Activity ordering task: conceptualization and development of a novel context-based working memory task with a...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Educational Technology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Traditional working memory (WM) tasks often lack real-world context.
• Assessing metacognition alongside WM is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of cognitive function.
• There is a need for culturally relevant cognitive assessment tools in diverse populations like India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize and develop a novel context-based working memory (WM) task tailored for the Indian scenario.
• To integrate a metacognitive component to evaluate self-perception of performance.
• To create an animated, engaging assessment tool for improved user experience.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the ADDIE instructional design model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation).
• Task conceptualization and content validation involved subject matter and lay experts.
• Developed the task as an animated video and conducted a pilot study for feasibility.

Main Results:

• The Activity Ordering Task (AOT) achieved good content validation and understandability scores.
• Preliminary data suggests the AOT can identify age-related differences in WM.
• The AOT demonstrated significant correlation with established WM tasks and effectively measured WM spans.
• Discrepancies between actual performance and self-assessed prediction/postdiction spans highlight its metacognitive utility.

Conclusions:

• The AOT addresses the contextual limitations of traditional WM tasks.
• It serves as a promising tool for assessing both working memory and metacognition.
• The AOT offers enhanced utility beyond standard working memory assessments.