working memory tests
Cognitive tests that isolate working memory — paradigm, research history, and what each score does and does not tell you.
- Spatial working memory — Corsi, 1972
Corsi Block Test — what spatial working memory really measures
A clear, source-backed explainer for the Corsi block-tapping test: the spatial working-memory paradigm, Kessels et al. (2000) normative data, and how the test fits alongside digit span and n-back.
- Short-term memory — Wechsler & predecessors
Digit Span Test — what forward and backward span really measure
A clear, source-backed explainer for the digit span test: forward span as short-term memory, backward span as working memory, the Miller (1956) seven plus or minus two finding, and the WAIS clinical version.
- Working memory — Kirchner, 1958
N-Back Test — what it measures and how to read your score
A clear, source-backed explainer for the n-back test: the original Kirchner (1958) paradigm, the dual n-back variant, what working memory load means, and what the controversial transfer literature actually shows.
- Working memory — Baddeley & Hitch, 1974
Working Memory Test — what it really measures and which version to use
A clear, source-backed explainer for working memory tests: how working memory differs from short-term memory, the Baddeley model, complex span vs n-back, and what high or low scores actually predict.