An ALE meta-analytic comparison of verbal working memory tasks

The n-Back and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) are common verbal working memory tasks (VWM). Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analyses examined n-Back and PASAT literature, revealing regions associated with salience, emotional processing, and VWM. Contrasts revealed differential dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left posterior parietal cortex, and midline supplementary motor area activation between the tasks. Findings demonstrate the sensitivity of ALE meta-analysis to reveal similarities and differences associated with the cognitive and emotional aspects of VWM tasks. They provide the first glimpse into regions activated by the PASAT using meta-analyses that indicate potential overlapping utility.