Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
10:38
A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions
Published on: July 16, 2015
Serial and parallel processes in working memory after practice.
Klaus Oberauer1, Svetlana Bialkova
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. k.oberauer@psychologie.uzh.ch
Summary
Working memory updating involves a focus of attention that can simultaneously hold one numerical and one spatial element. Practice did not eliminate dual-task costs, suggesting limits arise from optimal cognitive configuration, not structural constraints.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Factors
Background:
- Working memory is crucial for complex cognitive tasks.
- Previous research suggested practice could eliminate dual-task costs in working memory updating.
- Understanding the limits of parallel processing in working memory is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of extensive practice on dual-task costs in working memory updating.
- To examine the capacity of the focus of attention in working memory for simultaneous numerical and spatial information.
- To explore the underlying reasons for limitations in parallel processing during working memory tasks.
Main Methods:
- Six young adults underwent 36 practice sessions on a working memory updating task.
- Participants performed single-task (one operation) and dual-task (simultaneous numerical and spatial operations) conditions.
- Dual-task costs and switching costs were measured throughout practice.
Main Results:
- Dual-task costs were not eliminated with practice, contrary to some prior findings.
- Significant costs of switching between numerical elements and between spatial elements persisted.
- A focus of attention in working memory appears capable of holding one numerical and one spatial element concurrently.
Conclusions:
- Working memory's focus of attention has a limited capacity, holding one item of each type (numerical, spatial) simultaneously.
- Observed limits on parallel processing and attention capacity may stem from optimal cognitive system configuration to prevent information cross-talk.
- These findings challenge purely structural explanations for working memory limitations.
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