Timed Chase Test

Background

The Timed Chase Test (TCT) is a computerized assessment tool of visuomotor processing speed in a 'capture the flag' type game. The test was introduced by Marie Schroeder and colleagues in 2004 to familiarize participants with the setup for the Groton Maze Learning Test (GMLT).

The TCT presents participants with a 10x10 grid in which a blue dot (the 'flag') needs to be 'chased'. The movements of the flag are erratic but it never moves more than 2 squares away from its old location. Participants can only follow square-by-square in a horizontal and vertical fashion on the shortest possible route; they cannot skip any square nor go chase the flag in a round-about way. If they make a mistake, they are directed to return
to the last correct square. Once participants reach the location of the flag, the flag jumps to its next location.

Task Procedure

After learning about the rules for the TCT, participants start an untimed round to practice the game. The game can be stopped at any point by selecting the 'Done' button that is located at the bottom of the grid. The game starts out with the blue dot in the upper left corner of the Maze that participants must select via mouse click or touch to start. If they miss selecting the start square, they are reminded to do so by the computer. The next position of the flag is selected at random with the constraint that it is never more than 2 squares away from its old location. Participants have to 'capture' the flag by following square by square (on the shortest possible route towards the flag); only moving immediately one up/down or one right/left. If participants choose a correct square, the square turns green (and a chirp is played) and participant can continue. If participants make a mistake, the square turns red (and a different sound is played) and participants need to return to the last correct square. After 3 incorrect moves, the only square that can be selected is the last correct square which is indicated by a flashing "!". After the untimed chase, the next round is a timed chase that lasts 30 seconds. No 'Done' button is represented and the game terminates after the time is up. The computer tracks the number of (correct) moves during that time.

What it Measures

The Timed Chase Test (TCT) measures visuomotor processing speed

Psychological domains

• Visuo-Motor Processing Speed: Ability to quickly perceive a visual stimulus (the moving flag) and execute a corresponding motor action
• Visual Attention: Ability to track the erratic movements over a longer time period
• Short Term Memory: Ability to remember the last correct location of the flag

Main Performance Metrics

• Correct Moves: number of correct moves in the 30sec period (measure of processing speed)
• Maze Efficiency Index: A summary score calculated as the mean number of correct moves per second during the timed chase test

Psychiatric Conditions

The following patient groups show impaired performance on the Timed Chase Test:

• Dementia
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

References

Search Google Scholar for peer-reviewed, published research using the Inquisit Timed Chase Test.

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Schroder, M.D, Snyder, P.J, Sielski, I. & Mayes, L. (2004). Impaired performance of children exposed in utero to cocaine on a novel test of visuospatial working memory. Brain and Cognition, 55, 409–412.

Pietrzak, R. H., Cohen, H., & Snyder, P. J. (2007). Learning efficiency and error monitoring in normal aging: An investigation using a novel hidden maze learning test. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 22, 235–245.

Mathewson, K.J., Dywan, J., Snyder, P.J., Tays, W.J., & Segalowitz, S.J.(2008). Aging and electrocortical response to error feedback during a spatial learning task. Psychophysiology, 45, 936–948.