AX-CPT Task
A cognitive control task that measures sustained attention and working memory through letter sequence detection.
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About AX-CPT Task
The AX-CPT task is a cognitive control test that measures sustained attention and working memory. Participants must respond to letter sequences while maintaining attention to context cues. The task requires responding to 'X' only when it follows an 'A' cue, testing the ability to maintain and use contextual information.
Each trial consists of a cue phase (300ms) followed by a delay (1000ms ISI), then a probe phase (300ms) with response window (1300ms). During the cue phase, a letter is displayed; during the delay, the screen is blank but you must maintain the cue in working memory. The probe requires a response based on the cue-probe combination.
Immediate feedback is provided after your response, with audio cues for correct and incorrect answers. Reaction time (RT) is recorded, and trial progress is shown throughout the experiment.
References
- Servan-Schreiber, D., Cohen, J. D., & Steingard, S. (1996). Schizophrenic deficits in the processing of context. Archives of General Psychiatry, 53(12), 1105-1112. 10.1001/archpsyc.1996.01830120037008
- Sochat, V. V., Eisenberg, I. W., Enkavi, A. Z., Li, J., Bissett, P. G., & Poldrack, R. A. (2016). The Experiment Factory: Standardizing behavioral experiments. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 610. 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00610
- Braver, T. S., Barch, D. M., Keys, B. A., Carter, C. S., Cohen, J. D., Kaye, J. A., et al. (2001). Context processing in older adults: Evidence for a theory relating cognitive control to neurobiology in healthy aging. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 130(4), 746-763. 10.1037/0096-3445.130.4.746
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is the AX-CPT?
The AX-Continuous Performance Test is a classic sustained-attention paradigm in which you respond to the target X only when it follows the cue A. Modern versions use it to separate proactive control (preparing from the cue) from reactive control (responding to stimuli as they arrive).
What do the error types mean?
Mistakes on AY trials (expecting X after A but seeing Y) suggest strong proactive preparation, while BX errors (responding to X after the wrong cue) suggest weaker use of the cue. Researchers compare these error patterns to index control strategy.
Is this related to ADHD or clinical assessment?
Continuous performance tests are widely used in clinical research, but a single online session is not a diagnostic instrument. Scores are shaped by sleep, practice, and motivation.
How can I improve?
Accuracy typically improves with practice as the cue-target rule becomes automatic. Adequate sleep and short breaks also protect sustained-attention performance over long sessions.
About This Experiment
This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.
Data Privacy
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