Working memory

Online N-back tasks for working memory research

Run 1-back and 2-back tasks in a browser-native study flow, then review automated accuracy, reaction time, and signal-detection outputs.

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JMatch!

Is this the same as 1 back?

1-Back

1-Back Task

3-4 min

HMatch!

Is this the same as 2 back?

2-Back

2-Back Task

4-5 min

Use cases

Where this page fits in a research battery

Working-memory batteries that need a simple load manipulation.
Attention and executive-control studies comparing lower-load and higher-load performance.
Remote intervention studies that need repeated measurement without custom experiment code.
Research teams that want automated d-prime and accuracy outputs in export-ready tables.

1-back vs 2-back

Load

1-back uses a lower working-memory load and is useful for baseline updating.

2-back increases working-memory load and executive demand.

Participant action

Respond when the current stimulus matches the one immediately before it.

Respond when the current stimulus matches the one shown two trials earlier.

Core output

Accuracy, hits, misses, false alarms, d-prime, and hit reaction time.

Battery role

Good for sustained monitoring and lower-load working-memory batteries.

Good for load-sensitive studies and intervention outcome tracking.

1-Back

1-Back Task

Measures working memory by requiring participants to indicate whether the current stimulus matches the one presented N items ago.

Overall Accuracy

Proportion of all trials (targets + non-targets) correctly classified.

Hits

Number of targets correctly identified (pressed spacebar on match).

Misses

Number of targets missed (failed to press on match).

False Alarms

Responses to non-target stimuli (pressed spacebar on non-match).

View the dedicated 1-Back page

2-Back

2-Back Task

Measures working memory by requiring participants to indicate whether the current stimulus matches the one presented N items ago.

Overall Accuracy

Proportion of all trials correctly classified. Typically lower than 1-Back due to increased demand.

Hits

Number of 2-back matches correctly identified.

Misses

Number of 2-back matches missed.

False Alarms

Incorrect responses to non-match stimuli.

View the dedicated 2-Back page

Should I include both 1-back and 2-back?

Including both lets researchers compare performance under different working-memory loads. Some protocols use 1-back as a lighter task and 2-back as the more demanding condition.

What does d-prime mean in an n-back task?

D-prime summarizes signal detection sensitivity by combining hits and false alarms. It helps separate true matching performance from response bias.

Can n-back tasks run remotely?

Yes. The tasks run in the browser with participant instructions and task flow handled by ConductCognition.

Is this equivalent to every published n-back variant?

No. N-back tasks vary by stimuli, timing, and scoring. ConductCognition provides a browser-native implementation for research workflows with transparent task outputs.

Browser-native battery builder

Add these tasks to a study and collect export-ready data.

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