Title : PEBL version of Corsi block tapping test

Method

Aim

To assess visuo-spatial working memory span using Corsi block tapping test.

Plan

Administer the computerized Corsi Block Tapping Test through PEBL to the

participant. The purpose is to assess the short-term memory for visual sequences in one

direction namely - forward task or forward response modality (Corsi, 1972 ; Kessels et al.,

2000 as cited in Brunetti, et al., 2014 ). The test assesses the visuo-spatial short term memory

of the participant through the accurate recall of visual sequences in spatial locations that

increase in length as trials proceed. Results will be analysed to compare individual and group

memory span.

Hypothesis

H₀1. The visuo-spatial short term memory span of the participant does not deviate

from the group mean.

Materials

Corsi block tapping test (Computerized test, PEBL, Mueller, 2011). The original

Corsi block tapping test measures visuo-spatial short-term memory and is specifically used

among populations with normal brain functioning and clinical populations with brain trauma

and/or brain lesions.A standardized computer version, adapted from the original block

tapping test by Corsi (1972) , includes instructions, apparatus configuration, specific trials

and scoring measures which help in norm development (Kessels et al., 2000). In the current
computerized PEBL version , the setup consists of nine small blue squares (90 pixel sides

adapted from the original blocks of 30 mm each) presented irregularly and light up one at a

time on the computer screen. The subject must use the mouse to click on the blocks

(presented as flashing squares) and reproduce the order they are lit in (Pearson & Sahraie,

2003; LeFevre et al., 2010 as cited in Brunetti, et al., 2014 ). The test begins with a sequence

of two units presented for two trials and, if the subject succeeds, increasingly longer

sequences are presented. Each time a maximum of two equal-unit sequences is tapped out. If

the participant reproduces even one sequence of the same length correctly, they proceed to

sequences that are one item longer (Brunetti et al. 2014). The test ends when the participant

reproduces two consecutive sequences of the same length incorrectly.

Procedure

Setting up & Arrangement

The participant is seated comfortably and the computer is set at an ideal distance at

eye level, from the participant. The settings on the device being used to administer the test,

are checked thoroughly before starting the assessment. It is ensured that the testing

environment is free from distractions and adequate lighting is provided. Rapport is

established with the participant. After the detailed instructions and queries,if any, the

participant is asked to start the test.

Sampling process

The participant is chosen based on convenience sampling.

Participant details

Name (initials):

Age:

Sex:
 Education:

Process

The test begins with the standard instructions displayed on PEBL. The participant has

to click the mouse to proceed. Before the presentation of the stimulus, a visual prompt

“Ready” is given. Following this, three practice trials with a sequence length of three units

are presented.After the practice trials, the participant is prompted to respond to the main test

where the response will be counted towards the score (See appendix A - image 1). The

assessment begins with the starting sequence of two units and is presented with two trials ,

and subsequently for every sequence length. After completing each trial the participant has to

click “Done” to proceed to the next trial and is given immediate feedback about their

response - ‘correct’ if the sequence is reproduced correctly and ‘incorrect’ if the sequence

reproduced incorrectly. On successful completion of two trials for one sequence length, the

trial shifts to the next sequence that is one item longer. In this way the participant proceeds

till two consecutive errors are made in a given sequence length. At this point the test is

terminated and the participant is presented with the summary report on the computer screen

(See appendix B- image 2). The participant’s span is defined by the last sequence length

reproduced with one or no errors before the task was terminated (Brunetti et al., 2014).

Instructions

The following instruction has to be given to the subject.

“You are about to take part in a test that measures your ability to remember a

sequence of locations on the screen. You will see nine blue squares on the screen. On each

trial, the squares will be lit up one at a time in sequence. Remember the sequence. When the

sequence is finished, you need to click on each square in the same order they were given.

When you are done, click the button labeled ‘done’. If you cannot remember the order of

squares , click them in as close to the original order as you can. You will start with a
sequence of two squares , and you will get two tries for each sequence length. The sequence

will increase by one whenever you get at least one of the two sequences correct. Click the

mouse button when you are ready to begin.”

(For the practice trials) “You will first perform three practice trials to become familiar

with the test.”

Debriefing

“Thank you for your participation in this experiment. Your data will be kept

confidential and will only be used for academic purposes. The purpose of this assessment was

to assess the visuo spatial memory span of the subject and interpret it according to group

norms. You may ask for any other clarifications that you have regarding this assessment.”

Controls/Precautions & Ethical Considerations

● Extraneous variables are to be controlled during the experiment.

● The participant is reminded prior to the experiment to be fast and accurate. If there

are any challenges faced by the participant during the course of assessment, this could

be addressed as well.

● The participant is allowed to try out the practice trials to understand the instructions

and use the mouse of the computer.

● The participant is debriefed after the experiment.

Analysis

The data is captured in the data sheet in PEBL. Two outputs are referred to for analysis

namely : Corsi Summary and Corsi Trial. The score on the Corsi block tapping test is the

memory span based on the last sequence that was correctly reproduced before the task is

terminated. The memory span of the individual is reported from the summary output. The

total number of actual trials that were correctly attempted and average time taken across
actual trials is calculated. The actual trials completed successfully and average time taken can

be used to further interpret the participant’s performance.

The group mean and standard deviation of the memory span of the group are

calculated to determine the group norms using the formula (Mean +/- 1 Std Dev).The

distribution is categorized as below average, average and above average . The memory span

of the participant is compared with the group norms to interpret their visual-spatial memory

span. The range in the group (maximum - minimum score) for the memory span is also

determined. Furthermore the memory span of the subject is compared to the group mean to

verify the null hypothesis.

Results and Discussion

Table 1

Subject’s visual spatial memory span

Initial Number of correct Memory Interpretation Average time taken across

Table 2

Group’s visual spatial memory span

S.No Initial Memory span Interpretation

2
 3

Total

Mean

Std.
Dev.

Range

Table 3

Group norms on the Corsi block tapping test

Score Interpretation

Below average

Average

Above average
* Mean = ; Std Dev =

-References

Brunetti, R., Del Gatto, C., & Delogu, F. (2014). eCorsi: implementation and testing of the

Corsi block-tapping task for digital tablets. Frontiers in Psychology, 5,939.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00939

Kessels, R. P., Van Zandvoort, M. J., Postma, A., Kappelle, L. J., & De Haan, E. H. (2000).

The Corsi block-tapping task: standardization and normative data. Applied

Neuropsychology, 7(4), 252-258. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324826AN0704_8