Working memory and development

Question 1

What processing limitations were identified by Brainerd

Answer 1

1. Encoding limitations
2. Retrieval limitations
3. Storage/capacity limitations
4. Metacognitive limitations

Question 2

Describe encoding limitations

Answer 2

The crucial part of a task or experience may not be encoded. They may be due to a failure to attend to the right information or failure to use an encoding strategy

Question 3

Name 3 encoding strategies

Answer 3

1. Rehearsal
2. Organisation
3. Elaboration

Question 4

Describe retrieval limitations

Answer 4

The wrong retrieval strategy may be applied i.e strategy for division rather than mutiplication

Question 5

Describe storage limitations

Answer 5

Storage capacity increases with age. Storage limitations limit the amount of information that a child can store and thus remember.

Question 6

Describe Chi’s study

Answer 6

10 year old chess experts performed better than adults when tested on chess positions. Adults performed better than the 10 year old chess experts at a digit recall task.
Suggests experience can affect storage ability

Question 7

Describe metacognitive limitations

Answer 7

Due to poor metacognitve skills and limited experience, children may not be aware they have memory limitations so they may not make an effort to encode something properly

Question 8

What developing skills does working memory support?

Answer 8

1. Language
2. Academic skills (especially maths)
3. General school readiness