How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 2–3 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, we don't store any identifying data when you take this quiz.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I have ADHD?

No, this quiz measures attention switching patterns and cognitive carryover rather than clinical conditions, though it can highlight habits that mimic focus difficulties.

Can my results help me at work?

Yes. Understanding how much attention residue you experience can help you structure tasks, meetings and breaks in ways that protect deep-focus periods.

Your brain may still be working on the last task — even when you think you have moved on.

The Attention Residue Quiz

A psychology-based quiz that reveals how much mental residue you carry between tasks and why it may be draining your productivity.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Attention residue is the cognitive carryover that occurs when part of your mind remains occupied with a previous task after you switch to something new. Research shows this lingering activation can reduce performance, increase fatigue and create the feeling of being mentally scattered. Many people interpret this as poor discipline, when it is actually a predictable feature of how attention and working memory operate. By taking this quiz, you can identify your personal task-switching pattern and learn strategies to reduce mental overlap and protect deep focus. If you often experience persistent mental loops, you may also benefit from our Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire, or explore behavioral delays with the General Procrastination Scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 2–3 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, we don't store any identifying data when you take this quiz.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your The Attention Residue Quiz results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I have ADHD?: No, this quiz measures attention switching patterns and cognitive carryover rather than clinical conditions, though it can highlight habits that mimic focus difficulties.
Can my results help me at work?: Yes. Understanding how much attention residue you experience can help you structure tasks, meetings and breaks in ways that protect deep-focus periods.

The Attention Residue Quiz: Take The Quiz

Step 1: Rate Yourself On The Following Items

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I can completely sever my thoughts from a previous project the moment I stop working on it.

2. I rarely feel the urge to quick check email or Slack while in the middle of a complex problem.

3. I prefer finishing one large milestone over making incremental progress on three different ones.

4. My ability to concentrate depends strongly on how mentally energized I feel that day.

5. I perform best when I have a clear plan for what I will work on ahead of time.

6. Background noise or minor distractions rarely bother me once I am engaged in a task.

7. I usually notice a clear improvement in my thinking after stepping away from work for a short break.

8. After completing mentally demanding work, I often need time to recover before starting something else.

Step 2: Submit Your The Attention Residue Quiz Answers

After completing all questions, click below to get your results.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.