Comparison of Working Memory Performance using Auditory N-back Task in Adults who do and do not Stutter

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Working memory is considered to be essential for higher-level cognition and phonological encoding. The N-back task is a popular test for evaluating working memory capacity. Phonological working memory which is involved in temporary storage and manipulation of information plays an important role in speech fluency. Previous investigations have revealed a reduced phonological working memory in English-speaking adults with stuttering (AWS). No studies to date have explored the role of phonological memory in Kannada-speaking AWS. The present study aimed to compare the working memory performance in auditory two back tasks between AWS and adults with no stuttering (AWNS). Methods: Participants included were 15 AWS (14 males and 1 female) and 16 AWNS (8 males and 8 females). The present study comprised of two tasks, namely auditory 2 back task for meaningful words (task 1) and auditory 2 back for nonwords (task 2). The participants performed two back tasks for the meaningful words and nonwords and were instructed to say “yes” whenever the same stimulus was heard 2 stimulus back and “no” for the different stimulus. Every accurate response received a score of 1, while an incorrect or no response received a score of 0. Results: The results revealed that AWS performed significantly poorer than AWNS in both tasks 1 and 2, which indicate that AWS has impaired working memory skills. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated poorer performance of stutterers in auditory n-back test of phonological working memory. This shows that individuals with stuttering having an inadequate phonological working memory when compared to that of their counterparts. This could be due to their inaccurate phonological representations or attentional deficits.