AMES Phone

Name: AMES Phone
Author: Stanford University

Stanford University

VALIDATED

Initial evidence from research studies

For:Researchers & Academics

Free

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App Summary

AMES Phone is a mobile research tool for assessing key executive functions, like working memory and inhibitory control, in children aged 4 to 12. An evaluation study demonstrated that the app's tasks produce reliable and valid measures of executive function comparable to traditional laboratory-based methods. The associated research concludes that the platform enables efficient and scalable cognitive assessment in school settings without the need for specialized equipment or training.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

AMES Phone is a mobile research platform designed for the direct assessment of executive functions in children aged 4-12. The application administers a suite of standardized cognitive tasks that evaluate working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Its interface is engineered to be engaging and age-appropriate, facilitating data collection in diverse settings such as classrooms. The system enables scalable, efficient assessment without necessitating specialized equipment or extensive administrator training, thereby streamlining research protocols.

Evidence & Research Context

An evaluation study demonstrated that the platform produces reliable and valid measures of executive function in elementary school students (ages 5-12).
Smartphone-based assessments administered via the app were found to be comparable to traditional, laboratory-based cognitive assessment methods.
The assessment tool has been utilized in research protocols with children in diverse international contexts, including the U.S., Ivory Coast, and Ghana.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is intended for researchers and trained educational professionals conducting assessments of executive function in children. Its primary utility is as a data collection and measurement tool for research environments. The platform is not a diagnostic instrument and does not provide clinical interpretations or therapeutic recommendations; all data require expert analysis.

Studies & Publications

2 publications

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

Understanding Learning Variability in Early Childhood: An Equity-Centered Assessment of Cognitive Regulation among Diverse Preschool Children

DeJoseph et al. (2025) · Early Education and Development

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app

Children's social–emotional and self-regulation skills are critical for success in school and, ultimately, in the workplace. How can educators determine the most effective approaches for measuring students' interpersonal competencies? And how can they use the data to improve their own practice? Relevant for school leaders, educators, researchers, and other stakeholders, this book brings together leading experts from multiple disciplines to discuss the current state of measurement and assessment of a broad range of noncognitive skills and present an array of innovative tools. Chapters describe measures targeting the individual student, classroom, whole school, and community; highlight implications for instructional decision making; examine key issues in methodology, practice, and policy; and share examples of systematic school- and districtwide implementation.

Validation Study

Direct assessment of elementary school students' executive functions and motivation in classroom settings

Jones et al. (2022) · Guilford Press

Smartphone assessments reliably measured executive function skills in children, matching traditional lab-based testing.

This study examined direct assessment of elementary school students' executive function skills using the AMES Phone mobile application. The app administers standardized cognitive tasks measuring working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in children aged 5-12 years. Tasks were designed to be engaging and age-appropriate while maintaining psychometric validity. Results demonstrated that smartphone-based assessment produced reliable and valid measures of executive function comparable to traditional laboratory-based assessments. The AMES Phone platform enables efficient, scalable assessment in school settings without requiring specialized equipment or extensive administrator training.