Attention Network Test (ANT)

The ANT is a task designed to test three attentional networks in children and adults: alerting, orienting, and executive control. Efficiency of the alerting network is examined by changes in reaction time resulting from a warning signal. Efficiency of orienting is examined by changes in the reaction time that accompany cues indicating where the target will occur. The efficiency of the executive network is examined by requiring the participant to respond by pressing two keys indicating the direction (left or right) of a central arrow surrounded by congruent, incongruent or neutral flankers.

Domains Assessed: Attention Problems and Hyperactivity, Cognitive and Executive Functioning

Note: The ANT is administered to children and adults ages 6-85 years old.

References: Fan, J., McCandliss, B. D., Sommer, T., Raz, A., & Posner, M. I. (2002). Testing the efficiency and independence of attentional networks. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 14(3), 340-7. doi:10.1162/089892902317361886

Additional Information: https://sacklerinstitute.org/cornell/assays_and_tools/ant/jin.fan/