allocated to a group who experienced a one minute unexpected interruption while multitasking or a group with no interruption. The results showed that, when there was an interruption, the age difference disappeared. In Experiment 3, 32 younger and 30 older adults were randomly allocated to a group who were given 3 minutes to write an outline describing how they intended to approach the multitasking task, and another group who were given 3 minutes to label pictures of everyday objects prior to multitasking. Again, when participants were encouraged to plan, no age difference was found. These results highlight the advantage that interruptions and planning might have on serial everyday multitasking performance in older adults.

Technology-based Neurocognitive Assessment of the Elderly: a Mini Review: Оценка нейрокогнитивных функций на основе компьютерных технологий у пожилых людей: краткий обзор

Neurocognitive disorders in the elderly are on the rise all over the world. Neuropsychological assessment is vital to monitoring the progress of cognitive deficits. Over the years, there has been significant development in neuropsychological assessment to predict the development and progression of MCI and dementia. One such area of recent advancement in the field of neuropsychology is technology-based assessment. There are several types of technology-based assessments available based on the type of usage, site of the assessment, type of administration, type of device used for assessment, etc. Virtual reality-based assessments and digital assessments of neurocognitions for early identification of subtle cognitive deficits in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and major neurocognitive disorders (MND) represent two newly developed technologies. A few studies have demonstrated their efficacy; however, there remain several limitations and drawbacks to their usage within the elderly population. In this review, we have briefly discussed technology-based neuropsychological assessment, along with their usage and limitations.

Correlates and stability of alternate stimuli in a computer-based measure of inspection time

Inspection time tasks assess the ability to make a simple visual discrimination, typically in milliseconds. Typically, IT stimuli consists of a pi-shaped figure, in which subjects select the side with the significantly longer leg. To prevent storage in iconic memory, a backward mask is then introduced. However, some participants have reported that the mask may cause the shorter leg to appear to lengthen, creating a possible strategy that facilitates performance. As a result, alternative stimuli/masks have been developed; however, these alternative stimuli may be processed differently. This study assessed the cognitive correlates and stability of an alternative stimuli/mask. Results indicated that processing of the stimuli was influenced by an interaction between the complexity of the stimuli and the number of times it was presented. Specifically, the alternative stimulus/mask produced slower processing, particularly at the time of a second administration; however, it contributed an important and unique relationship with speeded, general intelligence.

Applications of technology in neuropsychological assessment

Most neuropsychological assessments include at least one measure that is administered, scored, or interpreted by computers or other technologies. Despite supportive findings for these technology-based assessments, there is resistance in the field of neuropsychology to adopt additional measures that incorporate technology components. This literature review addresses the research findings of technology-based neuropsychological assessments, including computer- and virtual reality-based measures of cognitive and functional abilities. We evaluate the strengths and limitations of each approach, and examine the utility of technology-based assessments to obtain supplemental cognitive and behavioral information that may be otherwise undetected by traditional paper-and-pencil measures. We argue that the potential of technology use in neuropsychological assessment has not yet been realized, and continued adoption of new technologies could result in more comprehensive assessment of cognitive dysfunction and in turn, better informed diagnosis and treatments. Recommendations for future research are also provided.