Go/No-Go Test
Covered skills
Relevant for
Great for measuring impulse control and sustained attention in time-pressured tasks.
Description
Master impulse control with our Go/No-Go Test—a classic cognitive assessment that measures your brain's executive function, specifically inhibitory control and attention. This test evaluates how effectively you can execute appropriate responses while suppressing inappropriate ones, a fundamental skill for workplace performance, safe driving, emotional regulation, and daily decision-making.
How It Works: Green circles flash on screen in rapid succession. Press the spacebar (or tap on mobile) for GO stimuli, but withhold your response for NO-GO stimuli. The test lasts 45 seconds with randomized presentation timing to prevent anticipation. Your accuracy and reaction time are tracked to measure both speed and impulse control.
The Neuroscience: Go/No-Go tasks activate your brain's prefrontal cortex, particularly the right inferior frontal gyrus responsible for response inhibition. Research shows this region is critical for self-control, attention regulation, and avoiding impulsive behaviors. Studies link strong inhibitory control to academic success, addiction resistance, reduced risk-taking, and better emotional regulation.
Why This Matters: Executive function determines success across life domains. Can you resist distraction during focused work? Avoid impulsive purchases? Control emotional outbursts? Drive safely without reflexive reactions? These scenarios all require inhibitory control measurable through Go/No-Go performance. Employers increasingly value employees with strong self-regulation who make deliberate rather than impulsive decisions.
Professional Applications: This test is used in ADHD diagnosis, concussion assessment, aging studies, and job screening for safety-critical roles (pilots, drivers, surgeons). Your performance reveals how well you maintain attention and suppress automatic responses under time pressure.
Build Executive Function: Complement this with our Attention Span Test for sustained focus measurement, or try the Stroop Test for conflict resolution speed.
Performance Metrics: Receive detailed analysis including Go accuracy (response sensitivity), No-Go accuracy (impulse control), average reaction time, false alarm rate, and personalized strategies for improving executive function through targeted cognitive training.