Stroop Color and Word Test

Stroop Color and Word TestCharles Golden, PhD

• Purpose:  Differentiate between non-brain-damaged psychiatric and brain-damaged patients in ages 15-90 years
• Age Range:  Adolescent,  Adult, Elder Adult
•  Admin:  Individual
• Time:  5 minutes (timed)

 The Stroop Color and Word Test has long been a standard measure in neuropsychological assessment. It measures cognitive processing and provides valuable diagnostic information on brain dysfunction, cognition, and psychopathology. The 2002 Examiner\’s Manual provides updated scoring, norms, and interpretations for ages 15-90 years.

The Stroop Color and Word Test is based on the observation that individuals can read words much faster than they can identify and name colors. The cognitive dimension tapped by the Stroop is associated with cognitive flexibility, resistance to interference from outside stimuli, creativity, and psychopathology–all of which influence the individual\’s ability to cope with cognitive stress and process complex input. Whether the test is used as a screener or as part of a general battery, its quick and easy administration, validity, and reliability make it a highly useful instrument.

The Stroop Color and Word Test consists of a Word Page with color words printed in black ink, a Color Page with \’Xs\’ printed in color, and a Color-Word Page with words from the first page printed in colors from the second page (the color and the word do not match). The test-taker looks at each sheet and moves down the columns, reading words or naming the ink colors as quickly as possible within a time limit. The test yields three scores based on the number of items completed on each of the three stimulus sheets. In addition, an Interference score, which is useful in determining the individual\’s cognitive flexibility, creativity, and reaction to cognitive pressures also can be calculated. A stopwatch is required to administer each test.

Kit includes Stroop Examiner\’s Manual 2002 and Stroop Test Pages–25 sets of 3 pages.