Which test is commonly used to assess set-shifting and cognitive flexibility?

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

Answer: (B)

Cognitive flexibility and set-shifting mean being able to switch mental rules and adapt behavior when goals change or feedback shows the current approach isn’t working. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test is commonly used to assess this because it requires discovering and applying sorting rules (such as color, shape, or number) and then shifting to a new rule without explicit instructions. The test hinges on how well you detect the change from feedback, update your strategy, and avoid persisting with the old rule—these are exactly the dynamics of set-sh shifting. While other tasks tap related abilities (like inhibition or visuospatial skills), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test uniquely targets the real-time rule discovery and flexible adjustment that define cognitive flexibility.