Executive Function1–3 minBurden: MediumEMA: Medium

Trail-Making Analogue

A touch-based sequencing task for processing speed, visual search, and cognitive flexibility.

Processing speedVisual searchCognitive flexibility
Category
Executive Function
Typical duration
1–3 min
Participant burden
Medium
EMA suitability
Medium

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

Include practice trials

Shown with feedback before the main task

Task parameters

1–3 minBurden: MediumEMA: Medium

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

Simulated participant view

9:41

Trail-Making Analogue

A touch-based sequencing task for processing speed, visual search, and cognitive flexibility.

No data is recorded

Participant experience on smartphone

Scattered targets are tapped in sequence and connected visually on-screen.

When to use

Useful for broader executive-function protocols and lower-frequency cognitive check-ins.

When not to use

Less suitable for highly frequent EMA if interface friction must be minimal.

How to use in a study

Use fewer nodes than paper versions and ensure large spacing between targets.

Researcher-configurable parameters

  • Part A / Part B analogue
  • Number of nodes
  • Node spacing preset
  • Practice board enabled / disabled

Outputs collected

  • Completion time
  • Errors
  • Correction count
  • Pause durations

Interpretation notes

Motor demands and screen size matter. Performance should be interpreted with attention to device context.

Scientific evidence

  • Digital trail-making variants show meaningful validity against traditional measures.
  • Interface quality strongly affects performance in mobile versions.

Read more

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