TEST
Visual and spatial memory · Spatial 1-Back
Maintaining locations under low load
Ability to remember where things were a moment ago. Assesses visual and spatial memory, useful for orientation or remembering where objects were left.
N–1
LOAD
3×3
POSITION MATRIX
Low
COGNITIVE LOAD
Spatial
MODALITY
WHAT THE TEST IS
Is it in the same position as before?
Visuospatial variant of the N-Back in a low-load condition. The user must press when a circle appears in the same position as on the previous screen. There are nine possible positions, in a 3×3 matrix.
It involves maintaining and updating visuospatial information in working memory. Sensitive to the ability to remember recent locations, the basis of orientation and of “where did I leave things” memory (Perlstein et al., 2004).
HOW IT IS ADMINISTERED
Detect position repetition
A circle appears in one of the nine positions in a 3×3 matrix. The user must press the space bar only when the position of the current circle matches that of the immediately previous trial. Active spatial maintenance with minimal executive demand.
WHAT THE TEST MEASURES
Indicators and their interpretation
Correct responses
Repeated positions correctly detected. Maintenance of visuospatial information under low load.
High: preserved spatial memory.
Low: visual coding or attentional difficulties.
Omissions
Spatial matches that were not responded to.
High: attentional lapses, fatigue.
Low: stable visuospatial attention.
False alarms
Indicating a spatial match when there was none.
High: impulsivity or confusion between nearby positions.
Low: accurate spatial discrimination.
RT in correct responses
Mean latency in correct responses. Speed of spatial comparison.
Slow: hesitation, access difficulty.
Fast: efficient spatial processing.
RT variability
Processing stability.
High: attentional fluctuations.
Low: stable performance.
RT fatigue
Change in RT between the final and initial 25%.
High: accumulated fatigue.
Low: attentional endurance.
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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