Using Game Technology to Automatize Neuropsychological Tests and Research in Active Aging

Computerized neuropsychological tests provide a more systematic and easily administered assessment tool than traditional pen-and-paper tests. We consider that game technology can be effectively applied to decrease the cost of developing computerized versions of traditional tests and can even allow the creation of promising new environments to assess and researching in active aging. To study the feasibility of this approach, we developed a computer version of the 15 Objects Test and compared the performance of subjects when using the traditional paper-based version and our computer-based version, which captures all user interaction data in real time using game analytics techniques. Other relevant information, such as demographics and familiarity with technology, was also compiled by pre-post online forms. Our results show that computer and traditional pen-and-paper test versions provide similar results, while the additional interaction data captured by using game analytics techniques opens the door to new environments for active aging research.