Effect of working memory load on tactile n-back task

Abstract

The present study investigated the characteristics of tactile working memory using the N-Back Task. The participants (n = 16), all sighted, performed the task with working memory loads equivalent to maintaining one, two, or three letters in the working memory (N-Back 1, N-Back 2, and N-Back 3). The frequency of commission and omission errors was analyzed as a function of memory load. The results indicate an increase in the frequency of omission errors due to this factor. The working memory load did not significantly influence commission errors. In general, our results suggest that the tactile N-Back task may represent a promising method for the assessment of working memory in blind and sighted participants.