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🤔cognitive psychology review

N-back task

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The n-back task is a cognitive training exercise that measures working memory and attentional control by requiring participants to recall a sequence of stimuli presented at various intervals. The task involves identifying whether the current stimulus matches the one presented 'n' steps earlier in the sequence, making it a useful tool for assessing executive functions related to memory and attention.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The n-back task can vary in difficulty based on the value of 'n', with higher values requiring participants to remember more items from previous trials.
  2. Performance on the n-back task is often used as an indicator of an individual's working memory capacity and attentional control abilities.
  3. Studies have shown that practicing the n-back task can lead to improvements in working memory and cognitive flexibility over time.
  4. The task has been utilized in research to investigate how aging and neurological disorders affect working memory and executive functions.
  5. The n-back task is often implemented using visual or auditory stimuli, allowing researchers to study different aspects of memory processing.

Review Questions

  • How does the n-back task measure working memory and attentional control?
    • The n-back task measures working memory by requiring participants to recall stimuli presented at varying intervals. By asking individuals to identify whether the current stimulus matches one presented 'n' steps earlier, it assesses their ability to hold information in mind while processing new information. This constant shifting of focus highlights their attentional control and capacity to manage cognitive resources effectively.
  • Discuss the relationship between n-back task performance and cognitive load during complex tasks.
    • Performance on the n-back task can provide insight into how cognitive load affects an individual's ability to manage multiple pieces of information simultaneously. When cognitive load is high, such as during a difficult n-back trial, participants may struggle more with recalling previous stimuli due to limited working memory capacity. This relationship highlights how cognitive load can impact overall efficiency in processing tasks requiring significant attentional resources.
  • Evaluate the implications of using the n-back task in research on aging and neurological disorders.
    • Using the n-back task in research on aging and neurological disorders offers critical insights into how these conditions affect cognitive functioning. By analyzing performance differences between healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments, researchers can identify specific deficits in working memory and executive function. This evaluation aids in understanding the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline, potentially leading to targeted interventions or training programs aimed at improving cognitive health.