Working Memory

Working Memory

Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that can hold information temporarily. Working memory is important for reasoning and the guidance of decision-making and behavior. Working memory is often used synonymously with short-term memory, but some theorists consider the two forms of memory distinct, assuming that working memory allows for the manipulation of stored information, whereas short-term memory only refers to the short-term storage of information.

Overview

Working memory is a theoretical concept central to cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and cognitive neuroscience. In human psychology, the term "working memory" was coined by Miller, Galanter, and Pribram, and was used in the 1960s in the context of theories that likened the mind to a computer. In 1968, Atkinson and Shiffrin used the term to describe their "short-term store". What we now call working memory was then described as a short-term, capacity-limited system capable of maintaining information for a brief period and of performing mental operations on the contents of this system.

Models of Working Memory

There are several models of working memory, the most notable of which are the Baddeley and Hitch model and the Cowan model.

Baddeley and Hitch Model

In 1974, Baddeley and Hitch introduced the multicomponent model of working memory. The theory proposed a model containing three components: the central executive, the phonological loop, and the visuospatial sketchpad with the central executive functioning as a control center of sorts, directing info between other components.

Cowan Model

In 1988, Cowan proposed an embedded-processes model of working memory, which views short-term memory as a part of long-term memory.

Functions of Working Memory

Working memory serves as a system for temporary storage and management of the information necessary for complex cognitive tasks such as learning, reasoning, and comprehension.

Working Memory and Learning

Working memory capacity can be tested using a variety of tasks. These tasks typically require the individual to remember a set of items (e.g., digits, letters, words) while simultaneously processing a separate set of items.

See Also

• Short-term memory
• Long-term memory
• Cognitive psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Cognitive neuroscience

References

Working Memory Resources
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