Which test is used to assess inhibition in executive function?

• A. Tower of Hanoi
• B. Stroop
• C. Wisconsin Card Sorting
• D. Bechara's Gambling Task

Answer: (B)

Inhibition, the ability to suppress automatic or prepotent responses to achieve a goal, is what this item targets. The Stroop task probes this by presenting color words printed in mismatched ink colors. To name the ink color correctly, you must inhibit the automatic response to read the word, engaging interference control and inhibitory processes. Performance tends to slow down and show more mistakes when the word meaning conflicts with the ink color, directly reflecting inhibitory skill.

This is the best choice because the other tasks tap into different executive functions. The Tower of Hanoi emphasizes planning and problem-solving sequencing, not inhibition. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test measures cognitive flexibility and the ability to shift mental set. Bechara’s Gambling Task assesses decision-making under risk and learning from rewards and punishments. Among these, the Stroop uniquely targets the ability to suppress an automatic response, which is the core aspect of inhibition in executive function.