N-Back Working Memory Task
The N-Back task is a cognitive test designed to measure a person's working memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility. In this N-Back example, you will respond to a sequence of letters and identify whether the current letter matches the one shown N trials ago, with N varying across blocks (0-Back, 1-Back and 2-Back). This task is widely used in research to assess cognitive functions related to attention, memory, and executive control; practicing it mainly improves performance on the task itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
How does this N-Back example task work?
During each trial, a letter appears on the screen. You need to decide whether this letter matches the one shown N trials before (N = 0, 1 or 2 depending on the block). If it matches, click the "Match" button. Otherwise, click "No Match". Each correct answer will give you feedback, and if sound is enabled, you will hear a confirmation sound for correct responses.
What qualities does this N-Back example task test?
The N-Back task draws on working memory, attention, and executive control. It requires sustained focus and is often used in research to assess these functions. Practicing it mainly improves your performance on the task itself; meta-analyses (e.g., Melby-Lervåg & Hulme) find weak evidence that this transfers to general cognitive abilities such as concentration or multitasking.
Does practicing the N-Back task improve cognitive function?
Practicing the N-Back task mostly makes you better at the N-Back task. Meta-analyses (e.g., Melby-Lervåg & Hulme) show that far transfer to general cognitive abilities — reasoning, attention in daily life, cognitive resilience — is weak or absent. Cognitive training programs often claim broader benefits, but the evidence does not support them.
Show Details
About the N-Back Task
The N-Back task is a test of working memory, where participants must remember and recognize whether the current stimulus (e.g., a letter) matches the one presented "N" trials ago. For instance, in a 2-back task, users will respond if the letter they see now matches the one shown 2 trials earlier. This task helps assess attention, memory, and cognitive flexibility.
Each trial lasts 3000 ms in total, divided into a 500 ms stimulus display phase and a 2500 ms inter-trial interval (ITI) phase. During the stimulus phase, a letter is displayed; during the ITI, the letter is cleared, but you can still respond. If the trial is a match trial and you fail to respond during the ITI, it counts as a missed response. Conversely, responding during a non-match trial counts as a false alarm.
Immediate feedback is provided after your response, with sound cues for correct and incorrect responses. Reaction times (RT) are recorded, and a progress bar displays your current trial progress.
References
- Kirchner, W. K. (1958). Age differences in short-term retention of rapidly changing information. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 55(4), 352-358.
- Owen, A. M., McMillan, K. M., Laird, A. R., & Bullmore, E. (2005). N-back working memory paradigm: A meta-analysis of normative functional neuroimaging studies. Human Brain Mapping, 25(1), 46-59. 10.1002/hbm.20131
- Jaeggi, S. M., Buschkuehl, M., Jonides, J., & Perrig, W. J. (2008). Improving fluid intelligence with training on working memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(19), 6829-6833. 10.1073/pnas.0801268105
Related Experiments
Corsi Block Task (Forward & Backward)
FeaturedEvaluates short-term visuospatial memory by recalling block sequences in forward or backward order.
Digit Span Test (DST)
FeaturedMeasures short-term verbal memory by recalling digit sequences in forward and backward order.
Brown-Peterson Task
FeaturedExamines short-term memory decay under interference conditions.
Learn More
APM Test - Actions Per Minute
FeaturedMeasure your clicking speed and visual reaction time. Click numbers from 50 to 1 as fast as possible!
Free IQ Test
FeaturedTest your intelligence quotient with this free IQ test covering pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and spatial skills.
Cognitive Processing and Performance Mindset Scale
FeaturedAssess cognitive processing and performance mindset across standard dimensions.
About This Experiment
This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.
Data Privacy
Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.
