Flanker Squared Task
Background
The Flanker Squared Task is an adaptation of the popular cognitive-behavioral Arrow Flanker Task. It belongs to a battery of Squared Tasks consisting of variants of three classic cognitive-behavioral tests measuring cognitive control and interference resolution. In addition to the Flanker Squared Task, the battery also runs the Simon Squared Task as well as the Stroop Squared Task.
The 'Squared' battery was developed by Alex Burgoyne, Jason Tsukahara, Randall Engle and colleagues in 2023 to simplify and speed up task administration as well as increase the level of conflict in each of those three tasks (aka 'squaring' the conflict). The user interface as well as instructions and scoring were streamlined, and each test can be completed in under 3 minutes.
The original Arrow Flanker Task presents five arrows in the middle of the screen. The two arrows on the left and right side always point in the same direction (either all point left or all point right), but the middle arrow can point in the opposite direction. Participants are asked to press either a left or a right response button to indicate the direction of the middle arrow. This setup presents one possible response conflict - the conflict between the directions of the irrelevant flankers and the target arrow- that the participant has to resolve when responding.
The Flanker Squared Task increases the conflict by having participants select from two response arrow displays (that are orthogonal to each other) the option that shows a middle arrow pointing in the same direction as the flanker arrows in the target display. Thus, participants not only have to pay attention to both, flankers (in the target arrow display) and the middle arrows (in the response displays), but they also have to manage and resolve conflicting information in either display when choosing their response.
The Millisecond implementation of the Flanker Squared Task provides 6 versions: five versions that run different fixed trial sequences and one randomizing version.
Task Procedure
After learning about the task, participants work on a practice session for 1 minute to familiarize them with the procedure. The target arrow display is presented in the center of the screen and the response arrow displays are located below, one on the left and one on the right. Participants are asked to select that response display that shows a center arrow that points in the same direction as the flanker arrows in the target arrow display. Responses are made with the computer mouse or -on touchscreens- by touching the response displays. After the conclusion of the practice session, instructions are reviewed and the test session begins. Each arrow display stays on until a response is made. Visual and auditory feedback is given for each response (200ms) before the next display is presented. Correct responses increase the score; incorrect responses decrease the score. The total score as well as a timer is visible on screen during the duration of the testing session. The testing session terminates after 1.5 minutes.
What it Measures
The Flanker Squared Task measures cognitive control and interference resolution
Psychological domains
- Cognitive Control: Ability to quickly adapt one's thoughts and behavior to current demands
- Inhibitory Control / Response Inhibition: Ability to override automatic responses that interfere with one's goals
- Cognitive Flexibility: Ability to quickly change between different task demands
- Working Memory: Ability to store and manipulate information in short-term memory
Main Performance Metrics
- Net Score: the number of net points earned during the test phase as the main measure of an individual's cognitive control
Psychiatric Conditions
As of this date, the Squared Task battery is relatively new and has mostly been used for research studies with healthy adults.
Test Variations
The FlankerSquared task is part of a 'squared' test battery designed by Burgoyne et al (2023). These tasks are designed to provide an additional level of conflict (thus, the 'squared' part of the name) as well as a quick administration time compared to the more traditional designs of their respective tasks.
Runs an alternative fixed sequence of trials
Runs an alternative fixed sequence of trials
Runs an alternative fixed sequence of trials
Runs an alternative fixed sequence of trials
Runs a randomly generated sequence of trials (generated during runtime)
References
Search Google Scholar for peer-reviewed, published research using the Inquisit Flanker Squared Task.
Burgoyne, A. P., Tsukahara, J. S., Mashburn, C. A., Pak, R., & Engle, R. W. (2023). Nature and Measurement of Attention Control. Journal of Experimental Psychology. General, 152(8), 2369–2402. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001408