Span Tasks in Working Memory Training Research
Digit Span (forward and backward)
Description: Participants hear a sequence of digits and must repeat them in the same order (forward) or reverse order (backward).
Example study: Woods et al. (2011) used computerized digit span tasks to assess short-term verbal memory, finding improved reliability and precision compared to traditional methods.
Letter Span
Description: Similar to digit span, but using letters instead of numbers.
Example study: Chein and Morrison (2010) included letter span as part of a complex working memory training regimen.
Word Span
Description: Participants must recall a sequence of words in the presented order.
Example study: Loosli et al. (2016) used word span tasks to examine proactive interference effects in working memory training.
Spatial Span (Corsi blocks)
Description: Participants observe a sequence of spatial locations and must reproduce it in the same or reverse order.
Example study: Brunetti et al. (2014) investigated forward and backward spatial span, finding differences in cognitive processes between the two.
Operation Span
Description: Participants solve math problems while remembering unrelated words or letters.
Example study: Unsworth et al. (2005) developed the automated operation span task, which has been widely used in working memory research.
Reading Span
Description: Participants read sentences for comprehension while remembering unrelated words or letters.
Example study: Daneman and Carpenter (1980) originally developed the reading span task. Lustig et al. (2001) used modified versions to examine proactive interference effects.
Symmetry Span
Description: Participants judge the symmetry of shapes while remembering spatial locations.
Example study: Redick et al. (2012) included symmetry span in a battery of complex span tasks to assess working memory capacity.
Rotation Span
Description: Participants judge the rotation of letters while remembering arrows of varying lengths and directions.
Example study: Foster et al. (2015) used rotation span along with other complex span tasks to examine individual differences in working memory capacity.
References
Brunetti, R., Del Gatto, C., & Delogu, F. (2014). eCorsi: Implementation and testing of the Corsi block-tapping task for digital tablets. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 939.
Chein, J. M., & Morrison, A. B. (2010). Expanding the mind’s workspace: Training and transfer effects with a complex working memory span task. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 17(2), 193-199.
Daneman, M., & Carpenter, P. A. (1980). Individual differences in working memory and reading. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 19(4), 450-466.
Foster, J. L., Shipstead, Z., Harrison, T. L., Hicks, K. L., Redick, T. S., & Engle, R. W. (2015). Shortened complex span tasks can reliably measure working memory capacity. Memory & Cognition, 43(2), 226-236.
Loosli, S. V., Rahm, B., Unterrainer, J. M., Weiller, C., & Kaller, C. P. (2014). Developmental change in proactive interference across the life span: Evidence from two working memory tasks. Developmental Psychology, 50(4), 1060-1072.
Lustig, C., May, C. P., & Hasher, L. (2001). Working memory span and the role of proactive interference. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 130(2), 199-207.
Redick, T. S., Broadway, J. M., Meier, M. E., Kuriakose, P. S., Unsworth, N., Kane, M. J., & Engle, R. W. (2012). Measuring working memory capacity with automated complex span tasks. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 28(3), 164-171.
Unsworth, N., Heitz, R. P., Schrock, J. C., & Engle, R. W. (2005). An automated version of the operation span task. Behavior Research Methods, 37(3), 498-505.
Woods, D. L., Kishiyama, M. M., Yund, E. W., Herron, T. J., Edwards, B., Poliva, O., Hink, R. F., & Reed, B. (2011). Improving digit span assessment of short-term verbal memory. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 33(1), 101-111.