CPT (Continuous Performance Test)
The CPT (Continuous Performance Test) is a classic paradigm for assessing sustained attention and response inhibition, widely used in ADHD research. This module uses the Not-X variant: respond to most letters and withhold response when X appears.
Intermediate: 500ms letters, 5 min by default. Faster but manageable.
Letters appear one at a time. For any letter that is NOT X, press space (or tap the screen) immediately. When X appears, do nothing. Stay focused until the end.
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Reference: Rosvold et al. (1956) / Conners CPT.
CPT · scientific basis
The Continuous Performance Test, first described by Rosvold et al. (1956) to detect brain damage, was standardized by Conners (CPT-II / CPT-3). This module uses the Not-X variant: respond to all letters except X; withhold on X.
Expert-mode parameters
These are the standard parameters from the canonical paradigm (used by the "Expert" difficulty).
| Parameter | Standard value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulus duration (Expert) | 250 ms | Conners CPT-II/III |
| ITI | 1 s / 2 s / 4 s blocked (here: 1000-2000 ms jittered) | Conners CPT-II/III |
| Target (non-X) : X ratio | 90:10 | Conners CPT-II/III |
| Standard length | ~14 min / 360 trials (here: 3/6/10 min options) | Conners CPT-II/III |
Healthy-population norms (by age)
Conners CPT-II/III commercial norms are proprietary. Values here derive from peer-reviewed mean/SD (Lin 2003, Conners 2003) by age band: 'Hit rate excellent' = mean + 1 SD (capped at 99%); 'Omission rate' ≈ 1 − hit rate. RT variability (RTSD) is a robust ADHD marker. Assessment mode matches your actual age.
| Age band | Hit rate Excellent | Omission rate mean | RTSD mean (ms) | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 8-9 | ≥ 99% | ~6% | ~120 | weak (extrap.) |
| Age 10-11 | ≥ 99% | ~4% | ~100 | medium |
| Age 12-13 | ≥ 99% | ~3% | ~85 | medium |
| Age 14-15 | ≥ 99% | ~2% | ~75 | medium |
| Age 16-17 | ≥ 99% | ~2% | ~70 | medium |
| Age 18-24 | ≥ 99% | ~2% | ~65 | strong |
| Age 25-34 | ≥ 99% | ~2% | ~65 | strong |
| Age 35-44 | ≥ 99% | ~2% | ~68 | weak (interp.) |
| Age 45-54 | ≥ 99% | ~3% | ~72 | weak (interp.) |
| Age 55-64 | ≥ 99% | ~3% | ~80 | weak (interp.) |
| Age 65+ | ≥ 99% | ~4% | ~95 | weak (extrap.) |
Standard output metrics
- ·Hits — Correct key-presses on non-X targets
- ·Omissions — Missed non-X — inattention index
- ·Commissions — Pressed on X — impulse/inhibition failure
- ·Hit RT — Mean RT on correct presses
- ·HRT SD (RT variability) — Response-time consistency — robust ADHD marker
- ·d' — Signal-detection sensitivity (optional)
Citations
- Rosvold, H. E., Mirsky, A. F., Sarason, I., Bransome, E. D. Jr., & Beck, L. H. (1956). A continuous performance test of brain damage. J Consult Psychol, 20(5), 343-350. DOI
- Conners, C. K., Epstein, J. N., Angold, A., & Klaric, J. (2003). Continuous performance test performance in a normative epidemiological sample. J Abnorm Child Psychol, 31(5), 555-562. PubMed
- Riccio, C. A., Reynolds, C. R., Lowe, P., & Moore, J. J. (2002). The continuous performance test: A window on the neural substrates for attention? Arch Clin Neuropsychol, 17(3), 235-272. DOI
- Egeland, J., & Kovalik-Gran, I. (2010). Relations between the Conners' CPT performance measures and ADHD behaviors. J Atten Disord, 13(4). DOI
All reference ranges come from published peer-reviewed literature. For personal training reference only — not a medical diagnosis. Full methodology: docs/PARADIGMS.md.
This tool is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a clinical diagnosis.