The WAND Protocol
An Open-Source Software Suite for Inducing and Measuring Cognitive Fatigue
The scientific study of cognitive fatigue is limited by methodological imprecision, with paradigms often unable to distinguish genuine fatigue from confounds like boredom and task-learning. This leads to contradictory findings and makes it near-impossible to test potential interventions.
To overcome these issues, I developed the WAND model, an open-source, modular software suite designed to induce cognitive fatigue with high precision.
Video Demonstration Coming Soon
Adaptive Difficulty
Dynamically adjusts task difficulty based on real-time performance to keep each participant in their "optimal challenge zone," ensuring sustained cognitive engagement without causing frustration or disengagement.
Performance Plateauing
Includes a preliminary calibration phase that mitigates task-learning effects by ensuring participants reach a stable performance baseline before the main fatigue induction begins.
Task Variability
Rotates between three complementary non-verbal N-back tasks (Sequential, Spatial, and Dual) to sustain high-effort engagement and counteract the onset of monotony-induced passive fatigue.
Precision Measurement
Integrates embedded "mini-distractors" to probe inhibitory control under load and employs robust signal detection metrics (d' and A') to provide a pure measure of cognitive decline, independent of response bias.
How to Cite
If you use the WAND software in your research, please cite the following publication: