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Welcome to FOCUS
FOCUS is a computerised measurement of Attentional Control. Attentional control is the ability to remain focused on goal-relevant stimuli and information in the presence of potentially interfering distractions.
FOCUS measures several aspects (called constructs) that influence Attentional Control. These constructs are Consistency, Performance, Impulsivity, and Distractions (audio and visual).
Consistency
Consistency is the measurement of the quality of reacting or performing in a similar way in terms of accuracy and responsiveness when having to execute boring, mundane or repetitive tasks. Consistent behaviour results in achieving a level of performance which does not vary greatly in quality over time. Inconsistent behaviour results in a fluctuation of the quality execution of the task due to the individual having trouble maintaining his or her focus, especially when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Performance
Performance is the accomplishment of a given task measured against pre-set known standards of accuracy and speed, i.e. being attentive to completing the task accurately and on time. Overall performance of the individual is measured in terms of being accurate versus inaccurate and being on-time.
Impulsivity
Impulsivity (or being impulsive) involves a tendency to act suddenly and without careful thought, reflection or consideration of the consequences. Impulsive actions are typically poorly conceived, prematurely expressed, unduly risky, or inappropriate to the situation that often result in undesirable consequences. Impulsivity is both the tendency to respond prior to the evoking stimuli being presented (i.e. Itubedownloader 6 3 4. guessing which stimulus is presented) and the tendency to respond when he or she should not (i.e. incorrectly responding to the non-target).
Distraction
Distraction is the process of diverting the attention of the individual from the desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information.
Visual distraction – determining the impact of visual changes in the environment on the individual’s performance.
Auditory distraction – determining the impact of auditory changes in the environment on the individual’s performance.
FOCUS is Norm-referenced
Norm-referenced refers to standardised tests that are designed to compare and rank test takers in relation to one another. Norm-referenced tests report whether test takers performed better or worse than a hypothetical average student, which is determined by comparing scores against the performance results of a statistically selected group of test takers, typically of the same age or grade level, who have already taken the test. Calculating norm-referenced scores is called the “norming process,” and the comparison group is known as the “norming group.” Norming groups typically comprise only a small subset of previous test takers, not all or even most previous test takers. Test developers use a variety of statistical methods to select norming groups, interpret raw scores, and determine performance levels. In FOCUS norming occur as per relevant age groups. Interpretation of the FOCUS results are therefore linked to the relevant age group norm.
The FOCUS assessment is valuable to me as a professional as the constructs measure skills that can be applied throughout different target groups. Whether you want to measure the distractibility of a student in a classroom, an admin worker in an office environment or a sportsman on a sports field, the skills measured with this tool can be helpful throughout multiple areas and age groups. I appreciate the objectivity of the FOCUS assessment and the user-friendly way the reports and graphs are reflected.
I really like using FOCUS. Providing good info to people and helping me plan therapy. Really appreciate the time you took with me for training.
The FOCUS assessment is a 20 minute test that measures four aspects of attentional control (consistency, performance, impulsivity and the effect of auditory and visual distraction on concentration). It is an objective tool to measure concentration scientifically.
What I like about FOCUS is that it is user-friendly for both the administrator and the test-taker. Only one button (the space bar) is being used during the test, this makes it uncomplicated for younger test-takers as well as for people that is not familiar with a computer. FOCUS is norm-referenced with South African norm groups. Immediately after administration a computer generated report is available. The scores are displayed on a bar chart against the norm group, this simplify the process of interpretation. This visual illustration also makes the feedback process much easier to understand.
Southern Africa
Dr. Wilma Coetzer
+27 (082) 063-9108
Karin Visser
+27 (082) 570-6024 USA
Gwen Sorley
+1 (828) 243-9291 United Kingdom
Dr. Wayne Cottrell
+44 (203) 197-9100 Mexico
Reynaldo Lopez
+52 (662) 340-0331 Zambia
Deja Nienaber
How many people participated in the research (establishing of the norms)?
More than 3000 subjects with ages varying from 5 to 85 formed part of the research group. The research is ongoing and the norms will be updated yearly.
Who can be tested?
