Cognitive estimation abilities in healthy and clinical populations: the use of the Cognitive Estimation Test

Abstract

Estimation abilities are a group of processes that involve functions such as planning, attention, abstract reasoning, and also mnemonic processes, like semantic and working memory. They are allocated in order to solve problems for which the answers are not readily available. Estimation abilities can be measured using the Cognitive Estimation Test (CET). The aim of this article was to review the use of the CET and other tests of cognitive estimation in healthy and pathological populations. We discussed studies examining correlations between the CET and other measures of executive functions and the importance of the standardization of measures that assess estimation abilities.

The Cognitive Estimation Task is nonunitary: Evidence for multiple magnitude representation mechanisms among normative and ADHD college students

“…Although there is a general agreement that the cognitive estimation task requires EF and semantic memory (Wagner, MacPherson, Parente, & Trentini, 2011), the role of numerical estimation in cognitive estimation tasks is still largely unknown. We aimed to fill this gap by examining magnitude representations and the role of numerical estimation in a cognitive estimation task.…”

“…First, there is a general agreement that the cognitive estimation task requires EF (Wagner, MacPherson, Parente, & Trentini, 2011). To test individual differences in EF, we used the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, which is often used to examine frontal lobe damage in EF weakness (Berg, 1948).…”

Deconstructing the Cognitive Estimation Task: A Developmental Examination and Intra-Task Contrast

“…The CET categories have been assumed to reflect one construct: the scores of the weight, time, and quantity questions have been grouped together in one CET score under the assumption that they measure the same ability23. Therefore, we examined the developmental trajectories for each CET category separately.…”

“…the solution is drawn indirectly from personal experience; most participants have eaten watermelon but have never counted the number of seeds. Beyond accessing the relevant semantic framework, the solution of cognitive estimation questions involves several components of executive functions (EF) including: planning, problem solving, cognitive flexibility, working memory, mental control, inhibition, self-monitoring and self-correction23.…”

“…Thus the primary function of the CET has been a clinical tool to assess EF for patients with neurological disorders3. Researchers have found deficits in CET performance in Alzheimer’s disease67, Korsakoff’s syndrome8, major depressive disorder9, and schizophrenia10.…”