Corsi's block tapping task
From Psy3242
Contents |
Purpose
The Corsi's block tapping test examines for working (short term) memory capacity by asking the subjects to remember and repeat a series of numbers. This test is a spatial version of the digit span tests because the subjects must repeat a sequence of taps on a set of blocks that is presented to them.
The digit span test and reverse digit span test is conducted with the Corsi's block tapping test so that the scores of all the tests can be compared to see if there were any correlation or significant differences between the scores. The test simply asks for the subjects to verbally repeat a sequence of numbers either forward or backwards.
Instructions
Digit Span
1. Say a list of 3 numbers and ask the subject to repeat them back. 2. Continue to add a number to the list each time until an error is made by the subject. 3. Record the numbers said to help keep track of them. 4. Record the best score.
Reverse Digit Span
1. Say a list of 3 numbers and ask the subject to repeat them BACKWARDS. 2. Continue to add numbers to the list until an error is made. 3. Record the best score of this test.
Corsi's task
1. Start by presenting a sequence of 4 taps and ask the subject to observe and repeat the sequence. 2. Position the blocks so that only you (the tester) can see the numbers. 3. Record the best score of this test.
Additional Instructions
After completing all three tasks, compare the scores of the tasks. Do they correlate? Are there significant differences in the tasks? Digit span is typically about two more than Corsi span.
Image
a: Spatial short-term memory is measured using the Corsi block tapping test. The tester taps a sequence of blocks, which the subject attempts to imitate. Sequence length increases until performance breaks down. Testing is facilitated by the numbers on the tester's side of the blocks. b: Spatial span (was not a part of this specific test conducted in class) c: Effects of interference from visual or spatial stimuli on Corsi and pattern span. Corsi span is disrupted by spatial activity and pattern span by visual activity.