FOCUS as a computerised measurement is to be used to determine fluctuations in attentional control in terms of consistency, overall performance over a pre-set period of time, impulsivity, decline in performance and the impact of distractors, i.e. auditory and visual. FOCUS can be administered on any individual, preferably from the age of 5. The use of FOCUS in determining attentional control for Children, Students, Adults (Personal or in the workplace), Elderly / Pensioners.
How does it work?
It is very simple. All you have to do is to react to a stimuli in the form of a star. When the yellow star appears, you need to press the space bar as fast as you can. When the outlined star appears, you must do nothing.
Why is it so boring?
Tests for Attentional Control have to be boring (not stimulate interest). It is in boring situations that we tend to lose control the fastest.
How does the distractions work?
Audio distractions appear throughout the test at predetermined times in the form of people talking in the distance, mimicking a typical classroom or work environment. Visual distractions take the form of 3D characters that walk on and off the screen at predetermined intervals.
How can it benefit a professional working with ADHD?
Apart from the fact that it gives a professional an idea of how the subject performs as compared to a norm group of the same sex and age in terms of attentional control, it also provides a view on how much the individual is distracted (audio and visually).
What are the advantages to using FOCUS?
As far as computerised performance tests (CPT’s) go, FOCUS stands way above the crowd. It is the first test of this kind that tests for impulsivity, reaction speed and distractions (both audio and visual) at the same time. FOCUS is inexpensive. You also do not have to pay for different site licenses – once you are accredited you can have as many testing stations as you want. This will save you time, since you can test several subjects at the same time. Online training and accreditation is provided in an easy-to-use-and-understand way.
How was FOCUS started?
FOCUS was developed jointly by Afriforte who are leaders in statistics, psychometrics and tool development, Dr. Wilma Coetzer, an industrial psychologist and Prof Deon Visser and his wife, Karin, owners of Biolink. The idea was to develop an affordable, unique test for attentional control and including audio and visual distractions.
Is there training involved?
Training on how to use the software is part of the accreditation process and is online where you can work at your own pace and time.
How do I get accredited?
Accreditation is online. The training takes you through several stages. After every stage you will have to write a short test. If you reach 90 % or more for the test, you can move on.
Do you intend to do research?
We are actively busy writing several research papers, the first of which will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals as early as November 2016.
by Dr. Julie Schwartzbard, MD
Our ability to focus and concentrate lets us accomplish amazing things — when it’s working well. Distractions are the main reason we lose focus, but often these aren’t as obvious as you might imagine. Instead you may feel scattered or “fuzzy,” or blame yourself for not having more control.
As we get older, focus and concentration can change, as can memory and other cognitive functions, but this is not inevitable. In fact, some studies with older people show no decline in decision-making capabilities, and the capacity for strategic learning — using specific methods to understand something — can get even better with age. People in their 70s can be “more conscientious and vigilant, without being hyper-vigilant” than those in their 50s.
If you have poor focus, you may feel as if you simply have to try harder but this strategy probably won’t help. Instead, you can have better focus by taking action to promote improvements in the specific brain functions that drive concentration and awareness. By creating the conditions that make it easier to concentrate and complete your work, you can feel sharper and more focused especially when you have a specific task to accomplish.
Look through these factors that affect focus — for better or worse — and take note of how many apply to you. Starting at any of these points can be your first step toward having better focus and concentration for everything you do.
Factors that impair focus
Poor diet and nutrition
Weight loss diets are notoriously bad for focus and concentration. Low-fat diets can ruin focus because the brain needs certain essential fatty acids. But not getting enough protein is bad too. The amino acids in protein are crucial for creating key brain chemicals used for focus. Processed foods lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes that destroy focus. And if you don’t get essential vitamins (particularly B vitamins and vitamin D) and minerals, including adequate iron, your ability to concentrate will suffer, and it will worsen over time.
Hunger
Hunger is a distraction we’ve all had. Many studies show the negative effects that hunger has on school-aged children and young adults. Hunger is tied directly to low blood sugar which quickly leads to fatigue and low energy levels — and all wreak havoc on your ability to focus.
