Cognitive flexibility · Executive function

Task Switching

The modern task-switching paradigm was established by Rogers & Monsell (1995) and Meiran (1996). Switch between parity and magnitude judgments; switch cost reflects task-set reconfiguration.

DifficultyExpert = strict academic parameters

Age band (for scoring reference)Not signed in (scores won't count toward profile)

Intermediate: 60 trials, 50% switch, 0.6s cue-stimulus interval.

Before each digit, a rule cue (P or M) tells you which rule to apply. One key per trial:

P (parity): odd = press ← key, even = press → key
M (magnitude): < 5 = press ← key, > 5 = press → key

History

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References: Rogers & Monsell (1995); Meiran (1996); Cepeda et al. (2001).

Scientific basis

Task Switching · scientific basis

Cognitive flexibility & executive function

The modern task-switching paradigm was established by Rogers & Monsell (1995, JEP:General) via alternating-runs, and developed by Meiran (1996, JEP:LMC) with explicit cues. Cepeda et al. (2001) provided lifespan developmental norms.

Expert-mode parameters

These are the standard parameters from the canonical paradigm (used by the "Expert" difficulty).

Parameter	Standard value	Source
Stimulus duration	Until response (2500ms deadline)	Rogers & Monsell 1995
CSI (cue-stimulus interval)	~150-300 ms (Expert)	Meiran 1996
Trial count	100 (short) / 200+ (full)	Monsell 2003
Switch ratio	~50%	Common

Healthy-population norms (by age)

Switch cost = switch RT − repeat RT; decreases with longer CSI. 'Switch-cost excellent' = switch-cost mean − 1 SD (lower is better). Values are derived from Cepeda 2001's lifespan developmental study and the Wasylyshyn 2011 meta-analysis. Assessment mode matches your actual age to the corresponding band.

Limitations： Cepeda 2001 is the classic lifespan reference, covering children, young adults, and older adults (each n~30-60), but ages 14-17 and 35-54 are interpolated from neighbouring bands (flagged as est in norms.ts). Task-switching paradigms vary enormously across designs — this module uses the Rogers & Monsell 1995 alternating-runs design, whereas Meiran 1996 cue-based designs typically yield 30-50% lower switch costs. These thresholds are calibrated for this module's design and CSI, and cannot be compared directly to commercial batteries (D-KEFS TMT, BADS). Cross-reference with on-site TMT B-A and Stroop incongruent for cognitive flexibility / inhibitory control.

Age band	Switch cost excellent (ms)	Accuracy mean	Switch cost mean (ms)	Evidence
8-9	≤ 150	~90%	~300	medium
10-11	≤ 110	~93%	~230	medium
12-13	≤ 80	~95%	~170	medium
14-15	≤ 65	~96%	~140	weak (interp.)
16-17	≤ 55	~96%	~120	weak (interp.)
18-24	≤ 50	~97%	~110	medium
25-34	≤ 53	~97%	~115	medium
35-44	≤ 60	~96%	~130	weak (interp.)
45-54	≤ 75	~96%	~160	weak (interp.)
55-64	≤ 95	~95%	~200	medium
65+	≤ 125	~93%	~260	medium

Standard output metrics

·Local switch cost — Switch − repeat RT (primary)
·Mixing cost — Repeat (mixed) − pure-block RT
·Accuracy switch cost — Difference in error rate
·Residual switch cost — Cost remaining after long prep

Citations

Rogers, R. D., & Monsell, S. (1995). Costs of a predictable switch between simple cognitive tasks. J Exp Psychol Gen, 124(2), 207-231. DOI
Meiran, N. (1996). Reconfiguration of processing mode prior to task performance. J Exp Psychol LMC, 22(6), 1423-1442. DOI
Cepeda, N. J., Kramer, A. F., & Gonzalez de Sather, J. C. M. (2001). Changes in executive control across the life span. Dev Psychol, 37(5), 715-730. DOI
Monsell, S. (2003). Task switching. Trends Cogn Sci, 7(3), 134-140. 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.