Simon Squared Task
Background
The Simon Squared Task is an adaptation of the popular cognitive-behavioral Simon 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 Simon Squared Task, the battery also runs the Flanker 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 Simon Task presents a blue or red shape, either on the left or right side of the screen. Participants are asked to press a left response key for blue shapes and press a right response key for red shapes. This setup presents one possible response conflict - the potential conflict between the location of the shape and the location of its response button - that the participant has to resolve when responding.
The Simon Squared Task increases the conflict by using left and right pointing arrow heads that can be located on the left or right side of the screen as well as response buttons with the labels RIGHT or LEFT. The task is to match the label with the direction that the target arrow head is pointing. Thus, participants not only have to manage and resolve conflicts between arrow screen locations and arrow pointing locations but also with conflicts of screen locations of the labels LEFT and RIGHT (that may not in fact be located on the left or right) before being able to match the correct label to the location the arrow is pointing to.
The Millisecond implementation of the Simon 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 head is presented in the upper half of the screen, either on the left or right side. The response buttons with the labels LEFT or RIGHT are displayed below. Participants are asked to match the direction that the arrow is pointing to with the correct response label. 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 Simon 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
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 an alternative fixed sequence of trials
The SimonSquared 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.
References
Search Google Scholar for peer-reviewed, published research using the Inquisit Simon 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