Task Switching· Beginner

Goal

Classify numbers according to the current rule. The rule can change at any time — watch the badge!

Rules

  • A number (1-9, excluding 5) and a rule badge appear on screen.
  • Odd/Even rule (blue badge): press left for odd, right for even.
  • High/Low rule (orange badge): press left if less than 5, right if greater.
  • Prime rule (violet badge, hard): press left for primes (2, 3, 7), right otherwise.
  • The rule can switch between trials — quickly check the badge color.

Rule switches are the key challenge! Use badge colors to identify the rule instantly.

The Task Switching paradigm is a core measure of cognitive flexibility. Switch cost — the slowdown when rules change — is an early indicator of cognitive aging.

  • Monsell, S. (2003) - Task switching, Trends in Cognitive Sciences
  • Kray & Lindenberger (2000) - Adult age differences in task switching