Measurement of attention span and attention deficits

摘要

An attention performance test uses a visual display, a test subject input device, a memory and a programmed processor coupled to each of the above to administer a test to a test subject. A test target, which for example can be a word colored in a first color but meaning another color, is attempted to be matched by the test subject to one of a series of sequentially presented visual response targets. In one embodiment, a nonvisual test stimulus is also provided to the test subject, the test subject having previously been instructed to respond to the nonvisual test stimulus (such as a beep) in a particular way. The test also measures the response latency of the test subject, i.e., whether the test subject has assumed a correct position for entering a response. The responses from the test subject are recorded and may be compared with data derived from a test subject database in assessing whether an attention deficit disorder exists.