Which assessment is a simple attention measure?

• A. CPT
• B. Digit span forward
• C. Coding, symbol search, cancelation tasks
• D. Sustained attention measure

Answer: (B)

Simple attention tasks measure basic capacity to attend to information over a short period, with minimal extra demands. Repeating a sequence of digits in the same order directly taps attention and short-term auditory-verbal memory, and it’s quick, straightforward, with well-established norms. This makes digit span forward the clearest example of a simple attention measure.

Other options involve additional processes. A continuous performance-type task requires sustained vigilance and rapid discrimination with response decisions, so it assesses sustained attention and response control rather than a simple snapshot of attention. Tasks like coding, symbol search, and cancellation mix attention with processing speed, visual scanning, and motor aspects, adding complexity beyond a pure attention measure. A sustained attention measure explicitly targets monitoring over time, which also brings more prolonged, fatigue-related demands.

So the digit span forward best fits the idea of a simple attention measure.