Working Memory

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Human Lifespan ◽  
Volume State ◽  
Human Ability ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
Contradictory Evidence

Working memory refers to how we keep track of what we are doing moment to moment throughout our waking lives. It allows us to remember what we have just done, focus on what we are doing now, to solve problems, be creative, think about what we will be doing in the next few seconds, and continually to update in our mind changes around us throughout the day. This book brings together in one volume, state-of-the-science chapters written by some of the most productive and well-known working memory researchers worldwide. Chapters cover leading-edge research on working memory, using behavioural experimental techniques, neuroimaging, computational modelling, development across the healthy human lifespan, and studies of neurodegenerative disease and focal brain damage. A unique feature of the book is that each chapter starts with answers to a set of common questions for all authors. This allows readers very rapidly to compare key differences in theoretical assumptions and approaches to working memory across chapters, and to understand the theoretical context before going on to read each chapter in detail. All authors also have been asked to consider evidence that is not consistent with their theoretical assumptions. It is very common for authors to ignore contradictory evidence. This approach has led to new interpretations and new hypotheses for future research to greatly enhance our understanding of this crucial human ability.

The State of the Science of Working Memory

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Robert H. Logie ◽  
Valérie Camos ◽  
Nelson Cowan
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
The Other ◽  
Levels Of Explanation ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Theoretical Assumptions ◽  
State Of The Science ◽  
Different Levels

The last five decades have seen a dramatic expansion of empirical and theoretical diversity in research on the concept of working memory. That diversity is reflected across the other 13 chapters in this book, written by prominent international scientists at the leading edge of that research. Authors were asked to respond to set of common questions regarding their research methods, theoretical assumptions, and how they address evidence that is not consistent with those assumptions. Each chapter starts with a summary of those responses. Chapters 2–6 describe contrasting theoretical perspectives and the evidence associated with each, including empirical, behavioural studies and computational modelling. Chapters 7–9 cover individual differences in working memory, including effects of brain damage and of expertise. Chapters 10–13 explore neural correlates and neurobiological models. Finally, Chapter 14 offers a possible means to integrate the seemingly diverse views in the other chapters by considering different levels of explanation and different participant strategies for performing working memory tasks.

Dissociating the Impact of Auditory Access and Language Access in Deaf Children’s Cognitive Development

2020 ◽  
pp. 98-122
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Implicit Learning ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Language Access ◽  
The Impact

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children have been claimed to lag behind their hearing peers in various domains of cognitive development, especially in implicit learning, executive function, and working memory. Two major accounts of these deficits have been proposed: one based on a lack of auditory access, and one based on a lack of language access. This chapter reviews these theories in relation to the available evidence and concludes that there is little evidence of direct effects of diminished auditory access on cognitive development that could not also be explained by diminished language access. Specifically, reports of deficits in implicit learning are not broadly replicable. Some differences in executive function do stem from deafness itself but are not necessarily deficits. Where clinically relevant deficits in executive function are observed, they are inconsistent with the predictions of accounts based on auditory access, but consistent with accounts based on language access. Deaf–hearing differences on verbal working memory tasks may indicate problems with perception and/or language, rather than with working memory. Deaf–hearing differences on nonverbal tasks are more consistent with accounts based on language access, but much more study is needed in this area. The chapter concludes by considering the implications of these findings for psychological theory and for clinical/educational practice and by identifying high-priority targets for future research.

scholarly journals Spontaneous Eye Blinks Predict Executive Functioning in Seniors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessika I. V. Buitenweg ◽  
Jaap M. J. Murre ◽  
K. Richard Ridderinkhof
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Blink Rate ◽  
Memory Updating ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Working Memory Updating

AbstractAs the world’s population is aging rapidly, cognitive training is an extensively used approach to attempt improvement of age-related cognitive functioning. With increasing numbers of older adults required to remain in the workforce, it is important to be able to reliably predict future functional decline, as well as the individual advantages of cognitive training. Given the correlation between age-related decline and striatal dopaminergic function, we investigated whether eye blink rate (EBR), a non-invasive, indirect indicator of dopaminergic activity, could predict executive functioning (response inhibition, switching and working memory updating) as well as trainability of executive functioning in older adults. EBR was collected before and after a cognitive flexibility training, cognitive training without flexibility, or a mock training. EBR predicted working memory updating performance on two measures of updating, as well as trainability of working memory updating, whereas performance and trainability in inhibition and switching tasks could not be predicted by EBR. Our findings tentatively indicate that EBR permits prediction of working memory performance in older adults. To fully interpret the relationship with executive functioning, we suggest future research should assess both EBR and dopamine receptor availability among seniors.

