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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: May 19, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing

An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing

Published on: October 25, 2019

Using a modified lag task to measure adult age differences in working memory.

Olga Remick¹, David Ross, Richard Metzger

¹Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, TN 37405, USA.

Psychological Reports

|August 18, 2012

Summary

The Modified Lag Task effectively differentiates age-related working memory performance in adults. This validated cognitive task shows promise for assessing memory decline in older populations.

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Last Updated: May 19, 2026

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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach

Published on: February 14, 2014

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Gerontology

Background:

Working memory capacity declines with age.
The Modified Lag Task assesses recall from word lists.
Previous studies established convergent and divergent validity for the task.

Purpose of the Study:

To establish the predictive validity of the Modified Lag Task.
To determine if the task can differentiate between four adult age groups based on working memory performance.

Main Methods:

Four adult age groups (40-70+ years) participated.
Participants completed the Modified Lag Task.
The task required recalling specific words from presented lists.

Main Results:

The Modified Lag Task successfully separated the four age groups.
Findings support the task's validity in assessing age-related working memory differences.

Conclusions:

The Modified Lag Task demonstrates predictive validity for age-related working memory.
Further research is recommended to enhance the construct validity of this cognitive assessment tool.