Purpose

The test aims to assess frontal lobe functioning, specifically the individual’s ability to make logical estimations in situations requiring judgment and mental flexibility. Cognitive estimation tasks are often used to detect dysfunctions associated with the prefrontal cortex, such as in cases of traumatic brain injury, dementia, or neurodegenerative conditions.

Brief Description

The test consists of 40 questions for which the exact answer is typically unknown or difficult to retrieve from memory. The examinee is asked to provide a logical estimate for each question based on general knowledge or experience. The questions cover various domains, such as time duration, weight, quantity, height, distance, cost, and numerical estimates.
The purpose is not to assess factual knowledge but rather the ability to generate a reasonable approximation based on reasoning. The test evaluates the individual’s capacity to process information and arrive at plausible conclusions, even when specific data is missing.

Sample

The standardization process is currently under development. To establish valid and reliable norms, data collection from a broad sample of healthy adults is required, including variations in age, gender, and educational background.

Scoring Method

Examinees’ responses are compared to predefined acceptable ranges based on population norms. Estimates falling within the accepted range are considered normal, whereas significant deviations may indicate potential frontal dysfunction.
Scoring may involve a scale such as:
2 – response within normal range
1 – marginal deviation
0 – significant deviation
The total score is derived by summing individual scores and interpreted in comparison to available norms.

Validity

The psychometric validity of the test is not yet available, as it is still in the development and standardization phase. Correlational studies with other cognitive and frontal lobe measures will be required to confirm construct and content validity.

Reliability

Documented reliability data for this tool is not yet available. Reliability is expected to be assessed through internal consistency (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest stability over time.

Key References

Giaglis, G., Dimitriadou, N., Klesioura, M., & Kosmidis, M. (2005, 30 September – 2 October). Cognitive estimation in older adults. 19th Panhellenic Conference of the Hellenic Society for Neuroscience, Patras.
Shallice, T., & Evans, M. E. (1978). The involvement of the frontal lobes in cognitive estimation. Cortex, 14(2), 294–303.