In executive function assessment, which test is used to measure cognitive flexibility by requiring rule changes?

• A. Trail Making Test Part A.
• B. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.
• C. Trail Making Test Part B.
• D. Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure.

Answer: (B)

Cognitive flexibility, an executive function, is the ability to adjust thinking and behavior when rules or goals change. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test is designed to tap this directly: you sort cards by a dimension (color, shape, or number) without being told the current rule, and after a while the rule changes. You must infer the new rule from feedback and shift your strategy accordingly. Success hinges on recognizing the new criterion and avoiding sticking with the old rule, which is called perseveration. This direct demand to adapt to changing contingencies is why this test best measures cognitive flexibility.

The other tests don’t target rule-changing flexibility as clearly. Trail Making Test Part A mainly tests processing speed and visual search; Trail Making Test Part B involves switching between sequences (numbers and letters) but doesn’t require deducing a new rule from feedback; the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure assesses visuoconstruction and memory rather than flexible rule shifting.