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Working memory and the n-back test

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Open · Pays $300 · 60 seconds

What the participant does on each trial, and what the score means.

We agree on the topic, due date and fee by email before you start. Already a creator? Email us to make this one.

What to do and say

A sample script of about 70 words. Say it your own way. Fill in the highlighted parts from your own run of the test, such as the numbers on your results screen.

  1. 0:00

    DoAsk viewers to watch for a letter that matches the one two steps back.

    SayWatch the letters. Press when a letter matches the one two back. Ready?

  2. 0:05

    DoRun the test and show one match and one miss.

    SayThis is the n-back task. There's a match: same letter as two back. And there's one I missed.

  3. 0:35

    DoExplain why the task gets harder as n goes up, and what the score means.

    SayYou have to keep updating the last few letters in your head. That's working memory. Two back is harder than one back, and most people miss more. I caught [Hit Rate] of the matches.

  4. 0:55

    DoShow the test's page on conductcognition.com.

    SayTry it yourself at conductcognition.com.

Posting it yourself? Say that ConductScience paid you, in the video or the caption, and use the platform's paid partnership label if it has one.

All 12 scripts on one page, to print

What viewers should learn

In the n-back task you respond when an item matches the one n steps back. Raising n puts more load on working memory.

Classic paper: Kirchner, 1958.

Try the test before you film

Take it yourself first: N-Back Task on conductcognition.com. On the test's page, choose Preview it free. It asks you to sign in, or to create a free account.

Film yourself taking the test, or use sample data. Never show real participants, children, patients, private records or unpublished results. Get permission before you film at your school or workplace, or name it. The handbook has the rest.

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