History
The T.O.V.A. test was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Lawrence Greenberg, Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota.
The first test used was a mechanical machine that could test response time. This test was named the VIRTEST (Test of Variability, Inattention, and Response Time). During the VIRTEST, a child would press a response button when a target was presented versus the non-target.
After individuals were diagnosed with ADHD from using the VIRTEST, Dr. Greenberg began experimentation with different medication to try developing an adequate treatment plan. The most common medications used in the trail included Dextroamphetamine (a stimulant), Chlorpromazine (an anti-psychotic), Hydroxyzine (a minor tranquilizer), and a Placebo. Upon the findings of this study Dr. Greenberg decided that using behavioral ratings, or the VIRTEST, alone was too subjective, and that the ratings themselves would be influenced by the testing environment, the raters bias, and external variables.
With the advance of computers, the T.O.V.A. was made commercially available in 1991.
Read more about this topic: Test Of Variables Of Attention
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