Two things now.
Two steps back.
Dual N-Back is a memory exercise with two streams: a square’s position and a spoken letter. Each can match independently.
“N” tells you how far back to compare. At N = 1, compare with the previous cue. At N = 2, skip the cue in between.
This cue
Letter R
Just remember this cue. You need two earlier cues before you can compare.
Use Previous step to look back, then Next step to return. Letters stay visible here so you can compare. In a round, you hear them instead. Try the lesson with sound.
There are four possible answers.
- Position matches: press Position.
- Letter matches: press Sound.
- Both match: press both buttons.
- Neither matches: wait without pressing.
The first cues give you something to remember.
The first N cues have no earlier cue to compare with. They do not count toward your score. After that, there are 20 scored cues.
Understanding comes before speed.
The example above waits for you. A full round moves to a new cue every three seconds. Try the guided lesson before a timed round if the rule still feels unfamiliar.
What does the research say?
Getting better at a practiced task is a different question from improving other abilities. Our research page explains those questions and links to the studies.