ELIC-Q
In DevelopmentExecutive Load & Implementation Capacity Questionnaire
A 49-item instrument measuring executive function load across 12 domains — 6 core cognitive domains and 6 contextual/emotional domains, plus a capacity variability dimension. Designed for detailed EF profiling independent of specific diagnostic categories.
Total Items
49
Domains
12 + V
Versions
3 (A/Y/C)
Response Scale
0–4
Core Cognitive Domains
Six domains measuring the cognitive cost of executive function. 6 items each, 36 items total.
Initiation & Activation Cost
The cost of beginning tasks, overcoming internal barriers, and bridging the gap between intention and action.
6 items
Working Load & Updating Cost
Holding and updating information in mind, mental workspace capacity, and juggling multiple information streams.
6 items
Shift & Reconfiguration Cost
The cost of task switching, mental set changes, and transitioning between different cognitive demands.
6 items
Inhibition & Self-Monitoring Cost
Response suppression, behavioural monitoring, filtering distractions, and impulse management.
6 items
Temporal Processing & Pacing Cost
Time management, deadline sensitivity, time blindness, and the cognitive cost of temporal awareness.
6 items
Task Completion & Follow-Through Cost
Finishing tasks, managing closing steps, maintaining standards under fatigue, and completion satisfaction.
6 items
Contextual & Emotional Domains
Six domains capturing the emotional, motivational, and environmental factors that modulate executive function performance.
Emotional Friction Under Demand
Emotional reactions that drive avoidance, collapse, and withdrawal under executive demand.
7 items
Motivation Volatility & Reward Salience
Interest dependency, urgency-driven performance, and the gap between wanting and doing.
6 items
Cognitive Overload & Recovery Latency
Cumulative cognitive overload, recovery time requirements, and capacity depletion patterns.
6 items
Context Collapse & Environmental Fit
Context-dependent functioning, environmental sensitivity, and the variability of executive capacity across settings.
6 items
Planning Depth & Future Tracking
Prospective planning ability, future self connection, and maintaining awareness of upcoming demands.
6 items
Social / Communication Under Load
Social withdrawal under executive load, communication effort, and interpersonal functioning under cognitive pressure.
6 items
Capacity Variability
A standalone item capturing the day-to-day unpredictability of executive function capacity — a hallmark of neurodevelopmental EF difficulties that distinguishes them from acquired deficits.
Day-to-Day Variability
Measures the degree to which executive capacity fluctuates unpredictably, independent of external circumstances.
Sample Items
Representative items from selected domains. Full item bank available under license.
“I know what I need to do, but the mental effort of starting feels like pushing through a wall.”
“Switching between different types of tasks takes extra mental reconfiguration time.”
“I underestimate how long tasks will take, leading to rushing or missed deadlines.”
“When a task feels overwhelming, I shut down emotionally rather than pushing through.”
“I can only focus well when something is urgent or when it genuinely interests me.”
Scoring & Interpretation
Response Scale
5-point scale: Minimal (0), Mild (1), Moderate (2), High (3), Very High (4)
Severity Bands
Minimal, Mild, Moderate, High, Very High — per-domain and overall classification.
EF Profile
12-domain visual profile showing relative strengths and areas of highest executive load.
Diagnostic Agnostic
Designed to profile EF load independently of specific diagnostic categories (ADHD, autism, etc.).
Outputs
Domain Scores
Raw and percentage scores for all 12 domains plus variability.
EF Profile
12-domain executive function profile with visual mapping.
Severity Mapping
Per-domain severity classification and overall EF load index.
Development Status
The ELIC-Q is currently in active development. Item wording is finalised and scoring algorithms are implemented. Validation data collection is planned.
Item Development
Complete
Scoring Engine
Complete
Validation
Planned
Interested in the ELIC-Q?
Currently in development. Contact us for early access or to discuss research collaboration.