The Corsi block-tapping task is a good measure of spatial working memory. Used by neuropsychologists for at least thirty years, it is now a gold standard repeatedly validated by neuropsychological literature. Developmental psychologists use the Corsi task in predicting the development of cognitive functions. Furthermore, the Corsi task is a good tool in identifying the specific differences between the forward and backward spans. It also helps experts make professional opinions about medical conditions.

Evaluation of Visuospatial short-term memory and spatial working memory

Smyth & Scholey 1992 used the Corsi block-tapping task to determine the visuospatial short-term memory in adults. Their postulate was that people have an internal rehearsal structure that links to their clear response on spatial domains. However, they discovered that movement time measures were not able to anticipate spatial span.

Applicability in schizophrenic patients

Chey et al. 2002 used the Corsi in investigating the short-term and spatial working memory spans of schizophrenic patients. They discovered that these patients had significantly reduced forward and backward spatial spans, and spatial working memory span. The deficit in the spatial working memory span suggested that schizophrenic patients had general impairment of working memory capacity. It was not limited to verbal functioning only. The deficit in backward span caused the impairment of the executive function.

Applicability in Alzheimer’s disease and Multi-infarct dementia (MID)

Carlesimo et al. 1994 used the Corsi block-tapping task, along with the Digit Span, to assess spatial and verbal memory span in Alzheimer’s and multi-infarct demented patients. They discovered that the forward verbal span of these patients was normal. However, these patients had reduced backward and forward spatial spans, and backward verbal spans. They argued that the verbal forward span was normal because the function of the Articulatory Loop was also normal. However, the reduced Central Executive processing resources produced the deficient performances of the other memory spans.

Applicability in patients with Korskaoff

Haxby et al. 1993 employed the Corsi block-tapping task and the Digit Span to access short-term visuospatial and verbal memory spans among alcoholic Korsakoff amnesics. They found out that these patients had normal short-term verbal and visuospatial spans.

Assessment of the demographic differences

Orsini et al. 1981 administered the Corsi block-tapping task on children. They discovered that children from the rural districts performed better in the spatial task than those from the urban districts. Furthermore, boys outperformed the girls.

Evaluation of visual memory span in cerebral lesions

Kessels et al. 2000 used the Corsi block-tapping task to determine the visual memory span of patients with cerebral lesions. They discovered that 20% of the control group performed in the borderline range while at least 8% had impaired performance. Furthermore, they found out that patients with left hemisphere lesions performed better compared with patients with right hemisphere lesions.

Evaluation of the association between spatial memory impairment and hemispheric locus of lesion

De Renzi et al. 1977 used the Corsi task in assessing the relationship between the spatial memory impairment and the hemispheric locus of lesion. They discovered that the lesion affected the spatial span by producing the visual field defect. The side of the lesion was immaterial with the findings. Patients with right hemisphere lesions and visual field defects performed poorly. They inferred that the right hemisphere’s posterior region played a dominant role in serving spatial memory mechanisms.