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A Guide about Cognitive Tests, Their Types and Results

​​Cognitive tests evaluate a person’s cognitive abilities, like reasoning, memory, attention, and language. These tests that are now available in online cognitive testing can identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses and diagnose cognitive disorders.

Keep reading this article to learn more about online cognitive testing and its types.

The Types of Cognitive Tests

1. Intelligence Tests

Intelligence tests are constructed to measure a person’s intellectual functioning. The most common intelligence test is the IQ test, which measures a person’s intelligence quotient. These tests identify gifted individuals, determine academic potential, and diagnose intellectual disabilities.

2. Memory Tests

Memory tests are used to evaluate a person’s memory abilities. These tests are commonly used to diagnose memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Memory tests come in different types, including verbal, visual, and working memory tests.

3. Attention Tests

Attention tests are designed to evaluate a person’s attention abilities. These tests are used to diagnose attention-related disorders such as ADHD. Additionally, attention tests come in different types, including visual, auditory, and sustained attention tests.

4. Language Tests

Language tests are used to evaluate a person’s language abilities. These tests are commonly used to diagnose language-related disorders such as dyslexia. Language tests come in different types, including reading comprehension, writing, and oral language tests.

5. Executive Function Tests

Executive function tests evaluate a person’s ability to plan, organize, and manage information. These tests commonly diagnose executive function-related disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These kinds of tests come in different types, including planning, problem-solving, and decision-making tests.

Results of Cognitive Tests

The results of cognitive tests provide valuable information about an individual’s cognitive functioning, strengths, and weaknesses. The results are typically presented in a score format and compared to a normative sample of individuals of the same age and education level. 

The following are the most popular types of scores:

  1. Raw Scores: These scores reflect the number of correct responses on a test.
  2. Standard Scores: These scores reflect an individual’s performance related to the average performance of the normative sample. The most common standard scores are the T-score, the Z-score, and the percentile rank.
  3. Age Equivalents: These scores reflect the age at which the average individual in the normative sample achieved the same score as the tested individual.
  4. Developmental Quotients: These scores reflect an individual’s performance relative to the average performance of individuals in a particular age group. The most common developmental quotients are the Mental Age (MA) and the Developmental Age (DA).

Interpretation of Cognitive Test Results

Interpreting online cognitive test results requires a trained professional, such as a psychologist or a neuropsychologist. The professional will consider the individual’s scores, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their medical history, educational background, and other relevant factors. 

Conclusion

Cognitive tests are valuable tools for evaluating a person’s cognitive abilities and diagnosing mental disorders. Different cognitive tests are available, including intelligence, memory, attention, language, and executive function tests. Cognitive test results are presented in the form of a score or a percentile rank and are interpreted differently depending on the type of test. If you notice you or someone you know may be experiencing cognitive difficulties, seeking professional help and getting tested is essential.

Virtuous Circle Counselling is an exceptional Calgary counselling service that provides practical solutions for various mental health issues. Additionally, our online cognitive assessment offers a convenient and accessible means for individuals to assess their cognitive abilities from the comfort of their own homes. Do not hesitate to contact us today and experience our safe and supportive approach to exploring thoughts and feelings using our online cognitive testing material.

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We at Virtuous Circle Counselling acknowledge Moh’kinstsis, the lands where the Bow and Elbow rivers meet, in what we currently call Calgary. We acknowledge that we are visitors on Moh’kinsstis and acknowledge the Blackfoot are those who named this area as Moh’kinsstis. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize the ancestral territories, cultures, and oral practices of the Blackfoot people, the Îyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Dene people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.