CRT

Cognitive Reflection Test

Anxiety & relatedSelf-reportAges 16+3 questions~3 min

Validated by Frederick (2005) · View paper

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

A 3-question test of reflective vs. intuitive thinking.

Each question has an intuitive answer that comes to mind quickly — but it is wrong. Take a moment to think before choosing.

3 questions · ~3 min · Auto-saved

About the CRT

The Cognitive Reflection Test was developed by Shane Frederick (2005) to measure the ability — or disposition — to resist an intuitive but incorrect response and engage in further reflection. Each question has a “gut reaction” answer that feels obviously right but is wrong. The correct answer requires overriding that first impulse.

3 questions. Takes about 2–3 minutes. Originally open-ended numeric input; presented here as multiple choice.

What it measures

The CRT does not measure intelligence directly. It correlates with response inhibition, executive function, and decision-making patterns — specifically the tendency to think slowly and carefully vs. quickly and intuitively. 83% of people miss at least one question.

Context

The CRT does not directly assess autism or any clinical condition. It is included here as a complementary measure of cognitive style. Autistic individuals may show different patterns of reflective vs. intuitive processing, and the test can be interesting as a self-awareness exercise.

Note: An estimated 44–51% of test-takers are already familiar with these questions, which affects the validity of their result. If you’ve seen these problems before, your score may not reflect your natural cognitive style.

Frederick, S. (2005). Cognitive Reflection and Decision Making. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 19(4), 25–42.

CRT FAQs

The most common questions about the CRT (Cognitive Reflection Test).

What is the CRT?

The CRT (Cognitive Reflection Test) is a 3-item question self-report screener for reflective vs. intuitive cognitive style. A 3-question test of reflective vs. intuitive thinking. Often used in cognitive psychology research. It was developed by Frederick (2005).

Who can take the CRT?

The CRT is designed for adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the CRT take?

Most people complete the CRT in about 3 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the CRT diagnostic?

No. The CRT is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a research-grade measure that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the CRT free to take here?

Yes. The CRT is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my CRT score mean?

After you complete the CRT, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the CRT, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my CRT score is elevated?

An elevated score on the CRT is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your CRT score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the CRT compares to related screeners

Most screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the CRT relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

CRT vs GAD-7

The CRT and the GAD-7 both measure reflective vs. intuitive cognitive style at a similar length (3 vs 7 questions). They originated from different research groups (2005 and 2006 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the GAD-7 →

CRT vs PHQ-9

The CRT and the PHQ-9 both measure reflective vs. intuitive cognitive style at a similar length (3 vs 9 questions). They originated from different research groups (2005 and 2001 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the PHQ-9 →

CRT vs CBI

The CRT and the CBI both measure reflective vs. intuitive cognitive style at a similar length (3 vs 19 questions). They originated from different research groups (2005 and 2005 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the CBI →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the CRT for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.

CRT