Flanker Test: Train Selective Attention and Focus

What is the Flanker Test?

The Eriksen Flanker Test was developed in 1974 by Barbara and Charles Eriksen. It measures the ability to ignore irrelevant information and focus only on what matters.

The Principle

You're shown a row of arrows (or letters). You must only respond to the central arrow and ignore the "flankers" (the surrounding arrows).

Examples

Congruent (same direction):

→ → → → →

All arrows point right → Answer: Right

Incongruent (different direction):

← ← → ← ←

The middle arrow points right, flankers point left → Answer: Right

The Flanker Effect

In incongruent trials, you're slower and make more errors. The irrelevant flankers automatically influence your processing - even though you know you should ignore them.

Why is the Flanker Test Important?

Scientific Significance

The Flanker Test is one of the most important tests for:

Selective attention - Focus on relevant information
Conflict processing - Dealing with contradictory information
Cognitive control - Suppressing automatic reactions

Research Findings

Over 5,000 scientific studies use the Flanker Test
fMRI studies show activation in the anterior cingulate cortex
Trainable: Flanker interference can be reduced through practice

Application in Daily Life

The skills from the Flanker Test are relevant everywhere:

In the Office

Emails: Finding important information despite distracting formatting
Meetings: Following the speaker despite side conversations
Open office: Working despite visual and auditory distractions

In Traffic

Reading signs: Recognizing the relevant sign among advertisements
Lane changing: Paying attention to the right traffic participant
Navigation: Finding the right exit despite many signs

When Learning

Text comprehension: Distinguishing key points from details
Exams: Not being confused by wrong answer options
Research: Separating relevant from irrelevant information

Variants of the Flanker Test

Arrow Flanker

The classic version with arrows. Easy to understand but still challenging.

Letter Flanker

Instead of arrows, letters are used. E.g., H with S-flankers or vice versa.

Color Flanker

The color of the middle element must be identified while flankers have a different color.

How to Improve

Strategy 1: Narrow Your Focus

Train to narrow your visual focus
Consciously concentrate only on the center
Actively ignore the periphery

Strategy 2: Anticipation

Expect that conflicts will occur
Mentally prepare for incongruence
This reduces the surprise effect

Strategy 3: Speed vs. Accuracy

At first: Prioritize accuracy
Later: Increase speed
Find balance for optimal performance

Training Plan

Week 1-2:

5 minutes daily
Focus on accuracy
Understand the principle

Week 3-4:

10 minutes daily
Start paying attention to speed
Analyze errors in incongruence

Week 5+:

10-15 minutes daily
Maximize both: Speed AND accuracy
Track your progress

Flanker Test in SynapseGym

Exercise Modes

Arrow Mode

Classic arrow display
Intuitive operation through swiping
Perfect for beginners

Letter Mode

Higher cognitive demands
Less automatic processing
For advanced users

Color Mode

Combines color recognition with interference
Trains additional cognitive resources
Maximum challenge

Features

Adaptive difficulty - Adjusts to your level
Reaction time measurement - Millisecond precision
Congruency analysis - Shows difference between congruent and incongruent
Streak system - Rewards consistent performance

The Science Behind It

How Does Selective Attention Work?

Your brain processes information both automatically (bottom-up) and controlled (top-down). The Flanker Test measures how well you can use top-down control to suppress automatic processing of flankers.

Brain Regions

Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)

Detects conflicts between information
Activates control mechanisms

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (dlPFC)

Implements cognitive control
Suppresses irrelevant information

Parietal Cortex

Directs spatial attention
Focuses on the target

Trainability

Studies show that regular Flanker training:

Makes ACC activation more efficient
Reduces reaction time in conflicts
Lowers error rate in incongruence
Has transfer effects to similar tasks

Tips for Better Results

1. Fixate on the Center

Train your eyes to look at the center without glancing at the flankers.

2. Develop a Rhythm

Find a steady pace that's fast enough but minimizes errors.

3. Stay Calm After Errors

After an error: Breathe, move on. Frustration worsens performance.

4. Analyze Your Data

Look at when you make errors. Usually with certain combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Make More Errors on Incongruent Trials?

That's normal and the core of the Flanker effect. Your brain automatically processes the flankers too, even if you don't want it to. Training reduces this effect.

How Long Until I See Improvements?

Most people show measurable improvements in reaction time and accuracy after 2-3 weeks of regular training.

Does Flanker Training Help in Real Life?

Yes! The trained selective attention transfers to everyday situations where you need to concentrate on relevant information.

Conclusion

The Flanker Test is scientifically proven training for:

Selective attention - Focus on what matters
Distraction resistance - Ignore irrelevant information
Conflict processing - Deal faster with contradictory information

Train the Flanker Test in SynapseGym and sustainably improve your focus!

Sources: Eriksen & Eriksen (1974), Botvinick et al. (2001), Fan et al. (2002)