Article Title

Normative Evaluation of a Letter Cancellation Instrument for the Assessment of Sustained Attention: A Construct Validation Study

Authors

Ashley N. Kalina, South Dakota State University
Suzie A. Walgrave, South Dakota State University

Faculty Mentor

Thomas R. Shaffer

Abstract

Cancellation tests are simple instruments that have traditionally been used to study sustained attention. Common formats follow a test pattern in which rows of letters symbols or numbers are randomly interspersed with designated targets. Test participants are generally asked to identify targets while ignoring similar non-target distracter items. In the current study we present normative data on a new cancellation instrument developed at SDSU. We present guidelines for administration, as well as normative data on omission errors, commission errors, mean target hit rates, processing speed performance, and test-retest reliability for 102 undergraduate participants in the 18-25 year old age range. Statistical analysis suggests that the NIMH-SDSU Letter Cancellation Protocol has high test-retest reliability, but is also susceptible to practice effects when subsequent administrations occur within 5 weeks.

Recommended Citation

Kalina, Ashley N. and Walgrave, Suzie A. (2004) "Normative Evaluation of a Letter Cancellation Instrument for the Assessment of Sustained Attention: A Construct Validation Study," The Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/jur/vol2/iss1/4