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Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

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Working memory refers to a combination of components, including short-term memory and attention, that allow an individual to hold information temporarily as we perform cognitive tasks. It is an essential cognitive function that enables the execution of complex tasks such as problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Unlike short-term memory, which simply involves the storage of information for a brief period, working memory involves the active manipulation and processing of this...
397

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Measuring affect and complex working memory in natural and urban environments.

Emily E Scott1, Kaedyn W Crabtree2, Amy S McDonnell2

  • 1Department of Psychological Science, Vermont State University, Johnson, VT, United States.

Frontiers in Psychology
|March 23, 2023
PubMed
Summary

A 30-minute walk, whether in nature or a city, can improve mood. However, this study found no significant changes in working memory capacity (Operation Span task) after the walk, regardless of the environment.

Keywords:
affect (emotion)attention restoration theorycognitive performanceenvironmentrestorationworking memory

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • Exposure to nature is linked to cognitive and mood benefits, potentially restoring attention.
  • Urban environments and technology use are associated with cognitive deficits and mental illness.
  • Attention Restoration Theory posits that nature restores attentional resources, improving cognition and mood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of a 30-minute walk in natural versus urban environments on working memory capacity and mood.
  • To specifically examine the Operation Span (OSPAN) task performance and self-reported affect before and after the walks.
  • To build upon existing research by assessing a complex working memory measure in relation to nature exposure.

Main Methods:

  • 100 participants completed the Operation Span (OSPAN) task and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.
  • Participants were randomly assigned to a 30-minute walk in either a natural or an urban environment.
  • Mood and OSPAN performance were measured both before and after the walking intervention.

Main Results:

  • Both groups reported increased positive affect and decreased negative affect after their walks, indicating a general mood improvement.
  • Contrary to some previous findings, no significant changes in OSPAN scores were observed in either the natural or urban environment group.
  • The study did not find evidence that a brief walk, irrespective of environment, significantly enhances complex working memory capacity.

Conclusions:

  • While walking outdoors, regardless of environment, can positively influence mood, its effect on complex working memory capacity may require different or longer exposures.
  • Future research should explore factors like duration of exposure, environmental characteristics, and individual nature connectedness to better understand attention restoration.
  • Further investigation is needed to clarify the relationship between nature exposure, mood regulation, and cognitive functions like working memory.