The neural correlates of set-shifting, concept formation and working memory during performance of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test – a fMRI study

Introduction: The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a commonly used paradigm to assess frontal executive functions [1]. However, the neural correlates of the distinct frontal executive processes involved remain to be specified. We conducted an fMRI-study using 3 test-variants of a computerised version of the WCST, which differed in a step-wise reduction of cognitive requirements: A) without instruction; B) instructed dimensional changes, C) instructed dimension for each trial. We hypothesized that the step-wise reduction in cognitive task demands would be reflected in reduced prefrontal activation. We aimed…