Measuring the Performance of Attention Networks with the Dalhousie Computerized Attention Battery (DalCAB): Methodology and Reliability in Healthy Adults

摘要: Attention is an important, multifaceted cognitive domain that has been linked to three distinct, yet interacting, networks: alerting, orienting, and executive control. The measurement of attention deficits within these networks critical the assessment many neurological psychiatric conditions in both research clinical settings. Dalhousie Computerized Battery (DalCAB) was created assess attentional functions related using a range tasks including: simple reaction time, go/no-go, choice dual task, flanker, item location working memory visual search. current study provides preliminary normative data, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlations) practice effects DalCAB performance 24-hours after baseline for healthy young adults (n = 96, 18-31 years). Performance on demonstrated Good Excellent mean while accuracy difference measures (e.g., switch costs, interference load effects) were most reliable require more extensive processing conjunction search). Practice common pronounced at 24-hour interval. In addition, specific within-task parameters sub-tests support future formal convergent validity our interpretation as potential tool measuring aspects orienting control networks. Keywords: computerized assessment; attention; orienting; alerting; function