i have read so much on how the tova test works and now i am wondering if it is possible to fool it because i know to answer too fast is to show impulsitivity and how it works and how it moves.
i am to take this test for the first time on wednesday and since readin so much about it now i am wondering if i know too much about it and will be able to figure it out.
any thoughts?
Hey there,
i had a qEEG test a couple of weeks ago which is the same as a TOVA test. I too was wondering how you might trick it.
The test shouldn't be used as the only diagnosis. If you somehow managed to fool it and then your doctor said you didn't have ADHD despite having all the symptoms, based only the test results, it would leave you feeling pretty confused I imagine.
My doc diagnosed me through questions about my life - if I procrastinate etc. He was positive I had mostly Innatentive, daydreaming type of ADD, and sent me for a test to confirm this so he could decide what medication might be best.
In the test they put a cap with electrodes on my head that picks up different brainwaves. The took a reading of a number of tasks which were:
Stare at the blank computer screen for 3 minutes - this was to pick up a reading of my brainwaves when I'm doing nothing. Press buttons when I heard a high or low note. Follow a blinking square around the computer screen with my eyes. Sit for another 3 minutes staring at the screen.
I went home thinking they would say I didn't have ADD after all, but they were more interested in the brainwaves produced, than in testing my reaction times. Your age, intelligence, computer game experience, ability to focus due to the novelty factor, and desire to 'do well' will all affect the results.
When you do a task your brain is supposed to produce fast Beta waves which help you concentrate. Innatentive ADD brains produce slower Theta waves instead, the ones produced when sleeping or daydreaming, so it's chemically impossible for us to pay attention.
No matter how fast or accurately I pressed the buttons I wouldn't be able to trick my brain into producing the right kind of brainwaves. So I tried to relax and not put in any extra effort to try and 'win'
Afterwards I was in denial for a week because I had felt very focused in the test. The results confirmed that I had low levels of Beta and higher levels of Theta.
Hope this helps and good luck on the test! Let us know how it went.
Eliza
Also, Jamie, they probably wouldn't put so much information about their testing on their site, if they thought you could "trick" the test. Plus ditto on everything Eliza said. Yes, do let us know how it goes for you.