The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), originally developed at the
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
in the 1980s but now provided in a commercial capacity by Cambridge Cognition, is a computer-based
cognitive assessment
Cognition refers to "the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses". It encompasses all aspects of intellectual functions and processes such as: perception, attention, though ...
system consisting of a battery of
neuropsychological test
Neuropsychological tests are specifically designed tasks that are used to measure a psychological function known to be linked to a particular brain structure or pathway. Tests are used for research into brain function and in a clinical setting f ...
s, 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
Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that can hold information temporarily. It is important for reasoning and the guidance of decision-making and behavior. Working memory is often used synonymously with short-term memory, ...
and
executive function
In cognitive science and neuropsychology, executive functions (collectively referred to as executive function and cognitive control) are a set of cognitive processes that are necessary for the cognitive control of behavior: selecting and succe ...
,
*
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 "Att ...
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 ra ...
and response control.
The CANTAB combines the accuracy and rigour of computerised
psychological testing
Psychological testing is the administration of psychological tests. Psychological tests are administered by trained evaluators. A person's responses are evaluated according to carefully prescribed guidelines. Scores are thought to reflect individ ...
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
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a research impact evaluation of British higher education institutions. It is the successor to the Research Assessment Exercise and it was first used in 2014 to assess the period 2008–2013. REF is under ...
(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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