Stroop Test (Executive Functions)

Theoretical Background: The Stroop Effect

The Stroop Colors and Words Test assesses inhibitory control and selective attention.

It is based on the "Stroop effect", which is the semantic interference that occurs when one must name the color of the ink with which a word denoting a different color is written (e.g., the word "RED" written in blue ink).

This task requires the examinee to suppress the automatic reading response in favor of naming the color, thus assessing cognitive flexibility and resistance to interference.

It is a useful tool for detecting neurological problems, frontal lobe damage, and attentional deficits.

Administration of the Three Slides

The test consists of three slides, each with 100 items distributed in five columns, and a time limit of 45 seconds per slide is given to read or name as many items as possible.

Word Reading: The subject reads aloud colored names (Red, Green, Blue) printed in black ink. Evaluates reading speed and left hemisphere functions.

Color Naming: Subject names the color of a series of "X's" printed in colored ink. Assesses visual processing speed and right hemisphere functions.

Word-Color (Interference): The subject must name the color of the ink with which the words are written, ignoring the semantic content (which is a different color name). This slide measures inhibitory control and frontal executive function.

Summary

The test assesses inhibitory control and selective attention based on the "Stroop effect". This phenomenon causes interference when trying to name the ink color of a word that denotes another color.

It is key to detect neurological problems and frontal damage. It consists of three sheets that are applied for forty-five seconds each: word reading, color naming and the interference task.

The reading task evaluates left hemisphere functions and speed. The interference task measures executive ability to suppress the automatic reading response by resisting semantic interference in order to name the color correctly.