Comparability of Two Cognitive Performance Assessment Systems

Abstract : This study compared two computerized cognitive performance assessment systems: a typical laboratory desktop computer system and a ruggedized, hand- held field-portable system. Identical cognitive performance assessment software was installed on the two devices in order to determine whether differences in the hardware configurations of the two devices influenced measures of cognitive performance. Data were collected on 24 subjects over a period of 1 week during which subjects performed six cognitive tasks twice a day on each of the computer systems. Results indicated a high degree of sensitivity of the cognitive tests to day and session effects. Also, there were tasks in which the type of device used to present stimuli and record data influenced the results obtained. Differences between the two devices in terms of their display characteristics seem to account for the influences.