Projects

Variable Difficulty List Memory Test

The Variable Difficulty List Memory Test (VLMT) is designed to assess verbal learning and recognition memory. In this task, participants are asked to read and learn a list of semantically-unrelated words that are presented simultaneously for 30-seconds. Following the learning portion of the task, participants are shown a series of words that include both target words (from the original list) and foil words (not from the list). For each word, participants are asked whether it was part of the original list by clicking "yes" or "no."

The Variable Difficulty List Memory Test is available in three different list-lengths: 6-target word version, 12-target word version, and 18-target word version. Each version has multiple alternative word lists, allowing for repeated administration to mitigate the potential confounding effects of item memorization across sessions. For example, the 12-word version of the test has 19 alternative word lists.

Customize:

  • Number of learning trials.
  • Delay of the recognition portion of the task (e.g., immediate, after another mobile cognitive task within the same session, at a different session later in the day or on another day).
  • Trial-by-trial feedback given to the participant (e.g., if their answer was correct or incorrect).
  • Summary feedback given to the participant (e.g., graphical representation of number correct)

Data collected:

  • Total number of correct responses given for the target words.
  • Total number of incorrect responses given for the target words.
  • Total number of correct responses (includes both target and foil words).
  • Total number of incorrect responses (includes both target and foil words).
  • Median and fastest reaction time (for the correct trials).

Get Started with Variable Difficulty List Memory Test

Ready to incorporate the Variable Difficulty List Memory Test into your research? Contact us today to learn how NeuroUX’s web-based PVT can enhance your study design.

Validated:

This test has been validated in a general adult sample, older adults with and without MCI, and adults with serious mental illness. Additional details on the creation of this task and word selection can be found here.

Published Studies:

Feasibility and validity of ecological momentary cognitive testing among older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Authors: Raeanne C. Moore, Robert A. Ackerman, Madisen T. Russell, Laura M. Campbell, Colin A. Depp, Philip D. Harvey and Amy E. Pinkham

Year Published: 2022
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Remote Ecological Momentary Testing of Learning and Memory in Adults With Serious Mental Illness

Authors: Emma M Parrish, Snigdha Kamarsu, Philip D Harvey, Amy Pinkham, Colin A Depp, Raeanne C Moore

Year Published: 2021
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Validation of the mobile verbal learning test: Illustration of its use for age and disease-related cognitive deficits

Authors: Raeanne C Moore, Emily W Paolillo, Erin E Sundermann, Laura M Campbell, Jeremy Delgadillo, Anne Heaton, Joel Swendsen, Colin A Depp

Year Published: 2021
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Projects

Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT)

The Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) is a widely used cognitive test designed to assess sustained attention and reaction time. It is the de-facto gold standard for objectively assessing behavioral alertness and very sensitive to sleep loss and circadian misalignment. Furthermore, due to its simplicity, the PVT is not affected by aptitude or practice effects like the majority of other, more complex cognitive tests.

How it works?

The PVT measures response times to stimuli that are presented at random inter-stimulus intervals. The precise measurement of these response times is of critical importance for the validity of the PVT. The test records reaction times, lapses, false starts, etc.

Key Advantages

  • Sensitivity to Subtle Changes:

The PVT can detect even small impairments in attention and alertness.

  • Minimal Practice Effects:

Repeated testing with the PVT does not significantly affect performance, allowing for reliable longitudinal assessments.

  • Ease of Administration:

The PVT is a simple and straightforward test that can be administered in various settings.

Applications of PVT

  • Sleep Research
  • Occupational Settings
  • Medication Research
  • Aging Research
  • Sports and Exercise Science

Web-based PVT by NeuroUX

NeuroUX offers a web-based version of PVT which ca be administered on a smartphone web browser, enabling participants to perform the test on their devices without the need for app installation. The test can be accessed through a simple text message link.

Available Versions:

  • PVT (Standard Version):

This version replicates the traditional PVT with a 10-minute testing duration. It offers comprehensive data on sustained attention and reaction times, making it ideal for in-depth studies.

  • PVT-B (Brief Version):

Our PVT-B condenses the traditional format into a quick 3-minute assessment. While more compact, it retains the core features necessary for meaningful insights, offering a balance of efficiency and precision.

Both versions are accessible via our web-based platform, ensuring seamless integration into remote or in-lab studies.

Why Choose NeuroUX's PVT?

NeuroUX’s platform ensures researchers have the tools they need to conduct precise, reliable, and scalable studies:

  • Web-Based Platform: Cross-platform accessibility without the need for participants to download apps.
  • Accessibility Through Text Messages: Links sent via SMS with options for follow-up reminders.
  • Scalable for Large Studies: Convenient for large-scale studies with participants using personal devices.
  • Different Versions: Standard and brief formats to meet diverse research needs.
  • Integrated Tools: Seamless integration with NeuroUX’s suite of validated cognitive tests, EMA, and wearables.
  • User-Friendly Experience: Designed for simplicity, ensuring participants can easily complete the test without additional guidance.

Recommendations for Research Validity

To ensure reliable data, consider the following:

  • Within-Participant Changes: Ensure that each participant uses the same smartphone for all PVT sessions.
  • Between-Participant Changes: Ensure that all participants use the same smartphone model to standardize response time measurements.

Get Started with PVT

Ready to incorporate the Psychomotor Vigilance Test into your research? Contact us today to learn how NeuroUX’s web-based PVT can enhance your study design.

References:

Maximizing sensitivity of the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) to sleep loss

Authors: Mathias Basner, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2011
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Repeated Administration Effects on Psychomotor Vigilance Test Performance

Authors: Mathias Basner, Emanuel Hermosillo, Jad Nasrini, Sarah McGuire, Salil Saxena, Tyler M Moore, Ruben C Gur, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2018
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Validity and Sensitivity of a Brief Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT-B) to Total and Partial Sleep Deprivation

Authors: Mathias Basner, Daniel Mollicone, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2011
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Response speed measurements on the psychomotor vigilance test: how precise is precise enough?

Authors: Mathias Basner, Tyler M Moore, Jad Nasrini, Ruben C Gur, David F Dinges

Year Published: 2021
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