The Digit Sequence test is one of the main tools developed to measure one’s verbal working memory, overall intelligence, attention, and cognitive functioning.However, research requires using other tools to measure attention (see Comparisons). Thus, it’s believed that there’s a link between the two (Lezak, 2004). Researchers have observed a decline in performance when one’s experiencing stress. Initially, the test was designed to test working memory along with attention, as attention is a crucial aspect of one’s cognitive functioning and everyday life. Thus, the Digit Sequencing test can help researchers study patients with cognitive impairment.Īttention. The usage of the Digit Sequencing test to measure attention is a controversial topic. MRI scans also indicate an activation of the prefrontal cortex during the test ( Owen et al., 2000). There’s a link established between the prefrontal cortex functions and working memory. The extra effort required in the backward version of the test can be linked to intelligence.Ĭognitive impairments. Originally designed as a part of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, the Digit Sequencing test can indicate correlations between one’s working memory and overall intelligence. The test sheds some light on the process of encoding and receiving information, and also – on the way participants recall and verbalize their answers. As mentioned above, the Digit Span is a great tool to measure working memory and verbal working memory, in particular. The Digit Sequencing test has numerous applications in clinical practice and research. The ConductScience Digital Health mobile version of the test provides an engaging and easy-to-use platform to perform the Digit Span test.īoth options are available upon request: the ability for audible sequence priming or visual sequence priming with the ability for the respondent to answer with visual buttons on the screen. In computer-administered Digit Span tests, the digits are presented on a screen, which eliminates any verbal and reading bias. Sometimes the participant is asked to repeat the sequence of digits backward. Usually, the examiner reads a list of numbers, and the participant repeats them until an incorrect answer is given ( Blackburn, 1957). The test was originally designed to test working memory and attention, as part of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. The Digit Sequencing or Digit Span test is one of the main tools developed to measure one’s verbal working memory. It’s accepted that the verbal working memory consists of the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad. From recalling a phone number to learning a new language, the verbal working memory is a leading factor in people’s cognitive functioning. That’s not surprising: the verbal working memory plays a crucial role in one’s everyday life. Verbal working memory has been a primary focus of research. Note that usually, working memory is measured via three scales: Arithmetic, Digit Span, and Letter-Number Sequencing ( Lovett et al., 2011). Our working memory is a complicated system that allows us to process new stimuli while using old information at the same time ( Conway et al., 2005). Balances, Scales and Weighing Equipment.

Digit span test psychology