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Related Concept Videos

Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this information.
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Controlled processes in human consciousness represent high-alert mental states where individuals deliberately focus their attention on achieving specific goals. Controlled processes can be seen in situations like mastering new technology, where a person might become so absorbed that they ignore surrounding distractions. Such processes involve selective attention, requiring one to concentrate on particular elements of experience while disregarding others. These are governed by executive...
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The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

An Appetitive Spatial Working Memory Task for Mice in a Semi-Automated 8-Arm Radial Maze, Reducing Fearful Memory Association in the Maze
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Automatic guidance of attention from working memory.

David Soto1, John Hodsoll, Pia Rotshtein

  • 1Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Charing Cross Campus, St. Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, UK. d.soto@imperial.ac.uk

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|August 12, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Working memory automatically guides attention, influencing how we select environmental stimuli. This top-down influence on attention is distinct from implicit memory processes.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Working memory (WM) retains information for ongoing cognitive tasks.
  • Attention selects relevant information for processing and response.
  • Interactions between WM and attention are crucial for goal-directed behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between working memory and attentional selection.
  • To explore the neural mechanisms underlying this interaction.
  • To differentiate WM-guided selection from implicit memory effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent research on working memory and attention.
  • Analysis of neurophysiological data from functional brain imaging.
  • Discussion of theoretical implications for cognitive control.

Main Results:

  • Working memory content modulates the selection of environmental stimuli.
  • This attentional guidance from WM is automatic, even when detrimental.
  • Neural mechanisms of WM-attention interaction are distinct from bottom-up priming.

Conclusions:

  • Working memory exerts top-down control over early attentional deployment.
  • WM influences the gating of visual information into awareness.
  • Understanding this interaction is key to cognitive function and dysfunction.