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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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Information Processing Approach

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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Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
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Individual differences in processing speed and working memory speed as assessed with the Sternberg memory scanning

Anna A E Vinkhuyzen1, Sophie van der Sluis, Dorret I Boomsma

  • 1Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. aae.vinkhuyzen@psy.vu.nl

Behavior Genetics
|January 22, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Genetic factors influence processing speed (PS) more than working memory retrieval speed (WMS). This study found that individual differences in PS are partly genetic, while WMS variance is not.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The Sternberg Memory Scanning (SMS) task measures processing speed (PS) and working memory retrieval speed (WMS).
  • Understanding the genetic and environmental influences on these cognitive functions is crucial for explaining individual differences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the sources of variation in processing speed and working memory retrieval speed using the SMS task.
  • To determine the extent to which genetic factors contribute to individual differences in PS and WMS.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 623 adult twins and siblings completed the SMS task.
  • A non-linear growth curve (nLGC) model was used to analyze reaction time data.
  • Genetic analyses, including heritability estimates, were performed on PS (Intercept) and WMS (Slope).

Main Results:

  • Working memory retrieval speed (WMS) showed small variance not attributable to genetic factors.
  • Processing speed (PS) exhibited significant individual differences, with a substantial portion explained by additive genetic factors.
  • Heritability estimates for PS were 38% for positive trials and 32% for negative trials.
  • Genetic influences on PS were completely shared between positive and negative trials.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic influences on cognitive tasks like the SMS task are more likely to affect fundamental processing speed and motor processes.
  • Working memory retrieval speed appears to be less influenced by genetic factors compared to basic processing speed.