Flanker test: train selective attention and focus

The Eriksen Flanker Test was developed in 1974. It measures the ability to ignore irrelevant information. You are shown a row of arrows — you must only respond to the middle one and ignore the surrounding 'Flankers'. In incongruent trials (Flankers point in a different direction) you are slower.

Scientific significance

The Flanker test measures selective attention, conflict processing, and cognitive control. Over 5,000 scientific studies use it. fMRI studies show activation in the anterior cingulate cortex. The Flanker interference can be reduced through training.

Application in daily life

In the office: finding important information despite distractions, in meetings follow the speaker, in open office work. In road traffic: recognizing the relevant sign among advertisements, paying attention to the correct road user. While learning: distinguishing key points from details, not letting yourself be misled by incorrect answer options.

Improvement strategies

Narrow your focus: consciously concentrate only on the center. Anticipation: expect conflicts will occur. Speed vs. accuracy: prioritize accuracy at first, later increase speed. After 2-3 weeks of training, measurable improvements are typical.

Flanker Test in SynapseGym

SynapseGym offers Arrow mode (classic, intuitive), Letter mode (higher cognitive demand) and Color mode (maximum challenge). Features: adaptive difficulty, millisecond-precision reaction time measurement, congruence analysis, streak system.