Name two subtests commonly used in the D-KEFS to appraise executive function.

• A. Digit Span and Coding.
• B. Block Design and Vocabulary.
• C. Sorting (concept formation) and Trail Making.
• D. Rey-Osterrieth Recall and Copy.

Answer: (C)

Executive function covers flexible thinking, planning, and problem solving. In the D-KEFS, two subtests that target these abilities are Trail Making and Sorting (concept formation). Trail Making requires you to quickly process information and switch between tasks (connecting numbers, then alternating with letters), which measures cognitive flexibility and processing speed. Sorting asks you to group cards by an emerging rule and adapt when that rule changes, tapping concept formation and abstract reasoning while also testing flexible thinking. The other subtests lean more toward basic attention, memory, or visuospatial skills rather than the core executive processes, so these two are the ones most commonly used to appraise executive function within the D-KEFS.