Table 1 Summary of available attention tests
From: A comprehensive review of attention tests: can we assess what we exactly do not understand?
Test name | Established date | Assessed attention domain | Type of assessment | The age range of the assessment | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Digit Span Test | 1716 | Simple attention mainly used to assess working memory | Audio tapes and online computerized tests are available | 4 +  | 1–3 min |
Reaction Time | 1873 | Sustained attention and alertness | Mechanical at first, computerized now CANTAB version: Presented on digital screens | No limits | 3Â min |
Stroop Color and Word Test | 1935 | Selective attention | Paper-based, computerized version are also available | 3–75 +  | 5 min |
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test | 1948 | Executive function, namely selective attention | Printed on cards, a computer-based version is also available | 6.5–89 | 12–30 min |
The Mackworth Clock Test | 1948 | Vigilance and Sustained attention | Printed on and performed by a physical box, a computerized version is also available | 15 +  | 2 h |
Match to sample visual search task | 1950 | Visual selective attention | CANTAB version: Presented on digital screens | 4 +  | 7 min |
The rapid visual information processing | 1953 | Sustained attention | CANTAB version: Presented on digital screens | 4 +  | 4–7 min |
Dichotic listening test | 1956 | Selective auditory attention | Voices are presented to the subject | 5 +  |  |
The continuous performance test | 1956 | Vigilance and sustained and visual selective attention | Presented on digital screens | 8 +  | 15–20 min |
Motor screening test | 1964 | Selective attention | CANTAB version: Presented on digital screens | 4 +  | 2 min |
CANTAB | 1988 | – | Presented on digital screens | 4 +  | RTI: 3 min RVP: 7 min MOT: 2 min MTS: 7 min |
The Ruff 2 and 7 Test | 1992 | Sustained and visual selective attention | Paper-based | 16–70 | 5 min |
Test of variables of attention | 1993 | Sustained attention | Computer-based | 4–80 +  | 23 min |
Test of everyday attention | 1994 | Sustained, visual and auditory selective and divided attention and also attentional switching | A combination of papers and audio tapes | 18–80 | 45–60 min |
The Psychomotor Vigilance Task | 1997 | Sustained attention and alertness | Computer-based, also available on smartphones | 4 +  | 2 versions of 10 and 3 min |
Test of everyday attention for children | 1998 | Sustained, visual and auditory selective and divided attention and also attentional switching | A combination of papers and audio tapes | 6–16 | 55–60 min |
AX-Continuous Performance Test | 1999 | Vigilance and sustained and visual selective attention | Presented on digital screens | 8 +  | 20 min |
The Conners Continuous Performance Test—2 | 2000 | Vigilance and sustained and visual selective attention | Computer-based | 4 +  | 14 min |
The Madrid Card Sorting Test | 2003 | Executive function, namely selective attention | Printed on cards | – | – |
Concentration CogniFit General Cognitive Assessment | 2011 | - | Online multi-platform | 7 +  | 15–20 min |