Table 1. NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Tests.
| Test Name | TB Subdomain/Construct Administration time* | Stimulus and Task Description | Scores Computed For Validation Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIHTB Flanker Inhibitory Control And Attention Test | Executive Attention 6 minutes |
Visual display of central arrow pointing left or right, flanked by arrows in the same or opposite direction as the central arrow. Task: Indicate direction of central stimulus (leftward or rightward pointing) when flankers are in the same (congruous) or in opposite (incongruous) directions from the central |
Total Trials=40 Total Score=10 Score is based on an algorithm derived from both accuracy and reaction time if the former is >80%. If less than 80%, score is accuracy. |
| NIHTB Dimensional Change Card Sort Test | Executive Category Switching 7 minutes |
Visual display of two different stimuli side-by-side, each in a different color. Test stimulus matching one of the two display stimuli in either color or shape appears at the bottom of the screen. Task: On some trials, shape is the sorting criterion, on others, color. There are 5 pre-switch trials (one category), 5 post-switch trials (after shift to second category) and 30 mixed category trials (shifting) |
Total Trials=40 Total Score=10 Score is based on an algorithm derived from both accuracy and reaction time if the former is >80%. If less than 80%, score is accuracy. |
| NIHTB List Sorting Working Memory Test | Working Memory: information holding and manipulation 7 minutes |
Stimuli from a single category (animals) or two categories (fruits and animals) are presented sequentially visually and aurally in series ranging from 2 to 8 items. Task: Orally repeat the sequence of items in order of size. For two-category items, order by size from one specified category first and then from the second. |
Total Items correctly sequenced on the one- and two-category trials, of a possible 28. |
| NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test | Processing speed: number of items completed in a finite amount of time Maximum score=130 2 minutes |
Pairs of stimuli appear side by side. Task: Indicate if the stimuli are the “same” or “not the same.” |
Total number of correct responses within 90 seconds. |
| NIHTB Picture Sequence Memory Test | Episodic Memory for a sequence of pictured events 9 minutes (depending on length of series) |
A series of pictures of people performing acts related to a single theme, but not in any intrinsic order, is presented one at a time on the computer screen. After the last item, the pictures are all “collected” in random array in the center of the screen. Task: The respondent must place the pictures in the same demonstrated sequence. There are three trials of learning with presentation of the sequence followed by replication of the sequence in each. |
Total number of correct placements across three learning trials (total possible= 48) |
| NIHTB Oral Reading Test | Language: Written word pronunciation 6 minutes |
Single printed words are presented in the center of the screen to be read aloud by the respondent. Examiner enters if response is correct or not. Items are presented via CAT method based on the participant's responses. | Theta score based on IRT |
| NIHTB Vocabulary Test | Language: Auditory word-visual picture matching 4 minutes |
Four pictures are presented in a two-by-two array on the screen. A single recorded word is presented aurally and the participant must indicate which of the pictures matches the word. | Theta score based on IRT |
*
Administration times are approximate. The norming version has been shortened to remain within the desired 30 minutes originally planned. IRT=item response theory; NIHTB=NIH Toolbox