These data further cement the distinctiveness of n-back and backward recall

Backward recall variance predicted reasoning equally as strongly as the common WM variance factor, but variance specific to n-back variance was significantly less strongly related to reasoning than the common WM variance

Bifactor models conducted to explore whether the common variance across all WM tasks was a stronger predictor of reasoning than the variance specific to backward recall or n-back.

Common WM variance was consistently related to reasoning.

Exploratory analyses investigated links with fluid reasoning.

A model with separate WM and reasoning constructs preferred to a single-factor model encompassing WM and reasoning.

Multiple theoretical models tested: working memory (WM), domain (verbal vs visual), paradigm (n-back vs backward recall), materials (letters, digits, spatial locations).

Two distinct but related backward recall and n-back constructs best captured the data.

Preregistered study with open data: 703 participants completed variant forms of n-back and backward recall tasks that controlled for the domain and category of memory items.