Working Memory and Executive Functioning
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following processes is NOT one of the independent executive processes identified by Miyake et al.?

  • Shifting
  • Memory Storage (correct)
  • Inhibition
  • Updating

What does the updating process in executive functioning refer to?

  • Planning future actions
  • Switching between tasks
  • Monitoring and modifying working memory contents (correct)
  • Inhibiting dominant responses

What is the primary argument of Just and Carpenter regarding working memory?

  • It is only relevant in laboratory settings.
  • It combines both storage and processing functions. (correct)
  • It operates only during complex tasks.
  • It is solely a storage space.

Which neuropsychological test has traditionally been used to assess executive functioning?

<p>Wisconsin Card Sort (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do simple span tasks primarily measure?

<p>Short-term memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do genetic factors contribute to executive functions according to Friedman et al.'s study?

<p>They play a significant role in individual differences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do individual differences in working memory capacity affect cognitive performance?

<p>Higher capacity leads to better handling of storage and processing demands. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main finding regarding the relationships between updating, shifting, and inhibition?

<p>They are related to a common executive function factor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which model do Just and Carpenter propose to explain the relationship between storage and processing?

<p>Activation-Based Model. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of shifting in executive functioning is described in the material?

<p>The ability to switch between tasks or mental sets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of simple span tasks according to Just and Carpenter?

<p>They do not measure processing demands. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'impure measures' refer to in the context of neuropsychological tests?

<p>Tests that engage multiple cognitive functions and are complex. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which executive process is characterized by the deliberate overriding of dominant responses?

<p>Inhibition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which context is the capacity theory of comprehension particularly relevant?

<p>In real-world tasks requiring simultaneous information handling. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do Just and Carpenter deem complex span tasks as a more valid measure of working memory capacity?

<p>They reflect the dual demands of storage and processing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of cognitive performance does working memory capacity significantly influence?

<p>Handling dual demands of information processing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates complex span tasks from simple span tasks?

<p>Complex span tasks involve recalling items while also managing other tasks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a digit span task?

<p>Remembering a list of numbers in the order they are presented. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of working memory do complex span tasks emphasize according to Daneman and Merikle's study?

<p>Managing and manipulating information while recalling items. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Daneman and Merikle determine about the predictive power of complex span tasks?

<p>They are superior predictors of language comprehension. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does working memory capacity play in language comprehension, according to the findings?

<p>It is crucial in processing information during comprehension. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the correlation value between verbal tasks and comprehension tasks according to the findings?

<p>$0.41$ (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with complex span tasks?

<p>Recalling items in isolation without other tasks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does working memory capacity relate to cognitive processes as per the study outcomes?

<p>It involves both storage and processing capabilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of seductive images on low working memory capacity (WMC) participants during essay writing?

<p>Their performance dropped significantly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did high working memory capacity (WMC) participants respond to seductive images?

<p>They maintained high performance without distraction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of images helped low WMC participants improve their performance?

<p>Conceptual images (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What general conclusion can be drawn from Sanchez and Wiley's findings?

<p>Working memory capacity should be considered when designing educational materials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors did Sanchez and Wiley's study primarily focus on?

<p>Types of illustrations in learning contexts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When using nonillustrated images, how did low WMC participants perform?

<p>They performed moderately well. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the performance of high WMC participants with conceptual images compare to their performance with nonillustrated images?

<p>They performed slightly better. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the differing performance of low and high WMC participants when exposed to seductive images?

<p>Low WMC participants are more susceptible to distraction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does working memory capacity (WMC) affect mind wandering during challenging tasks?

<p>Higher WMC individuals are better at maintaining on-task thoughts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of images negatively impacts learning for individuals with lower WMC?

<p>Seductive images (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cognitive demand play in the relationship between WMC and mind wandering?

<p>Higher cognitive demand can moderate the relationship between WMC and mind wandering. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the sample size of participants in the Kane et al. (2007) study?

<p>124 undergraduates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do higher WMC individuals use to manage attention during demanding tasks?

<p>They use enhanced executive attention and control processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Cowan (2010) define pure working memory capacity?

<p>It refers to the ability to hold and manipulate information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do seductive images have on individuals with high WMC?

<p>They have no effect. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the method used by participants to report mind wandering in the study?

<p>Personal digital assistants signaling them. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of chunking as a memory strategy?

