Development and Use of Alphabet Vigilance Test – Based on Indian Norms

Sustained attention refers to the attention process that allows us to focus on a particular stimulus long enough to complete a particular task. This study attempted to design and standardize a test to measure sustained attention and response inhibition in children – Alphabet Vigilance Test. For the purpose of this study, children were divided into three age categories, 5-7 years, 8-11 years and 12-15 years (age mean and SD). A minimum sample of 30 boys and 30 girls for each age category were administered this test. The time taken to complete the test (vigilance) and errors committed (response inhibition) was noted down. The data was statistically analysed with descriptive means and percentile analysis to develop norms of performance ranging from the 5th percentile to the 95th percentile, along with‘t’ test to check for performance difference between boys and girls of all age categories. The scores and norms are discussed and elaborated upon, with limitations of study and suggestions for future research.