Visuo-spatial working memory

Corsi Block

The Corsi Block (Corsi 1972) was standardized by Kessels et al. (2000). Watch blocks light in sequence, then reproduce the sequence (or reverse). Measures visuo-spatial short-term memory.

DifficultyExpert = strict academic parameters

Age band (for scoring reference)Not signed in (scores won't count toward profile)

ModeForward: same order · Backward: reverse order

Blocks light in a sequence. Tap them in the SAME order. Pass one → length grows.

History

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References: Corsi (1972); Kessels et al. (2000).

Scientific basis

Corsi Block · scientific basis

Visuo-spatial working memory

Philip Corsi's 1972 dissertation at McGill (Brenda Milner's lab) introduced the paradigm. Kessels et al. (2000) Appl Neuropsychol study of 70 healthy adults is the most-cited contemporary norm source.

Expert-mode parameters

These are the standard parameters from the canonical paradigm (used by the "Expert" difficulty).

Parameter	Standard value	Source
Blocks	9 irregularly placed	Corsi 1972
Pace	1 block / second	Kessels 2000
Trials per length	2	Kessels 2000
Starting length	2	Kessels 2000
Max length	9	Corsi 1972

Healthy-population norms (by age)

Forward span is the longest correctly reproduced Corsi path; backward is the reverse recall. 'Forward excellent' = forward mean + 1 SD. Adult bands come from Kessels 2000 (n=97, 70 healthy adults); child bands come from Farrell Pagulayan 2006 (n=44) and related developmental studies. Assessment mode matches your actual age to the corresponding band.

Limitations： Kessels 2000 is the most-cited contemporary Corsi adult norm, but n=97 is mid-size for psychometrics; backward span (Kessels 2008) with n=292 is somewhat stronger. Child bands interpolate from Farrell Pagulayan 2006 (n=44) and the Berch 1998 review — samples are small and confidence is lower under age 10. Corsi versions differ noticeably: this module uses the 9-block standard layout; Kessels' PC version vs. pen-and-paper can systematically differ by ±0.5 items, so treat scores as interval estimates. Cross-reference with on-site Digit Span (verbal version) to separate visuo-spatial from verbal working-memory differences.

Age band	Forward excellent	Forward mean	Backward mean	Evidence
8-9	≥ 5.8	~4.8	~4.2	medium-weak
10-11	≥ 6.3	~5.3	~4.7	medium-weak
12-13	≥ 6.8	~5.8	~5.2	medium-weak
14-15	≥ 7.4	~6.3	~5.5	medium-weak
16-17	≥ 7.7	~6.6	~5.7	medium
18-24	≥ 7.5	~6.2	~5.6	medium
25-34	≥ 7.4	~6.1	~5.5	medium
35-44	≥ 7.2	~5.9	~5.3	medium
45-54	≥ 6.9	~5.6	~5.0	medium
55-64	≥ 6.5	~5.2	~4.7	medium
65+	≥ 6.1	~4.7	~4.2	medium

Standard output metrics

·Corsi span — Primary — longest correctly reproduced length
·Product score (Kessels) — span × correct trials
·Correct trial count —
·Forward-backward gap — Visuo-spatial manipulation load

Citations

Corsi, P. M. (1972). Human memory and the medial temporal region of the brain [Doctoral dissertation]. McGill University. Thesis archive
Kessels, R. P. C., van Zandvoort, M. J. E., Postma, A., Kappelle, L. J., & de Haan, E. H. F. (2000). The Corsi Block-Tapping Task: Standardization and normative data. Appl Neuropsychol, 7(4), 252-258. DOI
Kessels, R. P. C., van den Berg, E., Ruis, C., & Brands, A. M. A. (2008). The backward span of the Corsi block-tapping task. Assessment, 15(4), 426-434. DOI
Berch, D. B., Krikorian, R., & Huha, E. M. (1998). The Corsi block-tapping task. Brain Cogn, 38(3), 317-338. DOI

All reference ranges come from published peer-reviewed literature. For personal training reference only — not a medical diagnosis. Full methodology: docs/PARADIGMS.md.

This tool is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a clinical diagnosis.