Working Memory - Backward Digit Span

This is a verbal working memory task. Participants are presented with lists of digits on the computer screen, and have to repeat them backward by clicking on an answer pad.

After two practice trials, five lists of two digits are presented. Participants have to succeed on at least three trials to move on to the next level, where three digits are presented. This procedure is repeated until subjects fail at a given level.

The total number of correct answers, and the level reached by the participant are recorded.

Population. This task has been used on a sample of 65 children, between 8.82 and 11.40 years of age.

Limitation. Children can't correct their answer. Although children in this age range manage to use the computer mouse properly, an adaptation would probably be needed to use the task on a younger sample.

Gorilla Open Materials Attribution-NonCommerical Research-Only