N-Back Memory Training

Boost Your IQ & Working Memory with N-Back Memory Training

N-Back Memory Training offers a scientifically-backed method to enhance your IQ and working memory through the dual n-back task. Research indicates that n-back training might contribute to improvements in fluid intelligence (IQ) and working memory ability (Soveri et al., 2017).

How to Play

The objective of the game is to retain various items in your working memory and update them as the game progresses. Each time you encounter a new trial, press the "match" button if the current item corresponds to the item that appeared a specific number of trials in the past. This specific number is referred to as "n-back," indicating how many trials in the past you must remember. By default, the game starts at 2-back, meaning you should press the match button if the current item matches the item that appeared two trials ago. To understand how to play a simple demonstration of single 2-back, check out this video: How to Play Single 2-Back.

Item Types

N-Back Memory Training lets you select from a variety of item types to store in your working memory:

• The position of a square on a 3 x 3 grid.
• Sounds (letters, numbers, or piano notes).
• Images (shapes, national flags, sports equipment).
• Colors.

By default, the app initiates with dual n-back using positions and sounds (letters). The term "dual" indicates the number of different item types you need to remember. You have the flexibility to choose any combination of item types, ranging from single n-back to quad n-back.

Progress Tracking and Competition

Monitor your daily progress with customizable, interactive graphs. Additionally, you can compete with other users worldwide in real-time by upgrading to premium mode (available within the app).

Scoring System

N-Back Memory Training evaluates your working memory accuracy using the discrimination index A' from signal detection theory (Stanislaw & Todorov, 1999). A' typically ranges from 0.5 (random guessing) to 1.0 (perfect accuracy). An A' score of >= 0.90 advances you to the next level, while an A' <= 0.75 results in a fallback to the previous n-back level (after one grace period). These settings can be adjusted in Manual Mode. For tracking your progress, A' is combined with your current n-back level, resulting in scores that range from +/- 0.5 around your n-back level. For example, on 2-back, an accuracy of A' = 1 will yield a score of 2.5, whereas A' = 0.5 will result in a score of 1.5.

Detailed Scoring Formula

A' = .5 + sign(H - F) * ((H - F)^2 + abs(H - F)) / (4 * max(H, F) - 4 * H * F)

Where:

• Hit Rate (H) = hits / # signal trials
• False-positive Rate (F) = false pos / # noise trials
• See Stanislaw & Todorov (1999)

Lure Trials

You can control the percentage of lure trials in the Settings menu, making the task more challenging. Lure trials present stimuli that occurred n-back plus or minus one trial, offsetting the target trial by one.

Customization

To adjust the game speed, the number of trials, or any other setting, navigate to Settings > Select Mode > Manual Mode. Here, you can customize almost everything. You can also personalize the app's appearance by creating your own custom background using color gradients, found near the bottom of the Settings menu.

Feedback and Support

For any comments, questions, or concerns, please email nback.memory.training@gmail.com. Thank you for playing!

References

Soveri, A., Antfolk, J., Karlsson, L., Salo, B., & Laine, M. (2017). Working memory training revisited: A multi-level meta-analysis of n-back training studies. Psychonomic bulletin & review, 24(4), 1077-1096.

Stanislaw, H., & Todorov, N. (1999). Calculation of signal detection theory measures. Behavior research methods, instruments, & computers, 31(1), 137-149.

In-app Background Image Credit

Réseau de neurones. If then else / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA