Symbol Search
Spot the target shape in a flash
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What is the Symbol Search?
Symbol Search is a subtest of the Wechsler intelligence scales, and it contributes to the Processing Speed Index. In the original paper-and-pencil version, people look at one or two target symbols and decide as quickly as possible whether either of them appears in a nearby search group. Scores reflect how many items are completed correctly within a time limit.
Researchers use Symbol Search and similar visual search tasks to study visual scanning and perceptual speed: how quickly a person can compare shapes and reach a yes-or-no decision. The Neuroptimize version keeps the same core idea. Target shapes sit at the top of the screen, a small grid of shapes appears below, and you decide whether a target is there before the 45-second clock runs out.
How to play the Symbol Search
- A target shape appears at the top of the screen, and a 3 by 3 grid below shows a small set of other shapes. Decide whether the target shape is somewhere in the grid.
- Tap Yes if it is there and No if it is not. On a keyboard, the right arrow (or Y or J) means Yes and the left arrow (or N or F) means No.
- A wrong answer is marked and, if the target was present, its position is highlighted before the next round. You have 45 seconds to answer as many rounds as you can.
- As the level rises, the grid fills with more shapes, from three at the start up to seven, and the pool of possible shapes grows to include look-alikes such as outlined and filled versions of similar forms.
- From level 8 the grid shapes come in different colours. Colour never matters: only the shape counts.
- From level 10 some rounds show two target shapes, and from level 18 every round does. The question becomes "Is either shape below?", and you tap Yes if at least one of them appears.
Strategies and tips
Memorise the target first
Spend a brief moment fixing the target shape in your mind before looking at the grid. Scanning is faster when you are not glancing back and forth between the top and the grid.
Scan in a fixed order
Sweep the grid the same way every time, for example row by row from top left. A consistent path makes it less likely you skip a cell, which matters most when you are about to answer No.
Watch filled versus outlined shapes
At higher levels the shape pool includes pairs like a filled disc and an empty ring, or a filled triangle and an outlined one. Check whether the shape is solid or hollow before deciding it matches.
Look past the colours
From level 8 the grid is multicoloured while the targets stay plain. Focus on outline and structure, and do not let a bright colour draw you into a false Yes.
Hold both targets at once
With two targets, check each grid shape against both rather than scanning the grid twice. Tap Yes as soon as you find either one, since you do not need to find both.
The science behind the Symbol Search
Symbol Search is a subtest of the Wechsler intelligence scales and contributes to the Processing Speed Index. Participants decide as quickly as possible whether target symbols appear in a search group, a task that depends on visual scanning and perceptual speed.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Symbol Search subtest measure?
Symbol Search is one of the subtests that make up the Processing Speed Index on the Wechsler scales. It is used to look at visual scanning and perceptual speed, meaning how quickly someone can compare simple shapes and make a decision. The official test is given by trained examiners using standardised materials.
Is this the same as the official Wechsler Symbol Search test?
No. Symbol Search in Neuroptimize is a game inspired by the same kind of task, not the official test. Its scores are not standardised and cannot be compared with clinical norms.
Does colour matter in Symbol Search?
No. Only the shape decides whether a target is present. From level 8 the grid shapes are coloured to make the search more distracting.
Is Symbol Search free to play?
Symbol Search is a Pro game in Neuroptimize, and Pro starts with a 7-day free trial. Free players can also get it as the Pro game of the day in their daily workout.