Dehydration
Loss of focus is a definite side effect of not drinking enough water and studies prove it. Dehydration can also lead to other symptoms that in turn reduce focus, including headache symptoms, fatigue and low mood. Even having just 1% lower than optimal hydration can cause lack of focus.
Hormonal changes
Normal hormonal fluctuations and shifts, like those during pregnancy or menopause, can affect how well women concentrate. This is so common during the midlife transition that loss of concentration is considered a symptom of menopause by many healthcare practitioners.
Lack of sleep
This is a big one because if you don’t get enough sleep — even for just one night— your thought processes can slow down, you’re less alert than normal and your ability to concentrate suffers. You can become so confused that you can’t perform tasks requiring complex thought. It’s also hard to remember and learn new things if you’re sleepy and that also affects focus negatively. Inadequate sleep also cuts into working memory, an important part of focusing. It makes you less vigilant and reduces both your accuracy and speed on mental tasks. If your sleep problems become chronic and long-term — something so many people struggle with — your reduced ability to focus can become your new normal, which can negatively affect your employment, relationships and personal growth.
Stress
Stress is inevitable but it can have dire consequences on focus and concentration if it becomes chronic. Ongoing stress churns up deep internal distress that short-circuits important cognitive functions. But emotional stress can be just as bad. Job worries, relationship issues and health concerns can make it hard to concentrate, though lots of people don’t notice this happening until they become totally overwhelmed. When you become mentally exhausted, you eventually will have difficulties with concentration and attention. If you have to reread things a lot because you can’t focus, your work may not get done, and of course, that alone causes even more stress. Pixel film studios fcpx3d: model 1 3es download free.
Medical, emotional and psychological problems
Any serious issue that affects your health, mental or physical, can hurt your focus, including sleep apnea, toxicity from heavy metals, traumatic brain injury, stroke, ADHD, learning disabilities, visual disorders, dementia, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and emotional trauma.
Lack of physical activity
If you don’t exercise, you won’t know how deeply your ability to focus is affected until you actually get moving. As an example of how the brain benefits from exercise, one study showed that three months of aerobic exercise was linked to the creation of new neurons, and broader and deeper interconnections between them. These types of neuronal improvements can increase and strengthen concentration.
Your environment
Is it too loud or too quiet when you’re trying to concentrate? Is your environment filled with distractions like ringing phones, humming light fixtures, rattling heater vents, or visual disruptions? Maybe it’s too hot — or too cold. How about your comfort level (chair, desk height, lighting)? Are people always interrupting you? All of these elements can affect focus.
Quality of information
It’s very hard to harness your focus if you don’t have the right information to work with. An incomplete email, a misleading phone message or a skipped step along the way can muddle your focus as you try to make sense of the inadequate information. Factors that improve focus
Good Diet
You can improve your ability to focus exponentially by shifting your diet toward eating healthy foods from the Mediterranean-style of eating. Consistently eating foods that support healthy brain function increases concentration and can even help you have more patience with distractions. In addition to moderate amounts of lean protein, fill your plate with lots of vegetables and fruit. Add whole grains and use olive oil to cook instead of butter. Eat a good breakfast to send a message to your body that it’s going to get the fuel it needs — you will be less stressed physically and better able to remain focused.
Targeted supplemental nutrition
Research has already identified many of the important nutrients and ingredients that directly fuel brain functions like focus and concentration. The range of B vitamins, and particularly B6, B9 and B12, are absolutely essential for good focus. Vitamin D is also key nutrient, and choline has great science behind it for brain health. The latest discovery with solid research supporting it is curcumin, a plant ingredient derived from turmeric that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidant ingredients like quercetin can also help with inflammation.
Plenty of water
Having enough water in your system throughout the day is one of the most basic steps you can take to help ensure good focus. Thirst isn’t the best measure of fluid status so lack of focus can be an important early indicator of dehydration. Dr. Sharon Stills, ND, has a great way to know how much water is right for you: drink half your weight in ounces every day.
