Developmental change of visuo-spatial working memory in children: quantitative evaluation through an Advanced Trail...

Area of Science:

• Developmental psychology
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Child development

Background:

• Visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) is crucial for cognitive development in children.
• Previous research indicates developmental changes in VSWM, but the precise trajectory remains under investigation.
• A tailored assessment tool is needed to accurately measure VSWM in children due to their unique attentional capacities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental trajectory of Visuo-Spatial Working Memory (VSWM) in typically developing children.
• To introduce and validate a novel assessment tool, the Advanced Trail Making Test for children (ATMT-C), for measuring VSWM efficiency.
• To identify specific age-related patterns in VSWM maturation.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Advanced Trail Making Test for children (ATMT-C), featuring number- and hiragana-based components with child-friendly symbols.
• Evaluation of VSWM efficiency using the ATMT-C in 94 typically developing participants aged 6-28 years.
• Analysis of developmental changes in VSWM efficiency across different age groups.

Main Results:

• A non-linear developmental pattern of VSWM efficiency was observed.
• Children under 8 showed rapid VSWM efficiency gains, while 9-12 year olds exhibited a more gradual increase.
• The hiragana-based ATMT-C indicated a slightly delayed VSWM efficiency increase compared to the number-based version; no significant gender or handedness effects were found.

Conclusions:

• VSWM matures gradually and non-steadily in children, with a critical maturation phase before age 12.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering the developmental stage when assessing VSWM.
• Individual differences in cognitive subsystems may influence VSWM efficiency development.