Working memory and number processing

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Previtali ◽  
V. Ginsburg ◽  
A. Vermeiren ◽  
J. Van Dijck ◽  
W. Gevers
Author(s):  
Marie-Pascale Noël

This section of this volume deals with the study of numerical impairment occurring either after brain damage (i.e., acquired acalculia) or during development without any known brain damage (i.e., dyscalculia). The chapters in this section will report the research aiming at characterizing those difficulties. The study of atypical number processing and calculation in acalculia has contributed importantly to the understanding of how our brain is structured to process number and to calculate. The study of dyscalculia has shed light on the numerical bases for arithmetic learning. This research has also helped us in determining how other cognitive functions such as working memory, visuospatial processing, or phonological awareness have an impact on numerical cognition. These relations between different cognitive domains could partly explain the co-morbidities that are often observed in developmental disorders. Finally, this section also reviews the few attempts that have been made to enhance those numerical capacities.


Author(s):  
Chantal Roggeman ◽  
Wim Fias ◽  
Tom Verguts

We discuss recent computational network models of elementary number processing. One key issue to emerge from this work is a crucial distinction between symbolic and non-symbolic number representation, and the related distinction between number-selective and number-sensitive coding. Empirical predictions from the models were tested, and are here summarized. Another issue is the relation with task-based decision making mechanisms. In both lab and real-life settings, representations are seldomly accessed in a task-neutral manner, rather subjects are usually presented with a task. A related theme is the functional association between number representations and working memory. In these issues also, both modeling and neuroimaging work is summarized. To conclude, we propose that the combined modeling-neuroimaging approach should be extended to tackle more complex questions about number processing (e.g. fractions, development, dyscalculia).


Memory ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 941-955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Macizo ◽  
Amparo Herrera

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 899-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugène Mayer ◽  
Michael Reicherts ◽  
Gérard Deloche ◽  
Lucia Willadino-Braga ◽  
Irène Taussik ◽  
...  

AbstractCalculation and number-processing abilities were studied in 49 patients with chronic single vascular brain lesions by means of a standardized multitask assessment battery (EC301), as well as through other tasks, testing functions thought to be implicated in calculation such as language, visuo-perceptive abilities, verbal and spatial working memory, planning, and attention. The results show that (1) lesions involving parietal areas—particularly left parietal lesions—are prone to alter calculation processing. A more detailed analysis showed that patients with lesions involving left parietal areas were impaired in both digital (i.e., comprehension and production of numbers written in Arabic code) and oral (i.e., comprehension and production of numbers heard or expressed orally) processing while lesions involving right parietal areas lead to an impairment in digital processing only. However, linguistically related alphanumerical processing (i.e., comprehension and production of numbers written orthographically) was not influenced by parietal lesions. (2) Semantic representations (knowledge of the magnitude related to a given number) as well as rote arithmetical knowledge are also impaired following damage to parietal and particularly left parietal lesions, suggesting that these areas are also implicated in magnitude comparisons and in the retrieval of arithmetical facts. (3) Performance in calculation is highly correlated with language. (4) Moreover, we found a highly significant correlation between performances in oral calculation and verbal working memory, and between written-digit calculation and visuospatial working memory. Performances in regard to visuo-perceptive abilities, planning, and attention were less consistently correlated with calculation. These results stress the close correlation, but relative independence between calculation and language, as well as a dissociated sensitivity of oral and digital processing to brain lesions. (JINS, 2003, 9, 899–912.)


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary C. Potter

AbstractRapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) of words or pictured scenes provides evidence for a large-capacity conceptual short-term memory (CSTM) that momentarily provides rich associated material from long-term memory, permitting rapid chunking (Potter 1993; 2009; 2012). In perception of scenes as well as language comprehension, we make use of knowledge that briefly exceeds the supposed limits of working memory.


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon Lotem ◽  
Oren Kolodny ◽  
Joseph Y. Halpern ◽  
Luca Onnis ◽  
Shimon Edelman

AbstractAs a highly consequential biological trait, a memory “bottleneck” cannot escape selection pressures. It must therefore co-evolve with other cognitive mechanisms rather than act as an independent constraint. Recent theory and an implemented model of language acquisition suggest that a limit on working memory may evolve to help learning. Furthermore, it need not hamper the use of language for communication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 3036-3050
Author(s):  
Elma Blom ◽  
Tessel Boerma

Purpose Many children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have weaknesses in executive functioning (EF), specifically in tasks testing interference control and working memory. It is unknown how EF develops in children with DLD, if EF abilities are related to DLD severity and persistence, and if EF weaknesses expand to selective attention. This study aimed to address these gaps. Method Data from 78 children with DLD and 39 typically developing (TD) children were collected at three times with 1-year intervals. At Time 1, the children were 5 or 6 years old. Flanker, Dot Matrix, and Sky Search tasks tested interference control, visuospatial working memory, and selective attention, respectively. DLD severity was based on children's language ability. DLD persistence was based on stability of the DLD diagnosis. Results Performance on all tasks improved in both groups. TD children outperformed children with DLD on interference control. No differences were found for visuospatial working memory and selective attention. An interference control gap between the DLD and TD groups emerged between Time 1 and Time 2. Severity and persistence of DLD were related to interference control and working memory; the impact on working memory was stronger. Selective attention was unrelated to DLD severity and persistence. Conclusions Age and DLD severity and persistence determine whether or not children with DLD show EF weaknesses. Interference control is most clearly impaired in children with DLD who are 6 years and older. Visuospatial working memory is impaired in children with severe and persistent DLD. Selective attention is spared.


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