N-Back· Beginner

Goal

Judge whether the current position matches the position from N steps back.

Rules

  • A square appears sequentially on a 3x3 grid.
  • Press 'Match' if the current position is the same as N steps back, or 'No Match' if different.
  • The first N stimuli have no comparison target, so no response is needed.

Try to remember positions as spatial images rather than verbal descriptions for better results.

N-Back training is the gold standard for working memory training. Jaeggi et al. (2008) in PNAS reported that N-Back training improves fluid intelligence, and subsequent meta-analyses confirmed significant effects.

  • Jaeggi et al. (2008) PNAS - N-Back and fluid intelligence
  • Au et al. (2015) meta-analysis - Effects of working memory training