Conflict scan: visual search practice

Each picture shows a field of triangles. A conflict is two triangles pointing straight at each other along a row, column or diagonal, with nothing between them. You respond only when you see one. The time per picture shortens as the test goes on. It measures visual search and conflict spotting.

Why it matters for ATC selection

Conflict detection is at the heart of air traffic control, and visual search tests of this kind are used to measure it in selection.

How the practice works

• Each picture shows a field of triangles.
• A conflict is two triangles pointing directly at each other, along a row, a column or a diagonal, with no triangle between them.
• Press Space or tap Conflict when you see one. If there isn't one, do nothing: the picture changes on its own. Most pictures have no conflict.
• There are 50 pictures. You get 12 seconds for the first, and the time comes down steadily to 6 seconds by the last.

The full-length test runs for 8 minutes. The full-length test is part of full access. Every practice item is original. Full access adds feedback on where you lost marks and how to improve.

Tips

• Scan in a fixed pattern: rows, then columns, then diagonals.
• Both triangles must point at each other. One pointing at another is not a conflict.
• Check for a triangle in between before you call it.