Executive Function3–6 minBurden: MediumEMA: Low

Category Learning

A feedback-based classification task that measures how participants induce and apply category rules from trial-by-trial feedback.

Rule learningCognitive flexibilityConcept formation
Category
Executive Function
Typical duration
3–6 min
Participant burden
Medium
EMA suitability
Low

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

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Include practice trials

Shown with feedback before the main task

Task parameters

Outputs: accuracy, median RT, perseveration errors after rule shift.

3–6 minBurden: MediumEMA: Low

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

Simulated participant view

9:41

Category Learning

A feedback-based classification task that measures how participants induce and apply category rules from trial-by-trial feedback.

No data is recorded

Participant experience on smartphone

A coloured geometric shape appears on each trial and the participant assigns it to Category A or B, then receives correct/incorrect feedback.

When to use

Useful when the study needs an active rule-induction measure rather than pre-learned instruction following. The optional rule-shift condition provides a flexible cognitive measure of perseveration.

When not to use

Not suitable for high-frequency EMA because rule induction requires a learning phase that only makes sense at lower measurement frequencies.

How to use in a study

Enable the rule-shift condition to capture perseveration and flexible updating. Pilot the task to ensure stimuli are discriminable on the target device size.

Researcher-configurable parameters

  • Classification rule (shape, colour, size, conjunction)
  • Number of trials
  • Rule-shift trial index
  • Feedback display duration
  • Practice block enabled / disabled

Outputs collected

  • Accuracy
  • Median reaction time
  • Perseveration errors after rule shift
  • Learning curve (accuracy by trial block)

Interpretation notes

Pre-shift and post-shift accuracy are the most interpretable outputs. Perseveration errors reflect continued use of the superseded rule.

Scientific evidence

  • Rule-based classification tasks have a long history in cognitive psychology and are feasible on touchscreen devices.

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