WCST scoring

gjens

Hi, does anyone know of a way to record the number of categories achieved on the WCST (openly available OpenSesame version), instead of just total # correct or incorrect responses?

Thank you!

lvanderlinden

Hi @gjens,

(I assume that you are using the OSWeb version of the WSCT. If you're using the desktop version, use the var object rather than vars.)

To count the number of times that the matching rule changed:

• Define a counter in the inline_javascript item called "init_matching_rule" (see commented line below)

function choice(choices) {
  let index = Math.floor(Math.random() * choices.length)
  return choices[index]
}

vars.matching_rule = choice(['shape', 'number', 'color'])
vars.correct_in_a_row = 0

// Initiate the counter for the number of category changes:
vars.count_category_changes = 0

• Update the value of this counter variable in the inline_javascript item called "update_matching_rule" (see commented line below)

if (vars.correct === 1) {
    vars.correct_in_a_row = vars.correct_in_a_row + 1
} else {
    vars.correct_in_a_row  = 0
}
if (vars.correct_in_a_row === 5) {
    if (vars.matching_rule === 'shape') {
        vars.matching_rule = (Math.random() > 0.5) ? 'color' : 'number'
    } else if (vars.matching_rule === 'number') {
        vars.matching_rule = (Math.random() > 0.5) ? 'color' : 'shape'
    } else if (vars.matching_rule === 'color') {
        vars.matching_rule = (Math.random() > 0.5) ? 'shape' : 'number'
    }
    vars.correct_in_a_row = 0
    
    // Update the variable count_category_changes:
    vars.count_category_changes = vars.count_category_changes + 1
}
console.log('correct_in_a_row = ' + vars.correct_in_a_row)

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Lotje

gjens

Hi again,

Thank you for this - and sorry for the very delayed reply!

I implemented these changes however I would also like to know how to edit the script so that 1) the matching rule updates after 6 consecutive correct responses and 2) the highest number of categories than can be achieved is 6 (as in Nelson, 1976). Could you please let me know if this is possible?

Thank you so much for your help!