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Related Concept Videos

Working Memory01:24

Working Memory

181
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...
181
Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

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The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Working Memory Training for Older Participants: A Control Group Training Regimen and Initial Intellectual Functioning Assessment
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Working memory capacity predicts focus back effort under different task demands.

Hong He1, Yunyun Chen2, Xuemin Zhang3

  • 1Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.

Consciousness and Cognition
|October 19, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Individuals with higher working memory capacity (WMC) better manage mind wandering. Lower WMC individuals exert more focus back effort during demanding tasks, integrating cognitive flexibility and resource-control theories.

Keywords:
Executive controlFocus back effortMind wanderingTask loadWorking memory capacity

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Attention Studies

Background:

  • Cognitive flexibility theory suggests higher cognitive control aids task/mind-wandering flexibility.
  • Resource-control theory emphasizes executive control for attentional resource allocation between tasks and mind wandering.
  • Focus back effort is proposed as an adjustment mechanism within resource-control theory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interplay between working memory capacity (WMC), task load, and mind wandering.
  • To examine the role of focus back effort in modulating mind wandering.
  • To integrate cognitive flexibility and resource-control theories.

Main Methods:

  • 121 participants completed span tasks and high/low-load tasks.
  • Mind wandering and focus back effort were measured during task performance.
  • Working memory capacity (WMC) was treated as a continuous variable.

Main Results:

  • Mind wandering was significantly influenced by working memory capacity (WMC) and focus back effort.
  • Participants exhibited increased focus back effort during high-load tasks compared to low-load tasks.
  • The heightened focus back effort during high-load tasks was more pronounced in individuals with lower WMC.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the integration of cognitive flexibility and resource-control theories.
  • Working memory capacity (WMC) plays a crucial role in modulating mind wandering and attentional control.
  • Focus back effort serves as a key mechanism for adjusting executive control under varying cognitive loads, especially for individuals with lower WMC.