The digit span test assesses which cognitive function?

The digit span test assesses which cognitive function?

• A. Attention
• B. Language
• C. Memory
• D. Executive function

Answer: (A)

The digit span task is about maintaining focus and holding a sequence in mind, so it mainly measures attention and concentration. When digits are read aloud and the person repeats them in the same order, performance reflects how well they can sustain attention and briefly store information in short-term memory. If the task is done in reverse, it adds a working-memory and cognitive-control demand, which taps into different executive processes, but the standard forward version is most about attention. Language ability isn’t required here, and while memory plays a role, the key function tested by the typical digit span task is attentional capacity.

The digit span task is about maintaining focus and holding a sequence in mind, so it mainly measures attention and concentration. When digits are read aloud and the person repeats them in the same order, performance reflects how well they can sustain attention and briefly store information in short-term memory. If the task is done in reverse, it adds a working-memory and cognitive-control demand, which taps into different executive processes, but the standard forward version is most about attention. Language ability isn’t required here, and while memory plays a role, the key function tested by the typical digit span task is attentional capacity.