What is the primary task in the Digit Span subtest?

The primary task in the Digit Span subtest involves the child repeating a series of numbers either in the order they are presented or in reverse order. This task assesses working memory and attention, as it requires the child to hold information in their mind while processing it. By recalling the numbers forward or backward, it evaluates the child’s ability to manipulate auditory information and their cognitive flexibility.

This subtest is designed to measure both short-term memory and the ability to follow a sequence, making it a crucial component for understanding a child's cognitive functioning. The ability to complete this task successfully is indicative of various cognitive abilities, including attention control and verbal memory.

Therefore, the choice related to writing numbers in forward, backward, or sequential order is directly aligned with the core objectives of the Digit Span subtest. The other choices pertain to different cognitive skills, such as vocabulary knowledge, spatial awareness, and balance reasoning, which are not the focus of the Digit Span task.