Administer the Stroop test to assess directed attention capabilities. People can process words quicker than they can process color. The test consists of a paper that lists the names of colors. All of the colors are written in ink different from the actual name of the color. To take the test, the user must name the color of the ink of the printed word, not the read the word. This test is timed and the time it takes to correctly complete the test is recorded.
Use the Trail Making test. This timed tests consist of two parts. In the first part, the numbers from 1 to 25 are placed in circles and printed sporadically around the paper. The test taker must connect the numbers in order. The amount of time it takes to complete this task is recorded. The second part of the test adds the letters A to L, also in circles. The test taker must connect the letters and the numbers in consecutive order.
Administer the Digit-Span Backward test. In this oral test, the administrator says numbers of increasing length. The test taker then repeats the number back. This test will show deficiencies in short-term memory and attention span. It is often used to evaluate children for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Apply a battery of neuropsychological tests. Tests such as the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery contain a number of consecutive tests to look at a variety of cognitive skills. These skills include memory, dexterity, thought processes and language comprehension. Such tests are administered to determine more complex brain function problems or brain damage.