Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

Overview

The WCST is used to assess perservation and abstract reasoning

Suitable for

Individuals aged 6.5 to 89 years

Language Versions

English

Product Description

Although the WCST® is used primarily to assess perseveration and abstract thinking, it has increased in popularity as a neuropsychological instrument. It has been considered a measure of executive function because of its reported sensitivity to frontal lobe dysfunction. As such, the WCST allows the clinician to assess the following 'frontal' lobe functions: strategic planning, organised searching, utilising environmental feedback to shift cognitive sets, directing behaviour toward achieving a goal, and modulating impulsive responding.

The response cards are numbered from 1 to 64 on the lower left corner of the reverse side to ensure a standard order of presentation. Respondents are required to sort the cards according to different principles and to alter their approach during the test administration.

Key Features

• Has shown specific sensitivity to brain lesions involving frontal lobes.
• Can be considered a measure of executive function, requiring the ability to develop and maintain an appropriate problem-solving strategy across changing stimulus conditions in order to achieve a future goal.
• Provides objective scores not only of overall success, but also for specific sources of difficulty on the task (e.g. inefficient initial conceptualisation, perseveration, failure to maintain a cognitive set, inefficient learning across stages of the test).

Training DVD and Workbook

This training package (authored by Susan K. Kongs and Laetitia L. Thompson) provides detailed training in the standardised WCST administration and scoring procedures developed by Dr Robert K Heaton. It is suitable for:

• individuals who are just learning to administer WCST
• as a review for experienced clinicians and psychometricians.

The specifics of administration and scoring are presented in four corresponding sections of the DVD and workbook: a) instructions to the subject, b) recording subject responses, c) scoring and d) test scenarios for recording practice.

The DVD demonstrates the appropriate way to present the instructions to the subject; a number of typical subject reactions to the test are illustrated throughout.

Both the DVD and workbook provide extensive opportunity for practice in recording and scoring subject responses with a focus on perseverative responses. Record sheets from actual test administrations are included in the workbook for scoring practice; scoring then can be checked against the completed examples in the workbook. The materials in this package are designed for use in a training programme supervised by a psychologist who is experienced in neuropsychological assessment.

Qualification level required:
Level 2. Please see our Test User Qualifications page for guidance

Duration

20 to 30 minutes