The effect of non-verbal working memory on graphic symbol selection

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Linguistics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Non-verbal working memory is crucial for cognitive tasks.
• Graphic symbol selection is a key component of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
• Understanding the relationship between working memory and symbol selection can inform AAC system design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between non-verbal working memory capacity and the speed of graphic symbol selection.
• To determine if prior exposure to graphic symbols influences this relationship.
• To explore implications for individuals using AAC systems.

Main Methods:

• Participants were divided into high and low non-verbal working memory groups based on backward matrix task scores.
• A sentence construction task involving graphic symbol selection was administered.
• Symbol selection response times were compared between groups using a Mann-Whitney U test.

Main Results:

• The high non-verbal working memory group selected symbols significantly faster than the low memory group.
• No significant interaction was found between working memory skills and the degree of symbol exposure.
• This suggests working memory capacity directly impacts symbol selection efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Non-verbal working memory is a significant factor in the efficiency of graphic symbol selection.
• Current findings suggest that AAC interventions may benefit from considering working memory capacity.
• Further research is needed to explore the role of symbol exposure in different populations.