The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), originally developed at the
University of Cambridge in the 1980s but now provided in a commercial capacity by Cambridge Cognition, is a computer-based
cognitive assessment system consisting of a battery of
neuropsychological tests, administered to subjects using a touch screen computer. The CANTAB tests were co-invented by
Professor Trevor Robbins and
Professor Barbara Sahakian.
The 25 tests in CANTAB examine various areas of
cognitive function, including:
* general memory and learning,
*
working memory and
executive function,
*
visual memory,
*
attention
Attention is the behavioral and cognitive process of selectively concentrating on a discrete aspect of information, whether considered subjective or objective, while ignoring other perceivable information. William James (1890) wrote that "Atte ...
and
reaction time (RT),
*
semantic/verbal memory,
*
decision making
In psychology, decision-making (also spelled decision making and decisionmaking) is regarded as the cognitive process resulting in the selection of a belief or a course of action among several possible alternative options. It could be either rati ...
and response control.
The CANTAB combines the accuracy and rigour of computerised
psychological testing whilst retaining the wide range of ability measures demanded of a neuropsychological battery. It is suitable for young and old
subjects, and aims to be culture and language independent through the use of non-verbal
stimuli in the majority of the tests.
The CANTAB PAL touchscreen test, which assesses
visual memory and new learning, received the highest rating of world-leading 4* grade from the
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. CANTAB and CANTAB PAL were highlighted in the Medical Schools Council ‘Health of the Nation’ 2015 publication.
See also
*
Cognitive test
*
Computer-based assessment
References
External links
Cambridge Cognition - Official WebsiteCANTAB Corporate Health
Neuropsychological tests
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