<p>To organize individual pieces into larger units (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of high working memory capacity?

<p>Inability to focus on new information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do maintenance and disengagement contribute to problem-solving?

<p>They facilitate logical reasoning and hypothesis testing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What relationship did Shipstead et al. propose between working memory capacity and fluid intelligence?

<p>They are casually linked by complementary processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'top-down processing goals' refer to in the context of working memory?

<p>Goals driven by an individual's intentions guiding cognition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ability to disengage from outdated information important?

<p>It helps in avoiding cognitive overload (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes rehearsal as a memory strategy?

<p>Maintaining information active through repetition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive process is primarily enhanced by high working memory capacity?

<p>The ability to retain and manipulate relevant information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Working Memory (Executive Functioning)

Cognitive processes controlling and regulating thought and action, associated with frontal lobes.

Updating (Executive Function)

Constantly monitoring and adjusting working memory contents.

Shifting (Executive Function)

Switching flexibly between tasks or mental sets.

Inhibition (Executive Function)

Overriding dominant or prepotent responses.

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Common EF Factor

Underlying commonality among updating, shifting, and inhibition.

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Independent Contributions (EF)

Individual components like updating & shifting have unique roles.

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Genetic Contributions to EF

Significant impact of genes on variations in executive functions (updating, shifting, inhibition).

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Miyake et al. (2000, 2012)

Researchers researching executive functioning, focusing on processes like updating, shifting, and inhibition in working memory.

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Working Memory Capacity

The ability to hold and process information simultaneously in mind.

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Capacity Theory of Comprehension

A theory suggesting that working memory requires both storage and processing of information.

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Interdependence of Storage and Processing

In real-world tasks, storing information and processing that information happen at the same time.

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Activation (Working Memory)

The common resource that both storage and processing of information use in working memory.

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Complex Span Tasks

Tests of working memory that require both storing and processing information.

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Simple Span Tasks

Tests that measure only short-term memory, not working memory.

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Individual Differences (Working Memory)

Variations in working memory capacity amongst individuals affecting their cognitive performance.

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Valid Working Memory Measurement

Must accurately reflect the need to store and process information simultaneously in tasks.

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Digit Span Task

A type of simple span task, where participants recall numbers in order.

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Reading Span Task

A complex span task requiring reading comprehension and remembering details.

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Working Memory

The cognitive system responsible for temporary storage and manipulation of information.

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Language Comprehension

The understanding of spoken or written language.

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Predictive Power(Complex Span Tasks)

Complex span tasks more accurately predict language comprehension skills than simple span tasks.

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Correlation with Comprehension

Performance on complex span tasks is linked to reading comprehension and other language skills.

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Sanchez and Wiley (2006) Study

This study investigated how different types of illustrations (non-illustrated, conceptual, and seductive) impact learning outcomes, focusing on individuals with varying working memory capacities.

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Working Memory Capacity (WMC)

An individual's ability to hold and process information in working memory.

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Low WMC Participants

Individuals with lower working memory capacity are more easily distracted by seductive illustrations.

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Seductive Images

Illustrations that are visually appealing but may not be directly relevant to the content.

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High WMC Participants

Individuals with higher working memory capacity are less affected by distracting seductive images.

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Conceptual Images

Illustrations that support understanding the content.

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Learning Outcomes

Measures of how well someone understands or can apply learned information.

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Essay Writing Performance

How well an individual creates an essay.

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Rehearsal

Repeating information to keep it active in memory.

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Chunking

Grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units for easier recall.

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Working memory & strategies

Both our inherent working memory capacity and the strategies we use impact memory performance.

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Fluid intelligence & working memory

These abilities are strongly correlated due to complementary processes that support complex thinking.

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Maintenance (WM)

Keeping relevant information active and accessible in working memory.

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Disengagement (WM)

Discarding outdated or irrelevant information to avoid cognitive overload.

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Problem-solving & WM

High working memory allows for accurate problem representation, hypothesis testing, and logical reasoning.

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Top-down processing goals

Maintenance and disengagement are driven by our intentions and goals, organizing attention and cognitive resources.

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Seductive Images and Learning

Images that are visually appealing but distract from learning for people with lower working memory capacity (WMC).

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Conceptual Images and Learning

Images that help to understand a concept and improve performance for people with lower WMC.

