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Working Memory

Working Memory

Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

Published on: September 20, 2020

NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB): list sorting test to measure working memory.

David S Tulsky¹, Noelle Carlozzi², Nancy D Chiaravalloti³

¹1Rusk Institute/Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Department of Orthopedic Surgery,Department of General Medicine,New York University Langone Medical Center,New York,New York.

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS

|June 25, 2014

Summary

The List Sorting Working Memory Test effectively measures working memory (WM) in adults and children. This NIH Toolbox measure shows good validity and reliability for assessing WM capacity.

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Last Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

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Published on: September 20, 2020

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Assessing Working Memory in Children: The Comprehensive Assessment Battery for Children – Working Memory (CABC-WM)

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Published on: June 12, 2017

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Psychometrics

Background:

Working memory (WM) is crucial for cognitive function.
The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery aims to standardize cognitive assessment.
A validated measure for assessing working memory in diverse age groups is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

To validate the List Sorting Working Memory Test as part of the NIH Toolbox.
To assess the construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and reliability of the List Sorting Test.

Main Methods:

The List Sorting Test, a visual and auditory sequencing task, was administered to 268 participants aged 20-85.
Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subset of 89 participants.
Correlations with other working memory, executive functioning, and vocabulary measures were examined.

Main Results:

The List Sorting Test demonstrated moderate to high correlations with other working memory and executive function measures (convergent validity).
It showed a low correlation with receptive vocabulary, supporting discriminant validity.
The test exhibited expected age-related changes and excellent test-retest reliability.

Conclusions:

The List Sorting Working Memory Test provides initial evidence for its construct validity as a measure of working memory.
The findings support its inclusion in the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery.
Further research is needed to clarify its relationship with general executive function.