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Working Memory

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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

VisualEyes: A Modular Software System for Oculomotor Experimentation

VisualEyes: A Modular Software System for Oculomotor Experimentation

Published on: March 25, 2011

Task-based working memory guidance of visual attention.

Zhe Chen¹, Brian H Tsou

¹Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. zhe.chen@canterbury.ac.nz

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

|January 26, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Maintaining a task in working memory (WM) influences attention, especially for individuals with slower reaction times. This suggests WM

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Published on: March 18, 2019

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience

Background:

Working memory (WM) aids in directing visual attention to stimuli.
Previous research shows WM's role in attentional facilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if task maintenance in WM biases attention allocation to task-relevant stimuli.
To explore the relationship between working memory, attention, and individual differences.

Main Methods:

Participants performed a speeded letter search task while holding task cues in WM.
Response latencies were analyzed to assess WM's influence on attention.
A Stroop experiment was conducted to evaluate attentional inhibition.

Main Results:

Slower reaction time participants showed greater attentional bias from WM task cues.
Task-irrelevant stimuli consistent with WM tasks slowed responses in slower participants.
Slower participants exhibited larger Stroop interference, indicating weaker inhibition.

Conclusions:

Task-based working memory guidance of attention is influenced by individual response latencies.
Differential WM effects suggest a link between working memory capacity and inhibitory control.
Findings support a close relationship between working memory and attentional control mechanisms.