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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 2, 2025

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

Published on: July 16, 2015

Can valuable information be prioritized in verbal working memory?

Amy L Atkinson¹, Richard J Allen¹, Alan D Baddeley²

¹School of Psychology, University of Leeds.

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition

|November 2, 2020

Summary

Individuals can prioritize valuable information in verbal working memory (WM). This prioritization occurs even when cognitive resources are limited, though it may lead to neglecting less important verbal data.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Human Memory

Background:

Limited research exists on prioritizing information in verbal working memory (WM).
Prioritization is well-documented in visual working memory.
Understanding verbal prioritization is crucial for cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if valuable information can be prioritized in verbal WM.
To examine the conditions influencing verbal prioritization.
To assess the impact of resource depletion on verbal prioritization.

Main Methods:

Participants recalled digit sequences after being informed of differential item value.
Experiments manipulated item value and introduced concurrent tasks (simple and complex).
Concurrent tasks were designed to disrupt verbal rehearsal and executive functions.

Main Results:

Recall was enhanced for higher-value items in verbal WM.
Prioritization effects persisted under simple and complex concurrent tasks.
Prioritization involved neglecting less valuable items, especially under high cognitive load.
A recency advantage was observed for the final item across conditions.

Conclusions:

Individuals can prioritize valuable information in verbal WM.
Prioritization is achieved by reallocating resources, potentially neglecting other items.
Verbal prioritization is robust, even when cognitive resources are constrained.