The effects of processing time and processing rate on forgetting in working memory: testing four models of the...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Linguistics

Background:

• Complex span paradigms are crucial for understanding working memory.
• Existing models like task-switching and interference accounts offer different explanations for working memory processes.
• The time-based resource-sharing model proposes that processing time impacts memory recall.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test four models of working memory: task-switching, interference, and two time-based resource-sharing versions.
• To investigate the effect of processing time on word recall within a reading span paradigm.
• To explore the role of articulatory rehearsal and identify alternative verbal memory mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a reading span paradigm with segmented sentences to control processing amount.
• Compared continuous versus normal reading conditions to assess the impact of pauses on articulatory rehearsal.
• Conducted a second experiment to specifically evaluate the possibility of concurrent articulatory rehearsal during continuous reading.

Main Results:

• A faster reading rate significantly impaired word recall, supporting the time-based resource-sharing model.
• The negative effect of reading rate on recall persisted even with continuous articulation.
• Continuous reading was found to significantly hinder concurrent articulatory rehearsal.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide strong evidence for the time-based resource-sharing model of working memory.
• Results indicate that verbal working memory utilizes a rehearsal mechanism independent of articulation.
• This suggests the existence of a distinct, non-articulatory rehearsal system supporting memory trace refreshing.