SP 5: Working Memory Flashcards
Week 5
working memory
core components of executive functioning
working memory and school
- better predictor at age 5 than IQ for academic achievement at age 11
- predicts subsequent learning in children with learning difficulties
- brain activity during visuospatial task predicts arithmetical performance 2 years later
working memory model: baddely and hitch
central executive: central control system
- phonological loop
- long term memory
- visuospatial sketchpad
memory span
number of items you can retain in your phonological loop
influencing factors on memory span
age (capacity increases with age)
word length
articulation rate
working memory development
5 y/o: children switch from visual to phonological working memory
phonological confusability/similarity effect
- it’s easier to remember words that sound different from each other (non-homophones) compared to words that sound similar (homophones)
- only adults have this, because of interference, 3-5 y/o DON’T: because they rely of visual memory system
picture confusion memory task
if young children use visual rehearsal strategies instead of phonological, are they also more confused with visually similar images than older children?
- conclusion: yes
- 5 y/o: visually similar pictures most difficult
- 10 y/o: long names most difficult (word length effect)
implications: as memory development proceeds -> less use of visual working memory
maintenance and manipulation
experiment:
forward: maintenance
backward: maintenance + manipulation
- 8-12 y/o perform disproportionally worse on manipulation
- implication: different developmental trajectories for maintenance and manipulation
measuring working memory
1) span board task
2) digit-span task
3) picture-span task
4) N-back task
Span Board Task
having to follow a sequence of tapping objects
- visuospatial modality
- maintaining information
- working memory capacity
Digit-Span Task
you get recited numbers (forwards: maintenance, backwards: manipulation)
- used in WISC-V
Picture-Span Task
point to pictures in correct order (instead of numbers)
- used in WISC-V
N-back task
maintaining and updating information online
- possible for both visual and auditory stimuli
- visuospatial/phonological modality
- updating
BRIEF-2: Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function
early identification of children with low working memory
- questionnaire about behavior past 6 months