A cognitive assessment is an evaluation of an individual’s higher-level thinking skills. These skills include attention, memory, executive functioning, visuospatial abilities, and language. Cognitive assessments are used to identify areas of strength and weakness, diagnose neurological conditions, and track cognitive changes over time.
There are a variety of cognitive assessment tools and resources available. Some are designed for use by trained professionals, while others can be administered by laypersons. Here is a list of some of the best cognitive assessment tools and resources available:
The Gold standard in cognitive assessment is the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The WAIS is the most widely used intelligence test for adults.
It consists of 14 subtests that measure a variety of cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension, working memory, and processing speed. Scores on the WAIS are compared to norms derived from a large, representative sample of the population. Moreover, look at some of the brain games.
The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC) is one of the most widely used intelligence tests for children.
It consists of 13 subtests that measure a variety of cognitive abilities, including sequential processing, working memory, and quantitative reasoning. Scores on the KABC are compared to norms derived from a large, representative sample of the population.
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale is one of the oldest intelligence tests in existence. It was first published in 1916 and has been revised several times since then. The latest revision, published in 2003, consists of 15 subtests that measure a variety of cognitive abilities, including spatial perception, symbolic reasoning, and short-term memory.
Scores on the Stanford-Binet are compared to norms derived from a large, representative sample of the population.
The Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT) is one of the few intelligence tests that can be administered without any verbal or written communication.
It consists of 25 items that measure a variety of cognitive abilities, including spatial perception, mathematical reasoning, and short-term memory. Scores on the UNIT are compared to norms derived from a large, representative sample of the population.
The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities is a comprehensive battery that consists of 10 subtests measuring a variety of cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension, visual perceptual skills, and executive functioning skills.
Scores on the Woodcock-Johnson are compared to norms derived from a large combination sample that includes people from various age ranges and cultural backgrounds.
The Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) is a comprehensive battery that consists of 12 subtests measuring a variety of cognitive abilities, including fluid reasoning, short-term memory, and executive functioning.
Scores on the CAS are compared to norms derived from a large, representative sample of the population.
The Differential Ability Scales (DAS) is a comprehensive battery that consists of 14 subtests measuring a variety of cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension, visual perceptual skills, and executive functioning.
Scores on the DAS are compared to norms derived from a large, representative sample of the population.
There are many different typesof cognitive assessments available depending on what you want to assess as well as your intended audience or user group. No matter which option you choose make sure it is reliable (validity) , has predictive power(reliability),and appropriate for your needs.
If you’re not sure where to start your search try looking into The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale or The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children as they are two commonly used options with solid research backing them up.
Finally , when administering any typeof test keep in mind different elements such as response bias which can impact results.
