Demonstrating Diurnal and Alcohol Effects Using the Stroud Cognitive Readiness Evaluation (SCORE)

Abstract

The Stroud Cognitive Readiness Evaluation (SCORE) measures the duration of a “psychological moment” (1/Hz) at which a flickering red light fuses. The shorter the moment the more alert one is. Stereo targets are mounted on a self-contained light-weight binocular using two light emitting diode panels for each eye. A forced-choice Best-PEST protocol controls the administration of 58 two-second trials at frequencies between 15 Hz-150 Hz. A 2.5 day study demonstrates expected variation in diurnal fluctuation (20%), with ethanol consumption, (60%), and exposure to mild fatigue (1%). High test-retest reliability (>0.95) obtained in <3 minutes, its portability and ease of administration, support its use as a “cognitive fitness-for- duty” surveillance measure. Daily monitoring of expected variation in cognitive attention in populations is now feasible by comparing one's level of attention at the time of testing against baseline measurements. The SCORE is particularly suitable for tasks that require sustained vigilance over time such as required by public safety employees including airport screeners, truck and bus drivers, pilots, nuclear power workers, police, firemen, and the military.