The Embedded Figures Test (EFT) is a popular cognitive test used to assess the ability to find figures embedded in a complex geometric figure. This test was developed by the psychologist J. P. Guilford in the 1940s (Guilford, 1944). It is used in clinical, educational, and research settings to measure perceptual and cognitive abilities such as visual perception, perceptual organization, and problem-solving.
The EFT consists of eight geometric figures that contain a smaller figure embedded within them. The task is to find the embedded figure as quickly as possible. The embedded figure is usually hidden among a complex pattern of geometric shapes and lines. The test is typically administered in a paper-and-pencil format, with the test-taker having to find the embedded figure within a few seconds.
The EFT is considered a valid and reliable measure of cognitive ability (Gonzalez, 1990; Miller & Johnson, 1977). It has been used to measure a range of abilities, including visual perception, organization, and problem-solving. It is also used to assess the effects of aging on cognitive functioning (Salthouse & Babcock, 1991).
The EFT is often used in combination with other tests to evaluate the cognitive abilities of individuals. For example, it is often used in combination with the Raven Progressive Matrices to assess the general intelligence level of individuals (Raven, 1981). Additionally, the EFT has been used in combination with the Trail Making Test to assess the speed of visual information processing (Cerella, 1987).
Overall, the EFT is a popular and reliable measure of cognitive ability. It is used in a variety of settings to assess visual perception, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
References
Cerella, J. (1987). Speed of information processing and age: Evidence from the Trail Making Test. Psychology and Aging, 2(3), 177-181.
Gonzalez, R. (1990). The Embedded Figures Test: A measure of perceptual and cognitive abilities. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 71(3), 837-842.
Guilford, J. P. (1944). The Embedded Figures Test. American Psychologist, 9(8), 404-405.
Miller, R., & Johnson, P. (1977). Relative validity of the Embedded Figures Test. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 45(3), 1017-1026.
Raven, J. (1981). The Raven Progressive Matrices: A Perceptual Test of Intelligence. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
Salthouse, T. A., & Babcock, R. L. (1991). Decomposing adult age differences in working memory. Developmental Psychology, 27(2), 763-776.