Attention & Processing Speed1–3 minBurden: MediumEMA: Medium

Cancellation Task

A visual scanning task where participants tap designated targets among distractors.

Selective attentionConcentrationVisual scanning
Category
Attention & Processing Speed
Typical duration
1–3 min
Participant burden
Medium
EMA suitability
Medium

Try this task

Configure parameters and run an interactive preview exactly as participants will experience it. No data is recorded.

Configure preview

Adjust parameters below, then start the preview on the right.

Include practice trials

Shown with feedback before the main task

Task parameters

Practice uses a smaller grid (18 items). Main data: hits, omissions, false taps, and completion time.

1–3 minBurden: MediumEMA: Medium

This is a researcher preview. No participant data is recorded.

Simulated participant view

9:41

Cancellation Task

A visual scanning task where participants tap designated targets among distractors.

No data is recorded

Participant experience on smartphone

A grid of symbols, letters, or icons with touch selection of targets.

When to use

Useful for selective attention and concentration studies, including lower-frequency executive screening.

When not to use

Less suitable when visual acuity, motor precision, or very small screens are major concerns.

How to use in a study

Use alternate forms and ensure touch targets are large and well spaced.

Researcher-configurable parameters

  • Grid size
  • Target / distractor ratio
  • Timed versus completion-based
  • Alternate forms

Outputs collected

  • Hits
  • Omissions
  • False positives
  • Completion time

Interpretation notes

A stronger visual-attention task than odd-one-out, but also slightly heavier in motor and visual demands.

Scientific evidence

  • UCancellation demonstrates a self-administered mobile selective-attention design with alternate forms and convergent validity.

Read more

Related tasks

Use in your study

Add this task to your ESM study on SMAAT — free to get started.

Sign up free →