scholarly journals Intersectionality and Cognitive Impairment Risk in Older Persons With HIV: Age, Ethnicity, and LGBT Status

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 724-724
Author(s):  
Monica Rivera Mindt ◽  
Micah Savin ◽  
Angela Summers ◽  
Jordan Stiver ◽  
Alex Slaughter
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Neurocognitive Impairment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Regressions ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract The Latinx population is disproportionately affected by HIV-infection and older Latinx persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at greater risk for neurocognitive impairment (NCI). However, no studies have examined whether intersectionality (including Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender [LGBT] status) increases NCI risk. This study investigated whether LGBT status increases NCI risk in 126 PLWH (Ages 19-73 years; 74% Male; 66% Latinx, 34% NHW) who completed a comprehensive NC battery. Domain average T-scores were based on demographically-corrected norms. Multiple regressions revealed that after accounting for covariates (cocaine use, premorbid IQ) and other dimensions of intersectionality (age, ethnicity), LGBT status significantly contributed to NCI risk in attention/working memory (B=-4.50, p=.01) and executive functioning (trend-level; B=-3.67, p=.06). LGBT status, a key dimension of intersectionality, should be considered in NC assessment of PLWH. Future research is needed to identify factors (e.g., discrimination) that may confer increased NCI risk in this population.

Older age as a time to contribute: a scoping review of generativity in later life

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Feliciano Villar ◽  
Rodrigo Serrat ◽  
Michael W. Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Methodological Approaches

Abstract Research on later-life generativity has promoted a new view of older persons that, far from the traditional images of disability, dependence and frailty, recognises their capacities, and potential to continue growing, while underlining their participation and contributions to families, communities and society. The goal of this study was to carry out a scoping review on later-life generativity, the first one conducted on this topic as far as we know, to show how studies in this area have evolved, which aspects of generativity in later life have been studied, and the methodological and epistemological approaches that are dominant in this area of inquiry. Our scoping review shows that research into generativity in later life has grown steadily over the past 30 years, and particularly during the last decade. However, our results also show how such growing interest has focused on certain methodological approaches, epistemological frameworks and cultural contexts. We identify four critical gaps and leading-edge research questions that should be at the forefront of future research into generativity in later life, gaps that reflect biases in the existing literature identified in the study. These are classified as methodological, developmental, contextual and ‘dark-side’ gaps.

scholarly journals Broad cognitive complaints but subtle objective working memory impairment in fibromyalgia patients

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Pidal-Miranda ◽  
Alberto Jacobo González-Villar ◽  
María Teresa Carrillo-de-la-Peña ◽  
Elena Andrade ◽  
Dolores Rodríguez-Salgado
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Cognitive Complaints ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties ◽  
Memory Functioning

BackgroundCognitive dysfunction in fibromyalgia (FM) encompasses objective cognitive difficulties, as measured in neuropsychological tests, and self-reported cognitive complaints. Although it has been suggested that FM patients display problems in working memory, the data are inconsistent, and the overall working memory status of the patients is unclear. It is also not clear whether the working memory problems are related to cognitive complaints or how the dyscognition is affected by the characteristic clinical symptoms of FM.MethodsTo clarify these aspects, we explored the neuropsychological performance for different components of working memory and the subjective self-perception of cognitive status in a sample of 38 women with FM. They were compared with a matched group of 32 healthy women.ResultsOur findings suggested that the FM patients do not differ from healthy controls in their overall working memory functioning. Only a poor performance was found in a single task of visuospatial working memory, mediated by the presence of depressive symptoms, fatigue and pain. The FM patients also displayed a higher level of perception of cognitive difficulties than healthy controls, and this difference was mediated by depression and fatigue. Furthermore, cognitive complaints in FM patients were only associated with a lower verbal WM capacity.DiscussionFM patients have a subtle specific impairment in their working memory functioning, as well as elevated concern about their cognitive status. These findings suggest a disconnection between neuropsychological performance and subjective complaints. In FM patients, clinical variables such as pain, fatigue, and depression play an important role in dyscognition, as assessed by both objective and subjective measures, and should be taken into account in future research.

scholarly journals Cognitive Changes in Conjunctive Rule-Based Category Learning: An ERP Approach

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahel Rabi ◽  
Marc F Joanisse ◽  
Tianshu Zhu ◽  
John Paul Minda
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Category Learning ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Learning Rule ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
Rule Based ◽  
Differential Processing ◽  
Conjunctive Rule ◽  
Related Potentials

