Digit Span

Question 1

What are the necessary materials?

Answer 1

Administration and scoring manual and record form

Question 2

What are the starting points?

Answer 2

Forward: All ages start at item 1
Backwards: All ages start on sample item and then item 1
Sequencing: Ages 6-7 start with qualifying item, sample items A&B, then item 1. Ages 8-16 start with sample items A&B then item 1.

Question 3

What is the discontinue criteria?

Answer 3

Forward: Discontinue after scores of 0 after both trials of an item.
Backward: Discontinue after scores of 0 after both trials of an item.
Sequencing: Ages 6-7 discontinue after an incorrect response to the qualifying item OR after scores of 0 after both trials of an item. Ages 8-16 discontinue after scores of 0 on both trials of an item.

Question 4

When do you provide assistance?

Answer 4

On the sample items of backward and sequencing ONLY. Proceed to item 1 even if the child is unable to respond correctly to any trial of the sample items.

Question 5

Describe the scoring process.

Answer 5

Record the child’s responses verbatim. For each trial, score 1 point if the child gives a correct response. Give 0 points if child gives incorrect response, child says they do not know, or does not respond in approximately 30 seconds.

Question 6

What is the item score?

Answer 6

The sum of the scores for the two trials for that item.

Question 7

What is the digit span total raw score?

Answer 7

The sum of the item scores for all three tasks.

Question 8

When is the digit span total raw score invalid?

Answer 8

If a child aged 6-7 gives an incorrect response to the Sequencing Qualifying Item.

Question 9

What is the Digit Span Forward (DSf) total raw score?

Answer 9

Obtained by summing the forward item scores. Max points of 18.

Question 10

What is the Digit Span backward (DSb) total raw score

Answer 10

Obtained by summing the backward item scores. Max points of 18 points.

Question 11

What is the Digit Span sequencing (DSs) total raw score?

Answer 11

Obtained by summing the sequencing item scores. Max points of 18 points.

Question 12

What is the Longest Digit Span forward (LDSf) raw score?

Answer 12

The number of digits on the last forward trial scored 1 point. Max LDSf raw score is 10 points.

Question 13

What is the Longest Digit Span backward (LDSb) raw score?

Answer 13

The number of digits on the last backward trial scored 1 point. Max LDSb raw score is 8 points

Question 14

What is the Longest Digit Span sequence (LDSs) raw score?

Answer 14

The number of digits on the last sequence trial scored 1 point. Max LDSs raw score is 9 points