Rapid Visual Information Processing
Sustained attention task detecting digit sequences in a rapid stream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
Assessed domain?
Sustained attention and vigilance.
Target sequence
Press the Space key when three consecutive odd digits appear (e.g., 3‑7‑9).
Timing window
A keypress within 1200 ms after the target window counts as a hit; otherwise it's a miss.
Stream length
The stream presents 600 digits. After completion, results are shown with hits and false alarms.
Data export
You can export detailed records as JSON and a summary + records as CSV. No personal data is collected.
Show Details
About Rapid Visual Information Processing
Background
The Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) task, also known as the Mackworth Clock Test, was originally developed to assess vigilance in air traffic controllers during WWII. It measures sustained attention — the ability to maintain focus over extended periods to detect rare target events.
Psychological Mechanisms
Sustained attention involves maintaining an active representation of the target template while monitoring a continuous stream of information. The challenge is that vigilance typically declines after 15-30 minutes of monitoring, a phenomenon known as the vigilance decrement.
Clinical and Research Uses
The RVP is sensitive to sleep deprivation, aging, and various neurological conditions. It has been used to study ADHD, traumatic brain injury, and the effects of pharmaceutical interventions on sustained attention.
References
- Fray, P. J., Robbins, T. W., & Sahakian, B. J. (1996). Neuropsychiatric applications of CANTAB. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 11(4), 329-336.
- Coull, J. T., Frith, C. D., Frackowiak, R. S. J., & Grasby, P. M. (1996). A fronto-parietal network for rapid visual information processing: A PET study. Neuropsychologia, 34(11), 1085-1095.
- Wesnes, K., & Warburton, D. M. (1983). Effects of smoking on rapid information processing performance. Neuropsychobiology, 9(4), 223-229.
Related Experiments
Dot Probe Task
FeaturedInvestigates attentional bias towards emotional stimuli.
Attentional Blink
FeaturedReflects processing limitations when two targets appear in close succession in a rapid serial visual presentation.
Inhibition of Return (IOR)
FeaturedMeasures how attention is inhibited from returning to a previously attended location.
Learn More
APM Test - Actions Per Minute
FeaturedMeasure your clicking speed and visual reaction time. Click numbers from 50 to 1 as fast as possible!
Free IQ Test
FeaturedTest your intelligence quotient with this free IQ test covering pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and spatial skills.
Cognitive Processing and Performance Mindset Scale
FeaturedAssess cognitive processing and performance mindset across standard dimensions.
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
Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.
