working memory

Question 1

working memory

Answer 1

allows for the storage, maintenance and retrieval of information over time

also helps to control and coordinate goal orientated behaviour, vital in many domains throughout life

Question 2

Marcovitch et al. (2010) - method

Answer 2

• 3 working memory tasks (visual counting span, visual backward span and auditory backward span)
• also investigated the effect of WM on goal neglect via the DCCS (sort by one rule, then switch to another)
• mostly redundant trials (80-20%)
• mostly conflict trials (80-20%)
• mostly conflict trials are easy to remember as the rule is constantly maintained in WM
• where as rules can be forgotten in the redundant trials as they are needed less

Question 3

goal neglect

Answer 3

momentary lapse in WM in relation to a task, where the individuals fail to behave accordingly, despite demonstrating knowledge of the correct action

Question 4

Marcovitch et al. (2007)

Answer 4

A higher percentage of redundant cards will be sorted correctly in the mostly conflict condition as participants have to maintain the rules in their head

Question 5

Marcovitch et al. (2010) - results

Answer 5

• significant difference was found in all 3 working memory tasks between the ages of 4-6
• 4 year olds can complete conflict trials quite consistently but also show variability when responding in redundant trials (shows perhaps the start of development in WM)
• 6 year olds possess a higher WM capacity that 4 yo so they can consistently complete redundant trials, shows a leap in working memory
• 6 yo can also complete the mostly conflict trials, suggesting another process must be in play, rule switching