Psychometric characteristics of the n-back task

Construct validity across age and stimulus type, internal consistency, test-retest and alternate forms reliability

Bibliographic Data

ID21626423
AuthorsIlgım Hepdarcan (0000-0003-3271-8677, İzmir University of Economics), Seda Can (0000-0001-5328-6602, İzmir University of Economics, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume44
Issue3
Pages2050-2059
Publication date2025-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCurrent Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1046-1310 • E-ISSN: 1936-4733
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s12144-025-07318-9
OpenAlexW4406340113
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited50

Age-related impairments are observed in a variety of cognitive constructs, including significant deteriorations in working memory (WM) performance. To measure the WM, the commonly used task in cognitive aging is the n -back. Despite its widespread use, however, its psychometric properties have not been sufficiently studied. Previous research has typically examined construct validity by correlating n -back task measures with other WM tasks and has primarily assessed reliability through test-retest, occasionally including split-half reliability. In this study, we comprehensively examined the psychometric properties of the n -back task by evaluating its construct validity across different age groups (younger and older adults) and stimulus types (verbal and non-verbal) and by assessing reliability through three methods: test-retest, split-half, and alternate forms. Our findings showed similar performance in verbal and non-verbal n -back tasks for both younger and older adults in terms of discrimination ability and reaction time. However, age-related differences favored younger adults, providing evidence for construct validity. In addition, the n -back measures were stable over time, consistent for two halves, and comparable for different forms, demonstrating task. This study provides the first evidence supporting the validity of the n -back task with regard to age and stimulus type, alongside its reliability. These findings have important implications for clinical research and practice, suggesting that the n -back task can be confidently utilized in neuropsychological assessments

Audiology · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Construct validity · Developmental psychology · Internal consistency · Neuropsychology · Psychiatry · Psychometrics · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Cognitive Functions and Memory · Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies · Psychology

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