App details
ITACA Corsi Block-Tapping Test
The computerised version of the classic neurocognitive test for the assessment of working memory.
The Corsi block-tapping test is a psychological test that assesses visuo-spatial short term working memory. It involves mimicking a sequence of up to nine identical spatially separated blocks. The sequence starts out simple, but becomes more complex until the subject's performance suffers. In this computerised version it is possible to simultaneously record the subject's EEG while performing the tasks, thus being able to analyse the subject's brain activity during the performance of cognitive tasks. This application includes both a "forward" (repeating the sequence in the same order in which it was presented) and a "backward" (repeating the sequence in reverse order) mode.
Details
Corsi Block-Tapping test: Have you ever played Simon says?
Tested on MEDUSA© Platform v2024.0
Here we present the computerized version of Corsi Block-tapping task. This test is broadly applied to assess visuo-spatial short-term memory, which is related to working memory. This app is provided as a evaluation complement of ITACA NF framework.
What does this test consist of?
In the Corsi Block-tapping test, users are presented with nine squares in pseudo-random positions. Some of the squares briefly change color. Afterwards, users are asked to recall and imitate the sequence in which the squares were illuminated. This is done by clicking on the squares in the same order. As the user correctly performs the task, the length of sequence increases.
This application follows a trials and series structure. This is intended to avoid false test results in which users reach a higher memory span than they actually present. Each level (i.e., length of the illumination sequence) can be composed of a range between 1 and 3 series. In turn, each series is composed of 3 trials. In order to promote to the next level, users have to correctly complete the task as many times as there are series in the level. Each series is compled when at least 2 of the 3 trials are correctly responded. Therefore, whenever the user fails to respond 2 of the 3 digit sequences of the same series, the test will end and the previous level will be considered as the user's memory span.
What does this implementation include?
The version implemented in MEDUSA© is provided with the following functionalities:
- It is possible to use this app with conjuntion of any type of biosignal device that can be connected to MEDUSA© Platform via LSL. This makes possible to analyze interesting physiological information related to the cognitive processes involved during task performance.
- Relevant session information such as identifier of the user who performed the task, number of run or session can be included in recording file. This is intended to help in subsequent analyses.
- The length of the sequence can take values between 2 and 10. The initial length of the sequence can be chosen at configuration panel. After that, the sequence will be increased by one as the user correctly performs the task.
- The number of the series that compose each level can be chosen at configuration panel and takes values between 1 and 3.
- Noteworthly, this implementation allows 2 different modes: (i) Forward mode in which user will have to respond with the sequence following the same order in which squares were illuminated; and (ii) Backward mode in which user will have to respond with the sequence following the reverse order in which squares were illuminated. This latter mode increases the difficulty of the task and relies more upon working memory skills.
