5,530
Views
180
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

The validity of d prime as a working memory index: Results from the “Bergen n-back task”

, , , , &
Pages 871-880 | Received 24 Aug 2009, Accepted 09 Dec 2009, Published online: 09 Apr 2010
 

Abstract

The n-back task is frequently used as an experimental paradigm in imaging studies of working memory. This study aimed to investigate whether the Bergen 2-back task is suitable for use in desktop assessment of patients with schizophrenia. Looking at the psychometric properties of the task, including the newly added measure of discriminability, d prime (d ′), our analyses confirmed that the 2-back d ′ is the preferred measure of working memory dysfunction in desktop assessment compared to the Digit Span Backward and the Letter–Number Sequencing subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition (WAIS–III). d ′ has the advantage of capturing executive skills needed to perform mental operations in patients with schizophrenia, without being influenced by demographic variables or IQ.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.