Total Score: 0

Errors: 0

Avg. Correct RT: 0 ms

Consistent practice is key. Great job!

Theory: What is This?

This game is a “1-Back” Task, a classic tool from cognitive neuroscience (introduced by Kirchner, 1958). It’s designed to tax your Working Memory—the mental “scratchpad” you use to hold and manipulate information for brief periods (e.g., remembering a phone number while you dial it).

The 1-Back task forces you to continuously update your “scratchpad,” comparing new information (the current square) to the information you just stored (the previous square).

Who Might Benefit?

This is an educational exercise, not a treatment. It is simply a way to practice a specific cognitive skill. Research has explored using n-back tasks as a tool for:

• Students or professionals looking to challenge their focus.
• Individuals interested in cognitive training, including those with ADHD or following a traumatic brain injury (under the guidance of a professional).

The Science: “Brain Training” & Its Limits

“Near Transfer”: Practicing this game will almost certainly make you better *at this game*. This is called near transfer.

“Far Transfer”: The idea that getting better at this game will improve your general intelligence, focus in school, or memory in daily life is called “far transfer.” The scientific evidence for far transfer is highly debated and very limited.

A famous study (Jaeggi et al., 2008) suggested this was possible, but many other studies have failed to replicate these strong claims. PsychKit is transparent: think of this as a specific mental “bicep curl,” not a cure-all for focus.

References

Jaeggi, S. M., Buschkuehl, M., Jonides, J., & Perrig, W. J. (2008). Improving fluid intelligence with training on working memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(19), 6829-6833.

Kirchner, W. K. (1958). Age differences in short-term retention of rapidly changing information. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 55(4), 352–358.

CRITICAL: Disclaimers & Liability

This is not therapy or medical advice. This tool is an educational game for informational purposes only. It is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

No Guarantee. Joyful Psych Labs makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the effectiveness of this tool. Any perceived benefits are individual and not scientifically proven to be universal.

User Responsibility & No Liability. Your use of this tool is solely at your own risk. Joyful Psych Labs (and its creators) shall have no liability or responsibility to any person or entity for any loss, damage, or adverse consequence alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a consequence of using this game.