Advanced Versions

The Advanced versions of the complex span tasks include higher memory set-sizes. This results in better discrimination between individuals at the upper end of the distribution of working memory capacity. This is ideal if you plan on sampling from a population that tends to be of higher ability. See Draheim, Harrison, Embretson & Engle (2018) for more information.

You are also given the choice of how many blocks of trials to administer. The options are 1, 2, or 3 blocks.

Symmetry Span


Memory Task: Square Locations

Processing task: Symmetry Judgement


Operation Span


Memory Task: Letters

Processing task: Math Operations



Rotation Span


Memory Task: Arrow Direction and Size

Processing task: Mental Rotation


Citations


If you are using the Advanced versions cite the following article in your references:

Draheim, Harrison, Embretson, & Engle (2018)

What item response theory can tell us about the complex-span tasks. Psychological Assessment, 30(1), 116/129.

If you have any questions about how the tasks are scored see:

Conway et al. (2005)

Working memory span tasks: A methodological review and user's guide. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 12, 769 - 786.

To help decide which task might be appropriate for your sample, see:

Draheim, Harrison, Embretson, & Engle (2017)

What Item Response Theory can tell us about the complex span tasls. Psychological Assessment.

If you have any questions about the reliability or validity of any of the complex span tasks, we request that you cite this article in your references:

Redick, Broadway, Meier, Kuriakose, Unsworth, Kane, & Engle (2012)

Measuring working memory capacity with automated complex span tasks. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 28, 164-171.