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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 3, 2026

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment

Published on: September 20, 2020

Working memory capacity and mind-wandering during low-demand cognitive tasks.

Matthew K Robison¹, Nash Unsworth¹

¹Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, United States.

Consciousness and Cognition

|May 2, 2017

Summary

This study investigated the link between working memory capacity (WMC) and future-oriented mind-wandering. The findings did not replicate previous research suggesting a positive relationship, impacting theories of cognitive control.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience

Background:

Individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC) typically predict less mind-wandering.
Some research indicates a positive WMC-mind-wandering link during low-demand tasks, with greater WMC linked to future-oriented thoughts.
This has supported the context-regulation hypothesis of adaptive cognitive functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between working memory capacity and future-oriented off-task thought.
To test the replicability of findings supporting the context-regulation hypothesis.

Main Methods:

The study involved assessing working memory capacity and mind-wandering patterns.
Participants' off-task thought content was analyzed, particularly its future-orientation.

Main Results:

The expected positive relationship between working memory capacity and future-oriented off-task thought was not found.
This failure to replicate previous findings challenges existing theoretical frameworks.

Conclusions:

The context-regulation hypothesis may require revision given the lack of replication.
Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between WMC and mind-wandering.