MoCA Abstract Thinking 2

Question 1

In the MoCA abstraction task, how many pairs of items does the patient need to explain?

Accepted Answer

Two pairs

Answer

The MoCA abstraction domain presents the patient with two pairs of items and asks how they are alike. This tests the ability to think beyond concrete features and identify categorical similarities.

Question 2

When a patient says a train and bicycle are alike because "they both have wheels," the MoCA scorer should:

Accepted Answer

Score 0 because it is a concrete answer

Answer

Concrete responses that describe a physical feature (wheels) rather than a categorical concept (modes of transportation or vehicles) receive a score of 0 on the MoCA abstraction task.

Question 3

What is the maximum score a patient can earn on the MoCA abstraction domain?

Accepted Answer

2 points

Answer

The abstraction section is worth a maximum of 2 points — 1 point for each correct categorical similarity identified for the two word pairs presented.

Question 4

Which of the following is an acceptable abstract response when a patient is asked how a ruler and a watch are alike?

Accepted Answer

They are both measuring instruments

Answer

Saying they are both measuring instruments is a categorical/abstract response and earns full credit. Mentioning that both are physical objects or made of material are too vague and not accepted.

Question 5

If a patient gives an incorrect abstraction response on the first attempt, the MoCA administrator should:

Accepted Answer

Provide the correct category as a prompt for the first pair only

Answer

On the first pair, the examiner may give a hint if the patient fails: "On this test, a train and a bicycle are both vehicles." No such help is given for the second pair.

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

(MoCA) Montreal Cognitive Assessment Practice Test

MoCA Abstract Thinking 2