Effect of physical layout in performance of the Trail Making Test.

The Trail Making Test, a commonly used test instrument in neuropsychological evaluation, consists of2 parts ( A and B). The difference in times to complete the 2 parts of the test is usually attributed to the increased cognitive demands of Part B. The results of this study suggest that the difference in physical layout of the 2 parts of the test also has a significant effect on the time needed for their completion. The study used only fully functional participants ; it is not known how the difference in physical layouts relates to test performance by persons with brain-function impairment.