Right environment
It’s important to set yourself up for good focus by choosing and adapting your surroundings as needed. Find the best place in your home to concentrate, or move to the library or a coffee shop if that fits your style better. Too much silence can drive a lot of people crazy — think solitary confinement. And if it is too quiet, you’ll hear every little distracting sound, so aim for a little background noise. Conversely, if you’re fighting too much noise, try noise-cancelling headphones or create white noise with a fan. Listening to non-distracting music can help — try classical or gentle electronic tunes. Weird but wonderful
Three unusual ways to improve focus
Find Focus 1 0 24 – Block Distractions Test Questions
1. PRACTICE focusing when you don’t have to: read in a noisy spot or drive without the radio on.
2. WIGGLE your toes — this mindfulness trick brings you back to the present if your concentration drifts. 3. AIM HIGH: Perform tasks that require intense focus, like learning a language, to turn on the nucleus basalis — your brain’s mechanism for creating new neural pathways and strengthening existing ones, also known as neuroplasticity.
Good sleep every night
Just as important as the food you eat, is sleep — both are basic components of good brain function. Get seven hours of sleep per night, or up to 9 hours on occasion. For most of us, anything less than 7 hours eats into a specific stage known as delta, or slow-wave sleep, which will make it hard to focus when we’re awake. If you feel drowsy at the wrong times it may mean you’re not getting enough sleep. Take naps only when necessary, especially if you have trouble getting to sleep at night. If you haven’t slept well for a long period, use the weekend to catch up by heading to bed earlier and letting yourself wake up naturally. If you continue to have challenges with sleep, speak with your doctor.
Exercise
Exercise can do wonderful things for focus: just one session can improve mental focus and cognitive performance for any task you’re trying to complete. One study showed that even if people have attention deficits, they can sharpen their focus with physical activity because it releases brain chemicals associated with learning and memory. Aerobic exercise can improve functioning in the brain areas related to attention. Need to concentrate immediately? A short, intense session of running in place speeds circulation to the brain and improves focus fast. And for a good focus workout, learn a new sport that depends on hand-eye coordination, like tennis. Find Focus 1 0 24 – Block Distractions Test Answers
Stress reduction
You can limit the effects of stress on your ability to focus by simply taking a break at midday and doing absolutely nothing for a solid five minutes. Taking a break physically disrupts the pattern of stress-building and can help you recover your focus, or prevent it from being lost.
Good breathing
Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day. Do you subconsciously hold your breath, especially when focusing intensely on a detailed project or fine-motor work? Is your normal breathing pattern shallow and irregular? You can feed your brain more oxygen with regular breathing that’s steady and complete, with full inhales and exhales. Make even more powerful changes to your focus with deep belly breathing: place one hand on your stomach and inhale for three full seconds and feel your belly expand, and then exhale for three seconds pushing the air out with your stomach muscles, feeling your belly drop. At first, perform this exercise for just 60 seconds total. When you’re ready, keep going for another minute or two — or even longer if you like. Add meditation to your deep breathing practice — even for just 30 seconds — to re-focus your brain in the face of distractions.
You can have better focus and concentration naturally by targeting the specific mechanisms responsible for these key brain functions. Take action today and learn more now.
TOP REFERENCES
Find Focus 1 0 24 – Block Distractions Test Positive
Chapman, S. Healthy Brain, Healthy Decisions. 17 January, 2013. University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health website. Available at: http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2013/1/17-21611_Study-Finds-That-Age-Does-Not-Impair-Decision-Maki_article-wide.html. Accessed October 1, 2014.
Alhola P. et al. Sleep deprivation: Impact of cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. Oct 2007; 3(5): 553-567.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292/. Accessed October 1, 2014.
Find Focus 1 0 24 – Block Distractions Tests
Why lack of sleep is bad for your health. National Health Service, UK. http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/pages/lack-of-sleep-health-risks.aspx. Accessed October 1, 2014.
Dealing with the symptoms of menopause. Pixelmator 2 2 – powerful layer based image editor. Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School. http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Dealing_with_the_symptoms_of_menopause.htm. Accessed October 1, 2014.
Survey: Three Out Of Five U.S. Teachers See Hunger in Classroom. NEA Health Information Network. http://www.neahin.org/about/news/survey-three-out-of-five.html. Accessed October 1, 2014.
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