The purpose of the Category Problem Solving Test - Short Edition Assist (CPST-SE) is to help psychologists and other health care professionals in their evaluation of an individuals executive functioning abilities. The CPST-SE Assist provides assistance in the administration, scoring and interpretation of the Category Test. This test is used to assess an individuals problem-solving skills and mental flexibility. Sets of novel test stimuli are presented and the test taker is required to deduce the underlying rule needed to select the correct answer using a trial and error process. The CPST-SE Assist is a short form version of the complete Category Test and is usually completed by most people in 15 to 30 minutes.
Numerous research studies using the Category Test have found it to be one of the most sensitive measures for identifying cognitive impairments. This computerized adaptation was designed to help guide examiners in their administration, scoring and interpretation of the short format version of the original test. This test can be used to evaluate individuals between the ages sixteen and eighty-nine years old. Since the test administration and scoring are highly structured, this test can be easily and accurately administered by an examiner’s assistant.
The use of the CPST-SE Assist requires that it be administered in accordance with the specified test guidelines under the supervision of a licensed health care professional who is qualified in the use and interpretation of psychological tests. No identifying PHI data is stored on the device. The test by itself is not to be used as a stand-alone instrument in making any determination of impairment or diagnosis. Its primary function is to provide data that may prove helpful to clinicians as part of their comprehensive evaluation.