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A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Individual differences in working memory capacity and divided attention in dichotic listening.
Gregory J H Colflesh1, Andrew R A Conway
1Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA. colflesh@uic.edu
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review
|November 2, 2007
Summary
Individuals with higher working memory capacity (WMC) exhibit superior attention control. This study found high WMC individuals better detected their name in a divided attention task, demonstrating enhanced attentional flexibility.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Controlled attention theory links working memory capacity (WMC) to attentional control.
- Previous studies show high WMC individuals have better selective attention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate individual differences in divided attention based on WMC.
- To examine attentional flexibility in relation to working memory capacity.
Main Methods:
- A dichotic listening task was employed.
- Participants shadowed one auditory message while monitoring the other for their name.
Main Results:
- 66.7% of high WMC participants detected their name, compared to 34.5% of low WMC participants.
- Results indicate higher WMC is associated with improved divided attention performance.
Conclusions:
- Working memory capacity positively correlates with the ability to control attentional focus.
- High WMC individuals demonstrate flexible attentional "zooming" abilities based on task demands.
