The non-categorical dual n-back (DNB) is the same game as the classic dual n-back but instead of disk locations and letters, you need to keep track of (a) unfamiliar shapes and (b) where the shapes are located (in random locations). For the default response key settings:
When there is a shape match, you press the ‘L’ key.
When there is a location match, you press the ‘F’ key.
Examples of correct key presses with n=1 and 2-back examples are shown below.
The shapes and locations in the non-categorical DNB are uniquely generated every two Sessions. As you learn to identify the shapes and build expectations about the locations this task should get easier.
This game is a very challenging version of the dual n-back, involving shapes and locations but not sounds. Not only does it involved a dual n-back task, but it involves learning new shape and location categories while you are training. This prevents the problem of ‘chunking’ (finding meaningful associations to help reduce your working memory load in the dual n-back task), and also trains category forming areas of the brain.
