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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
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Assessing Working Memory in Children: The Comprehensive Assessment Battery for Children – Working Memory (CABC-WM)
Published on: June 12, 2017
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Phonological Working Memory for Words and Nonwords in Cerebral Cortex.
Tyler K Perrachione1, Satrajit S Ghosh2, Irina Ostrovskaya2
1Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CambridgeBoston University, MA.
Summary
This study reveals that brain regions for speech perception and production support phonological working memory. Increased activation in these areas correlated with better nonword repetition skills.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psycholinguistics
Background:
- Phonological working memory is crucial for language processing.
- Understanding its neural basis aids in diagnosing and treating speech sound disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the brain regions supporting phonological working memory.
- To investigate the relationship between brain activation and nonword repetition abilities.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
- Participants performed a nonword discrimination task with varying memory loads.
- Standardized cognitive and phonological assessments were administered.
Main Results:
- Brain regions including the superior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, and supplementary motor area showed increased activation with higher phonological working memory load.
- Left superior temporal gyrus activation during nonword discrimination correlated with performance on clinical nonword repetition tests.
Conclusions:
- Phonological working memory relies on cortical structures involved in speech perception and production.
- Individual differences in brain activation patterns are linked to nonword repetition proficiency.
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