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Executive Function Test (EFT)

Executive functions are a set of cognitive skills, including task initiation, time management, organization, working memory, flexible thinking, emotional control, impulse control, and self-monitoring, that enable individuals to plan, focus attention, regulate behavior, and achieve goals effectively. The Executive Function Test (EFT) is a self-assessment tool designed to measure the extent to which an individual exhibits challenges or strengths in executive functioning, the cognitive skills that manage planning, decision-making, and self-regulation. Drawing on research frameworks from the University of California, Berkeley (e.g., Adele Diamond’s work on executive functions) and the University of Oxford (e.g., Philip David Zelazo’s studies on cognitive control), this test adopts a structured approach to identify executive function traits in adults.

Question 1 of 40

It takes me a long time to get started on activities.

Disagree
Agree

NEXT

Structure of the EFT Test:

  • Task Initiation: Ability to begin tasks without delay.
  • Time Management: Skill in organizing and prioritizing time.
  • Organization: Ability to structure information and physical space.
  • Working Memory: Capacity to hold and manipulate information.
  • Flexible Thinking: Aptitude for adapting to new situations.
  • Emotional Control: Ability to manage emotions effectively.
  • Impulse Control: Capacity to resist immediate urges.
  • Self-Monitoring: Awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Each question has four responses: "definitely agree," "slightly agree," "slightly disagree," and "definitely disagree." Responses indicating executive dysfunction are scored 1 point, with a total score ranging from 0 to 40.

Purpose and Use

The EFT aims to highlight strengths and potential difficulties in executive functioning for self-reflection or research purposes. Higher scores may suggest challenges warranting further evaluation by a professional, while lower scores indicate robust executive skills. It is not diagnostic—only a licensed psychologist or neurologist can provide a formal assessment.

Strengths and Limitations

The EFT offers a quick, accessible way to explore executive functioning, inspired by rigorous research. However, as a self-report tool, it relies on personal insight, which may vary, and does not capture real-time performance. It’s a valuable starting point for awareness or professional discussion.

Task Initiation

Task Initiation refers to the ability to begin tasks without undue delay. Individuals with higher scores often procrastinate or struggle to start projects, needing external prompts. Reversed items reflect prompt action and self-motivation. This facet balances hesitation with proactive engagement, showing how one launches into action.

Time Management

Time Management assesses skill in organizing and prioritizing time. High scorers may miss deadlines or misjudge task duration, while reversed items indicate effective scheduling and prioritization. This facet contrasts disorganization with structured time use, revealing time-handling proficiency.

Organization

Organization captures the ability to structure information and physical space. Those scoring high often face clutter or scattered thoughts, while reversed items suggest tidy habits and logical arrangement. This facet spans chaos to order, highlighting spatial and mental organization.

Working Memory

Working Memory reflects the capacity to hold and manipulate information. High scores indicate forgetting instructions or juggling difficulties, while reversed items show strong recall and multitasking. This facet balances memory lapses with cognitive retention, indicating information processing strength.

Flexible Thinking

Flexible Thinking measures adaptability to change. High scorers may resist new approaches or perspectives, while reversed items reflect quick adjustments and creativity. This facet contrasts rigidity with adaptability, showing cognitive flexibility.

Emotional Control

Emotional Control assesses managing emotions effectively. Individuals scoring high may overreact or struggle to calm down, while reversed items indicate composure and resilience. This facet ranges from volatility to stability, revealing emotional regulation.

Impulse Control

Impulse Control refers to resisting immediate urges. High scorers may act rashly or interrupt, while reversed items suggest deliberation and restraint. This facet contrasts impulsivity with self-discipline, indicating behavioral control.

Self-Monitoring

Self-Monitoring involves awareness of thoughts, feelings, and actions. High scores suggest unawareness or poor adjustment, while reversed items reflect self-awareness and adaptation. This facet spans obliviousness to mindfulness, showing metacognitive skill.

Why Use This Test?

1. Free: Provided at no cost to assess your executive function profile.

2. Research-Based: Informed by studies from UC Berkeley and Oxford.

3. Structured Design: Developed with input from cognitive psychology frameworks.