___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ *Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS)* (Complete) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Script Author: Katja Borchert, Ph.D. (katjab@millisecond.com) for Millisecond Software, LLC Date: 11-04-2021 last updated: 01-19-2022 by K. Borchert (katjab@millisecond.com) for Millisecond Software, LLC Script Copyright © 01-19-2022 Millisecond Software Millisecond Software thanks Samantha Gualtieri for her help with this script! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND INFO ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This script implements a computer implementation of the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) task as described by Zelazo (2006). The DCCS is a widely used test of executive functioning in children as young as 3 years olds. It is originally played with real cards. This computer implementation attempts to stay close to the original procedure. It is best played on touchscreens where children can simply touch the relevant categories. Nevertheless, it can also be played with the mouse. This batch script automatically starts participants on the Standard Version and continues with the Advanced Version IF they passed the standard version. Reference Zelazo, P.D. (2006). The Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS): a method of assessing executive function in children. Nature Protocols, 1, pp. 297+. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TASK DESCRIPTION ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Standard Version (Inquisit script dccs_standard.iqx): Blocked Conditions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Participants see two categories up top: a blue shape1 with a sorting basket and a red shape2 with a sorting basket. The game is played in two phases: 1. Pre Phase: participants either start with the COLOR game or the SHAPE game. In the COLOR game, participants are asked to sort cards of red bunnies and blue boats in the respective baskets. Red bunnies should be sorted in the basket of the red boats whereas blue boats should be sorted in the basket of the blue bunny. In the SHAPE game, participants are asked to sort cards of red bunnies and blue boats in the respective baskets. Red bunnies should be sorted in the basket of the blue bunny whereas blue boats should be sorted in the basket of the red boat Participants are assigned to either the COLOR or SHAPE game by groupnumber and work on 6 trials (editable parameter) (no feedback is provided). By default, participants are NOT reminded of the COLOR (or SHAPE) rule before each trial (as is done in Zelazo, 2006). However, if needed, that feature can be turned on under section 'Editable Parameters' Addition: this script runs 2 practice trials for the pre-sorting game. Participants have to get both trials correct before moving on to the pre-test and they have 3 attempts (editable parameter) to pass this practice. If they don't pass the pre-practice, the script is prematurely aborted. 2. Post Phase: after 6 trials (editable parameter) the game changes from the COLOR game to the SHAPE game (or from the SHAPE game to the COLOR game). Participants again work on 6 trials. By default, participants are reminded of the COLOR (or SHAPE) rule before each trial. A participant is said to 'pass' the standard version if they get 80% (editable parameter) Post Trials correct. Additional info about the Standard Game: Participants start with the COLOR game or the SHAPE game. The start game is counterbalanced by groupnumber assignment. Groupnumber 1: starts with the COLOR game Groupnumber 2: starts with the SHAPE game -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advanced Version (formerly: Border Version, Inquisit script dccs_advanced.iqx): Mixed Conditions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- If participants pass the Standard Version, they can immediately be tested with the Advanced Version. The Advanced Version runs color and shape trials in a mixed block. A verbal cue is presented upfront to let participants know which task should be performed: - Color Game OR - Shape Game After a short introduction of the Advanced Version, participants play 12 trials (editable parameters). ule. A participant is said to 'pass' the Advanced version if they get at least 75% trials correct. Notes: * this script uses audio stimuli - please make sure to have audio on * the 'Advanced' game was originally called the 'Border Game' by Zelazo (2006) as it used non-verbal borders around the cards as cues to signal the color condition (no border meant that the shape game should be played). The Inquisit version uses verbal cues instead. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DURATION ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Standard Version: takes appr. 5 minutes to complete Advanced Version: takes appr. 5 minutes to complete