PEBL Hub — IRB Fact Sheet — 2026-08-23
Berg's (Wisconsin) Card Sorting Test
Category:Executive Function
Duration:~15 minutes
Parameters:6 configurable parameters available
Version:1.0
Input:Mouse
Description
A test of executive function and cognitive flexibility where participants sort cards according to changing rules.
Notes
- Also known as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
Key Parameters
| repeats | Number of repetitions through the deck. Default of 2 is akin to BCST-128, whereas 1 would be like BCST-64. See alternate bcst-64.pbl for version specifically targetting WCST64. (default: 2) |
| runlength | Number of correct responses required before switching categories. Typically, 10 are used, although 5 is also common. (default: 10) |
| useCanonical | Whether the canonical stimulus card piles should be used. If 0, cards will be chosen randomly. (default: 1) |
| useReduced | Whether Nelson's 24-card non-redundant deck (modified card sort) should be used. If non-zero, the 24-card deck will be used. (default: 0) |
| rulefeedback | Whether feedback should be given when the rule changes. If non-zero, feedback will be given. (default: 0) |
| usemouse | Whether the mouse should be used to control the test. If 0, keyboard keys will be used. If non-zero, mouse will be used. (default: 1) |
References
Berg, E. A. (1948). A simple objective technique for measuring flexibility in thinking. Journal of General Psychology, 39, 15-22.