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WMC and Distractions

People with higher WMC are less affected by distractions and can focus on tasks better.

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Kane et al. (2007) Study

A study exploring the relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and mind wandering in everyday activities.

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Cognitive Demand and WMC

The relationship between WMC and mind wandering depends on the complexity of the activity.

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Pure Working Memory Capacity

The inherent ability of working memory to hold and manipulate information.

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Executive Processes in Working Memory

Cognitive functions controlling and regulating thoughts and actions, like attention and flexibility.

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Working Memory Capacity's Impact

Higher WMC can help manage attention and reduce mind wandering, especially for complex tasks.

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Fluid Intelligence

The ability to reason and solve problems in new ways.

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Study Notes

Working Memory and Executive Functioning

  • Working memory is an alternative approach to studying executive functions.
  • Executive processes regulate thought and action, closely linked to frontal lobes.
  • Neuropsychological tests (e.g., Wisconsin Card Sort) are often used to assess executive processes.
  • These tests are considered "impure" due to their complexity and examining multiple cognitive functions.
  • Miyake et al. (2000) identified three independent executive processes: updating, shifting, and inhibition.
  • Updating involves constantly monitoring and adjusting working memory contents.
  • Shifting refers to flexibly switching between tasks or mental sets.
  • Inhibition is overriding dominant responses.

Wisconsin Card Sort Task

  • The Wisconsin Card Sort Task (WCST) is a test used to assess executive functions.
  • It involves sorting cards based on shape, color, or number.
  • The task requires individuals to adjust their strategy as rules change.

Miyake & Friedman (2012) - Task Examples

  • Updating: Letter Memory Task (remembering the last 3 letters)
  • Shifting: Color-Shape Task (classify by color or shape)
  • Inhibition: Antisaccade Task (report the opposite direction of an arrow)

Friedman et al. (2011) - Key Findings

  • A common executive function (EF) factor exists; updating, shifting, and inhibition are related.
  • These functions also have independent contributions to cognitive tasks.

Just & Carpenter (1992) - Capacity Theory of Comprehension

  • A valid measure of working memory considers storage and processing demands.
  • Working memory is an active workspace, not just passive storage.
  • Both storage and processing occur concurrently.
  • A common resource, activation, mediates processing and storage.
  • Individual differences (activation) affects performance in tasks requiring both.

Simple Span Tasks

  • Focus on short-term memory, remembering sequences in order.
  • Examples: Digit Span (numbers), Word Span (words).
  • Do not involve significant processing demands.

Complex Span Tasks

  • Involve simultaneous storage and processing.
  • Examples: Reading Span (remembering last words in sentences), Operation Span (solving math and remembering words).

Simple Span vs. Complex Span Tasks - Key Differences

  • Simple Span: Focuses on storage; Complex Span: Involves storage and processing
  • Simple Span: Less demanding; Complex Span: More demanding
  • Complex Span correlates more strongly with higher cognitive abilities.

Daneman & Merikle (1996) - Key Findings

  • Complex span tasks are better predictors of language comprehension than simple span tasks.

Sanchez & Wiley (2006) - Key Findings

  • Complex span tasks are valuable predictors for real-world tasks (learning from complex texts).
  • Working memory capacity is crucial for learning and comprehension in complex texts.
  • Different types of illustrations (non-illustrated, conceptual, seductive) affect performance, particularly in low working memory capacity individuals.

Kane et al. (2007) - Mind Wandering Study

  • Examined how working memory capacity (WMC) relates to mind wandering during everyday activities.
  • Higher WMC individuals were better at maintaining focus during challenging tasks.

Cowan (2010) - Working Memory

  • Working memory is an activated subset of long-term memory (LTM).
  • Information actively used is part of LTM.
  • A limited focus of attention (about 3-4 items) exists within the activated LTM portion.

Ranganath et al. (2003) - Neuroscience Study

  • Study investigated the neural mechanisms of working memory and long-term memory.
  • Overlapping regions in the prefrontal cortex support both WM and LTM tasks.
  • Results challenge the idea that WM and LTM are entirely distinct.

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Description

Explore the concepts of working memory and executive functioning through neuropsychological tests like the Wisconsin Card Sort. Understand the roles of updating, shifting, and inhibition as independent executive processes identified by Miyake et al. Discover how these cognitive abilities are assessed and their importance in regulating thought and action.

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