ConductCognition

Attention

Eriksen Flanker Task

Measure selective attention and conflict cost with a browser-native version of the classic Eriksen Flanker paradigm.

Useful for NIH Toolbox-style attention work, aging studies, ADHD research, and executive-control batteries.

Attention4-5 minBrowser-based testing workflow
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Identify the CENTER arrow

What this task measures

Measures selective attention and cognitive control by requiring participants to identify the direction of a central arrow while ignoring flanking arrows.

Core constructs

  • Selective attention
  • Cognitive control
  • Conflict monitoring
  • Response interference resolution

Research fit

  • ADHD attentional assessment
  • NIH Toolbox cognitive screening
  • Aging and cognitive decline research
  • Executive function evaluation
  • Pharmacological intervention studies

Why researchers use ConductCognition

  • Hosted browser delivery with no local install burden for participants.
  • Study setup, scoring, exports, and participant links in one workflow.
  • Transparent pricing instead of opaque enterprise quoting for solo labs.
  • Free entry tier plus Academic Pro when you need the full battery and trial-level exports.

Paradigm overview

The Eriksen Flanker Task measures selective attention and cognitive control. Participants view a row of five arrows and must identify the direction of the central arrow while ignoring the flanking arrows. On congruent trials, all arrows point the same direction (< < < < <). On incongruent trials, flankers point opposite to the target (< < > < <).

This task is part of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery and is one of the most widely used measures of attentional control in cognitive neuroscience. The flanker effect is sensitive to aging, ADHD, and executive function deficits.

Key scoring outputs

Congruent RT

ms

Average RT on congruent trials (all arrows same direction).

Lower is better

Incongruent RT

ms

Average RT on incongruent trials (flankers oppose target).

Lower is better

Flanker Effect

ms

Incongruent RT minus congruent RT. Primary measure of interference cost. Higher values indicate greater susceptibility to distraction.

Lower is better

Congruent Accuracy

proportion

Proportion correct on congruent trials. Expected near ceiling.

Higher is better

Incongruent Accuracy

proportion

Proportion correct on incongruent trials. More sensitive to attentional deficits than congruent accuracy.

Higher is better

Overall Accuracy

proportion

Proportion correct across all trial types.

Higher is better

Research evidence and scoring context

Weintraub S, Dikmen SS, Heaton RK, et al. (2013). Cognition assessment using the NIH Toolbox. Neurology, 80(11 Suppl 3):S54-64.

N 485918-85+

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Related task pages

Stroop Color-Word TestChoice Reaction TimeGo/No-Go Task

Research FAQ

Common questions about this online cognitive test

Can I run the Eriksen Flanker Task online?

Yes. ConductCognition runs the Eriksen Flanker Task in a browser-based participant flow with study setup, automated scoring, and export-ready results.

What does this test measure?

Eriksen Flanker Task is used for selective attention, cognitive control, conflict monitoring research workflows.

What data can researchers export?

Researchers can export scored results, and paid plans support trial-level exports for deeper analysis.

Is this for clinical diagnosis?

ConductCognition is for research use. The platform supports task delivery, scoring, and exports; clinical interpretation remains outside the platform.