Frankfurt Adaptive Concentration Test

The Frankfurt Adaptive Concentration Performance Test is a computer-based test method for determining the individual concentration means of discrimination tasks. The first edition of the test ( FACT ) was introduced in 1997 by Moosbrugger and Heyden, the second edition ( FACT -II) 2005 by Moosbrugger and Goldhammer. The test is to distinguish possible without errors and as quickly as possible visually similar symbols.

Test setup

There are four figural item types, the so-called " Frankfurt Diskriminationsitems ": circle or square, each with two or three points in the middle. Itemart each consists of two items that differ in the arrangement of dots.

Two are set as target items (targets):

  • Circle with 3 points
  • Square with 2 points

Thus the following as non-target items ( non- targets) remain:

  • Circle with 2 points
  • Square with 3 points

The order of items in the test is random. The discrimination task is that the test taker must continually distinguish target items of non-target items. This distinction is based on the full mark principle, since both target items as well as non-target items in a specific response button must be pressed on the computer keyboard, for example, in the former case the 1 button and in the latter case, the 0 key This is with all items addressed attentional performance required.

There are thus two stimulus dimensions, namely, shape and number of points. The third dimension points arrangement plays as a distinguishing criterion not matter and must as information that is irrelevant to the task are hidden.

Test forms

There are three versions of the test:

  • FACT - E: only one item displayed on the screen, immediate assessment, adaptivity of the test pace (high situational stress)
  • FACT -S: the same 10 items in a row, one after the assessment, adaptivity of the test pace (average situational stress)
  • FACT -SR: the same 10 items in a row, no adaptivity of the test pace, response times for the Itembearbeitung be measured (low situational stress)

The adaptivity of the test pace means that the display duration of the item by an algorithm is varied until it corresponds with the ability of the individual test subject. The specification of the items takes place more rapidly, the higher the concentration of power is. From the highest attainable test pace, namely to process 50 % of the items shown correctly, the concentration power value is calculated.

Test time

For each test form different execution times can be selected:

  • Adaptive Test Time: test ends as soon as the measurement accuracy, a criterion is reached, after at least 2 minutes at most 6 minutes
  • Selectable test time: 6 minutes ( standard test time ), 12, 18, 24 or 30 minutes

Evaluation

It looks at the extent to which it succeeds the test participants to focus its attention over a longer period of time to certain stimuli or activities. Concentration is defined as " the interaction of those components of attention that make a lasting selection, coordination and control of action patterns using voluntary effort " [ F. Goldhammer, H. Moosbrugger ].

The FACT - II will cover the following aspects:

  • Concentration power ( work rate ),
  • Accuracy of concentration (relative accuracy ) and
  • Concentration homogeneity ( uniformity pace of work ).

The results are calculated for the adaptive test of time and for each 6-minute section. For the interpretation of standard values ​​exist.

Alternatives and comparison

Comparable concentration tests which operate by means of discrimination tasks of attention stress test d2 ( d2 test ) and the Frankfurt Attention Inventory are (FAIR). However, these tests are not adaptive.

In contrast to other concentration tests occur when FACT after two test runs, no significant exercise effects on more.

346665
de