PreprintWhen learning rule-based categories, sufficient cognitive resources are needed to test hypotheses, maintain the currently active rule in working memory, update rules after feedback, and to select a new rule if necessary. Prior research has demonstrated that conjunctive rules are more complex than unidimensional rules and place greater demands on executive functions like working memory. In our study, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants performed a conjunctive rule-based category learning task with trial-by-trial feedback. In line with prior research, correct categorization responses resulted in a larger stimulus-locked late positive complex compared to incorrect responses, possibly indexing the updating of rule information in memory. Incorrect trials elicited a pronounced feedback-locked P300 elicited which suggested a disconnect between perception, and the rule-based strategy. We also examined the differential processing of stimuli that were able to be correctly classified by the suboptimal single-dimensional rule (“easy” stimuli) versus those that could only be correctly classified by the optimal, conjunctive rule (“difficult” stimuli). Among strong learners, a larger, late positive slow wave emerged for difficult compared to easy stimuli, suggesting differential processing of category items even though strong learners performed well on the conjunctive category set. Overall, the findings suggest that ERP combined with computational modelling can be used to better understand the cognitive processes involved in rule-based category learning

scholarly journals Working Memory and Executive Function Decline across Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer’s Disease

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Mariya Kirova ◽  
Rebecca B. Bays ◽  
Sarita Lagalwar
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Normal Aging ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neurological Differences

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease marked by deficits in episodic memory, working memory (WM), and executive function. Examples of executive dysfunction in AD include poor selective and divided attention, failed inhibition of interfering stimuli, and poor manipulation skills. Although episodic deficits during disease progression have been widely studied and are the benchmark of a probable AD diagnosis, more recent research has investigated WM and executive function decline during mild cognitive impairment (MCI), also referred to as the preclinical stage of AD. MCI is a critical period during which cognitive restructuring and neuroplasticity such as compensation still occur; therefore, cognitive therapies could have a beneficial effect on decreasing the likelihood of AD progression during MCI. Monitoring performance on working memory and executive function tasks to track cognitive function may signal progression from normal cognition to MCI to AD. The present review tracks WM decline through normal aging, MCI, and AD to highlight the behavioral and neurological differences that distinguish these three stages in an effort to guide future research on MCI diagnosis, cognitive therapy, and AD prevention.

Moving Toward Accurate Assessment of Working Memory in Adults With Neurogenically Based Communication Disorders

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Bijoyaa Mohapatra ◽  
Jacqueline Laures-Gore
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Test Construction ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Modality Effects ◽  
Memory Assessment ◽  
Response Modality ◽  
And Task

Purpose This article presents a viewpoint highlighting concerns regarding currently available assessments of working memory in adults with neurogenic communication disorders. Additionally, we provide recommendations for improving working memory assessment in this population. Method This viewpoint includes a critique of clinical and experimental working memory tests relevant to speech-language pathologists. We consider the terminology used to describe memory, as well as discuss language demands and test construction. Results Clinical and experimental testing of working memory in adults with neurogenic communication disorders is challenged due to theoretical, methodological, and practical limitations. The major limitations are characterized as linguistic and task demands, presentation and response modality effects, test administration, and scoring parameters. Taking these limitations into consideration, several modifications to working memory testing and their relevance to neurogenic populations are discussed. Conclusions The recommendations provided in this article can better guide clinicians and researchers to advocate for improved tests of working memory in adults with neurogenic communication disorders. Future research should continue to address these concerns and consider our recommendations.

scholarly journals Renewable energy–assisted hybrid three-wheeler: A numerical investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 168781401881437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Arman Arefin ◽  
Avijit Mallik ◽  
Md Asfaquzzaman
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Power Demand ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Drive Power ◽  
Drive Cycle ◽  
Theoretical Results

This research is to investigate the various parameters and conditions of implementing solar and wind energy in engine-driven three-wheelers. No reliable study of using both these energies in three-wheelers is found in the literature so far. In this article, a numerical study is conducted for using both these energies in a plugged-in hybrid three-wheeler. From the analysis, it is found that both the renewable energies will provide approximately 54% of total energy to run the vehicle altogether. A novel computational fluid dynamics simulation for a wind turbine is conducted to verify the theoretical results. Here the wind turbine blade has simple aerofoil look with sinusoidal leading edge and dimpled surface. The vehicle will not only reduce the pressure on fuel and national grid electricity; but, also will reduce the emission by a large amount. A custom drive cycle along with drive power demand is obtained using vehicle properties and city road conditions and comparing with Asian urban drive cycle. A detailed feasibility analysis of the vehicle is analyzed considering various costs, weight, and emissions, and a future researching infrastructure is also proposed. Finally, some recommendations are provided which can be considered for future research interests.

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