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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
07:01
Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
Published on: September 20, 2020
Similarities and differences between working memory and long-term memory: evidence from the levels-of-processing span
Nathan S Rose1, Joel Myerson1, Henry L Roediger1
1Department of Psychology, Washington University.
Summary
Depth of processing minimally impacted working memory (WM) but significantly benefited long-term memory (LTM). Retrieval practice in WM tasks enhanced LTM, suggesting differing processes between WM and LTM.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Working memory (WM) and long-term memory (LTM) are crucial cognitive functions.
- Understanding the relationship between processing depth and memory performance is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of processing depth on WM and LTM.
- To explore the dissociation and similarities between WM and LTM using a novel task.
Main Methods:
- Developed a levels-of-processing (LOP) span task for WM.
- Compared memory performance after visual, phonological, and semantic word processing.
- Assessed immediate recall for WM and delayed recall for LTM.
Main Results:
- Depth of processing showed minimal effect on immediate WM recall.
- Semantic processing significantly improved delayed LTM recall.
- Retrieval practice from WM tasks enhanced LTM, particularly for supraspan items.
Conclusions:
- A dissociation exists between WM and LTM regarding levels of processing.
- WM span tasks may involve retrieval from secondary memory.
- Memory performance depends on retrieval processes and processing-retrieval match, aligning with transfer-appropriate-processing theory.
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