A simple system for control of the continuous performance test in psychopharmacological research

Abstract

• 1.

  1. The Continuous Performance Task (CPT), widely regarded as a test of attention span, has become extensively used in psychopharmacological research.

• 2.

  2. A system for regulation of the CPT and other experimenter paced tasks is described. This control unit provides a cheap, reliable, and portable means for conducting such tests without expensive laboratory equipment.

• 3.

  3. Suggestions are offered concerning other aspects of the system, including the production of control tapes, presentation of stimuli, data output, and recommended time parameters.