Measures of task demand and error analysis in the Corsi block-tapping test

© 2017 American Psychological Association. Task demand in the Corsi block-tapping test is assumed to increase with span (number of blocks in a sequence). However, past research showed task demand is also related to sequence configuration parameters (e.g., length, crossings). This study analyzed task demand of Corsi-type sequences by estimating the association between path configuration and error commission and by examining how error paths offloaded information contained in original sequences. Thirty-eight males (aged 9-36) reproduced lowdemand paths (low in length and jaggedness with unencumbered spaces between consecutive blocks) and high-demand paths designed according to the opposite criteria. The error odds ratio was 13 times higher for high-demand paths. Values of measures of task demand decreased in most error paths; but span was usually conserved. This study provides quantitative evidence of simplification in error paths and proposes parameters of task demand to be considered in path design and standardization.