Digit Span
Digit Span is a standard neuropsychological assessment (Wechsler, 2008) measuring working memory, now scored using the WAIS-IV standard. A sequence of numbers (0–10) is read aloud by an automated voice and shown on screen one at a time. The participant repeats the sequence by tapping the numbers, either in forwards or backwards order. The game is adaptive — the sequence length changes based on whether the participant answered correctly. Use forward_span, backward_span, and total_raw_score for cognitive analysis; the score field is retained for legacy compatibility.
ActivitySpec: lamp.digit_span
Cognitive domain: Working memory
Configuration
The game is configured through the Activities tab. Select Digit Span and choose the forward or backward variant.
Sample Instructions
"You will hear and see a sequence of numbers. After the sequence ends, tap the numbers in the same order (forward) or reverse order (backward)."
Usage
Numbers appear on screen one at a time while being read aloud. After the sequence completes, the participant taps the numbers in the correct order. Forward phase starts at 3-digit sequences, backward phase at 2-digit sequences. Two consecutive errors at the same length end a phase. Each round has a 30-second timeout. Maximum sequence length is 9 digits.
References
- Wechsler, D. (2008). Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition: Administration and scoring manual. Pearson.
Data
static_data
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
forward_span | number | Maximum digit sequence length recalled forward |
backward_span | number | Maximum digit sequence length recalled backward |
forward_trials_correct | number | Correct trials in forward phase |
backward_trials_correct | number | Correct trials in backward phase |
total_raw_score | number | WAIS-IV raw score (sum of correct trials) |
question_sequences | array | All presented sequences with responses |
score | number | Legacy compatibility score |
correct_answers | number | Total correct trials |
wrong_answers | number | Total incorrect trials |
total_questions | number | Total trials |
point | number | Score indicator |
bestForwardDigitSpan | number | Legacy: same as forward_span |
bestBackwardDigitSpan | number | Legacy: same as backward_span |
questionnaire | object | Post-game ratings: clarity (1-5), happiness (1-5) |
temporal_slices
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
item | number | Sequence index |
type | boolean | true = correct, false = incorrect |
value | null | Unused |
duration | number | Response time (ms) |
level | number | Sequence length |
mode | number | 0 = forward, 1 = backward |
Cortex Features
digit_span (raw). No primary or secondary Cortex features currently process Digit Span data.
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