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Aging and n-Back Performance: A Meta-Analysis

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  • Kara L Bopp
  • Paul Verhaeghen
  • Nicole Anderson

Abstract

ObjectivesTo provide a systematic review of age-related differences in n-back performance.MethodMeta-analytic data aggregation.ResultsAccess for items stored within the focus of attention (0-back and 1-back) was very fast and quasi-perfect; when items are held outside the focus (n > 1), an additional cost was accrued in both accuracy and response time. Age-related differences in accuracy conformed to this bifurcation. Longer lists led to larger costs when going from 1-back to 2-back in older adults. For 1-back accuracy, studies that used visual (as opposed to verbal) stimuli, were experimenter-paced, and used shorter list lengths led to larger age-related differences; for 2-back accuracy, a larger difference in chronological age, visual stimuli, and a higher target proportion led to larger age-related differences. For 1-back response times, age-related differences were larger for studies that had a larger chronological age difference, used experimenter pacing, did not contain lures, and used shorter list lengths; for 2-back response times, age-related differences were larger for studies with larger chronological age differences, visual presentation, experimenter pacing, and a higher target proportion.DiscussionThe results suggest a specific age-related deficit associated with focus switching within working memory. Evidence for specific executive-control-related explanations, in contrast, is mixed.

Suggested Citation

  • Kara L Bopp & Paul Verhaeghen & Nicole Anderson, 2020. "Aging and n-Back Performance: A Meta-Analysis," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(2), pages 229-240.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:75:y:2020:i:2:p:229-240.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gby024
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kara L. Bopp & Paul Verhaeghen, 2005. "Aging and Verbal Memory Span: A Meta-Analysis," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 60(5), pages 223-233.
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