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Visuospatial memory in dyslexia: evidence for strategic deficits
Alison M Bacon1, Fabrice B R Parmentier, Polly Barr
1School of Psychology, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK. ambacon@plymouth.ac.uk
Memory (Hove, England)
|August 30, 2012
Summary
People with dyslexia show a deficit in backward Corsi blocks recall, a visuospatial memory task. Visual strategy instructions improved performance, suggesting an executive function deficit in dyslexia.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Working memory impairments are characteristic of dyslexia.
- Verbal recall deficits are documented, but visuospatial memory in dyslexia is less understood.
- The Corsi blocks task assesses visuospatial memory, with forward recall (CF) and backward recall (CB) variants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate visuospatial memory deficits in dyslexia using the Corsi blocks task.
- To examine the impact of strategy instructions on Corsi blocks recall in individuals with dyslexia.
- To explore the role of executive functions in visuospatial memory within dyslexia.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted using the Corsi blocks task with participants with and without dyslexia.
- Participants completed forward Corsi recall (CF) and backward Corsi recall (CB) conditions.
- Visual strategy instructions were provided in some conditions to assess their effect on performance.
Main Results:
- Individuals with dyslexia consistently showed a deficit in backward Corsi recall (CB).
- No significant deficit was observed in forward Corsi recall (CF).
- Visual strategy instructions ameliorated the CB deficit, indicating an inability to adopt effective strategies without guidance.
Conclusions:
- Dyslexia is associated with a specific deficit in backward visuospatial memory recall (CB).
- This deficit appears linked to difficulties in executive function and strategic processing.
- Findings have implications for understanding visuospatial memory in dyslexia and administering the Corsi task to special populations.
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