a continuous sequence of different stimuli (for example: letters) is presented and participants have to continually compare the current stimulus in this sequence with the stimulus n steps back (for example one or two steps) in the n-back paradigm; typically, the subjects are then instructed to react (for example: a manual key press) to a match; the performance in this paradigm (for example: detecting a correct match) acts as an indicator for the executive functions updating of information in working memory
defined by Tilo Strobach