Four subtests from the Automated Working Memory Assessment were administered. All are span tasks, with 6 trials at each span length. Tasks automatically progress up a span level if there are four or more correct answers within a block and discontinue following three or more incorrect responses. Trials correct are converted to standard scores for each task (M = 100, SD = 15).  

Digit Recall involves immediate serial recall of sequences of spoken digits. The maximum list length is nine digits.  

Backward Digit Recall follows the same procedure except children attempt to recall the memory items in reverse sequence. Maximum list length is set to seven digits.  

The Dot Matrix subtest requires children to recall the locations of a series of dots presented one at a time in a four by four matrix. Up to nine dots can be presented in a sequence.  

In Mr. X the child must first decide whether the two Mr. X figures are holding a ball in the same hand as each other. The Mr. X figure on the left is upright, while the Mr. X on the right can be rotated to one of seven positions. The child is asked to remember the location of the ball held by the Mr. X on the right, and after successive displays of pairs of Mr. Xs the child attempts serial recall of positions in which the ball was held. This task increases up to a maximum of span length of 7. 

Alloway TP. Automated working memory assessment. London, UK: Pearson; 2007