Investigating the Structure of Attention: How Do Test Characteristics of Paper-Pencil Sustained Attention Tests Influence Their Relationship with Other Attention Tests?

The present study examined the influence of different test modi on the relationship between two different sustained attention ( SA) tests - one with predominant processing and one with predominant perception demands - and a test of selective attention. Therefore, each attention test was presented in five different modi ( paper-pencil, self-paced with item blocks, self-paced with single items, computer-paced with item blocks, computer-paced with single items) and administered to 110 participants. The original versions of different tests correlated only weakly to moderately. But when these tests were modified to correspond in terms of modus, they showed strong correlations. For tests with a predominant perception demand MTMM analyses revealed that the pace modus ( self-paced vs. computer-paced) had a higher impact than the tests themselves. A measurement model was established with two attention test factors and three modus factors. The modi of test presentation proved to be distinguishable and accounted for 59.9% of variance in the task set. It is argued that the attention facet tapped by different tests is a function of the task itself, but also of the way this task is presented.