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Build custom N-Back tests for working memory research in minutes. Create 1-back, 2-back, 3-back, or dual n-back tasks with research-grade precision.

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What is the N-Back Test?

The N-Back test, introduced by Wayne Kirchner in 1958, is one of the most widely used measures of working memory in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. It has become the gold standard for working memory assessment and training research.

Participants are presented with a sequence of stimuli and must indicate when the current item matches the one from N positions earlier. The task difficulty increases with higher N values, placing greater demands on working memory capacity.

Working Memory
Cognitive Control
Executive Function
Attention

2-Back Example

Position 1:A
Position 2:B
Position 3:A
Match!
Position 4:C

Position 3 matches Position 1 (2 back)

N-Back Variants You Can Build

1-Back

Compare current to previous item. Ideal for baseline or low-load conditions.

2-Back

The standard measure of working memory. Compare to 2 items back.

3-Back

High cognitive load. Used for challenging working memory capacity.

Dual N-Back

Track two simultaneous streams. Maximum working memory demand.

Why Build Your N-Back Test with AssessKit?

No Coding Required

Visual builder for all N-Back variants. No JavaScript or Python needed.

Precise Timing

Millisecond-accurate stimulus presentation and response collection.

Flexible Stimuli

Use letters, numbers, shapes, positions, or images. Full customization.

Automatic Scoring

Hits, false alarms, d-prime, and reaction times calculated automatically.

Applications of N-Back Testing

Cognitive Research

Investigate working memory capacity, cognitive load effects, and individual differences in executive function.

  • fMRI studies
  • EEG research
  • Behavioral experiments

Clinical Assessment

Screen for working memory deficits in ADHD, schizophrenia, aging, and other clinical populations.

  • ADHD assessment
  • Cognitive aging
  • Treatment monitoring

Cognitive Training

Build adaptive training programs that increase N-back level as participants improve.

  • Adaptive difficulty
  • Progress tracking
  • Training studies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the N-Back Test?

The N-Back test is a continuous performance task that measures working memory capacity. Participants see a sequence of stimuli and must indicate when the current item matches the one from N positions earlier. Higher N values (2-back, 3-back) increase difficulty.

What is the difference between 1-back, 2-back, and 3-back?

In 1-back, you compare the current stimulus to the previous one. In 2-back, you compare to the stimulus 2 positions back. 3-back compares to 3 positions back. Higher N values require greater working memory load.

What is a Dual N-Back task?

Dual N-Back presents two simultaneous streams (e.g., visual positions and audio letters). Participants must track both streams independently, making it a more demanding measure of working memory and attention.

Can I customize the stimuli in my N-Back test?

Yes. AssessKit lets you customize stimulus type (letters, numbers, shapes, positions), timing parameters, number of trials, N-back level, and feedback settings without coding.

Is the N-Back test suitable for cognitive training?

The N-Back task is widely used for both assessment and cognitive training research. However, transfer effects from N-Back training to general cognitive ability remain debated in the scientific literature.

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