Key result
N-back task variations show opposite brain activation-performance associations in the left middle frontal gyrus.
Why the study?
How the choice of working memory task impacts observed brain activation-performance relationships is poorly understood.
Does the choice of n-back working memory task impact the observed associations between brain activation and task performance?
Population
Participants from HCP (n = 866) and the QTIM Study (n = 459)
Comparison
Two distinct variations of the n-back working memory task
Design
Between-participants cross-sectional analysis of task-based fMRI data
Authors
Loading...
Task variation may confound fMRI-performance links in middle frontal gyrus; leaves open optimal n-back parameters for cognitive imaging studies.
Observational (n=1,325)
Yes
Does the choice of n-back working memory task impact the observed associations between brain activation and task performance?
The choice of working memory task significantly impacts the observed relationships between brain activation and task performance, highlighting the need for caution in task selection and interpretation.
Tubiolo et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Working memory (n=1,325). n-back working memory task variations vs. Between-dataset comparison was evaluated on Associations between brain activation ([2-back - 0-back] contrast) and task performance (2-back % correct). Different variations of the n-back working memory task produced opposite associations between brain activation and task performance in the left middle frontal gyrus across two large datasets.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: