The validity of d prime as a working memory index: Results from the "Bergen n back task"
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.
Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology