TEST
Verbal working memory · Numerical 1-Back
Maintenance and updating under low load
Ability to retain brief information and compare it with the next item. Assesses whether short-term memory works well under conditions of low executive demand.
N–1
LOAD
1–9
DIGITS
Low
COGNITIVE LOAD
Verbal
MODALITY
WHAT THE TEST IS
Is it the same as the previous one?
N-Back task in a low-load condition. The user must press the “Space” key when the number they see on the screen matches the immediately previous one. Digits from 1 to 9 appear sequentially and with equal probability.
It involves continuous maintenance and updating of information in verbal working memory, as well as processing speed. Sensitive to working memory impairments, although with minimal executive overload (Perlstein et al., 2004).
HOW IT IS ADMINISTERED
Compare the current number with the immediately previous one
The user sees numbers from 1 to 9 appear in the center of the screen and must press the space bar only when the current number matches that of the previous trial (n–1). It requires actively keeping the last number seen in mind, with no additional executive demand.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
Indicators and their interpretation
Correct responses
Matches correctly identified. Reflects maintenance and updating of verbal information in working memory under low load.
High: adequate maintenance and updating.
Low: difficulties with registration and maintenance, or attentional fluctuations.
Omissions
Matches that were not responded to. Sustained attention, vigilance, and memory updating.
High: updating failures, cognitive fatigue.
Low: continuous monitoring and effective comparison.
False alarms
Indicating a match when there was none. Impulsivity or low comparison accuracy.
High: over-detection, problems updating correctly.
Low: good control and discrimination.
RT in correct responses
Mean latency in correct responses. Speed of updating in working memory.
Slow: access difficulty or hesitation.
Fast: efficient and automated processing.
RT variability
Consistency of match processing.
High: distractibility or fatigue.
Low: uniform processing.
RT fatigue
Change in RT between the final and initial 25%.
High: progressive fatigue.
Low: endurance and automation.
REFERENCES
Bibliography
- Perlstein, W. M., Cole, M. A., Demery, J. A., Seignourel, P. J., Dixit, N. K., Larson, M. J., & Briggs, R. W. (2004). Parametric manipulation of working memory load in traumatic brain injury. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.
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