The role of working memory in the comprehension of unfamiliar and familiar metaphors

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nira Mashal
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Semantic Processing ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Free Recall Task ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Semantic Errors ◽  
Phonological Errors

AbstractComprehension of unfamiliar metaphors (mercy blanket) is an effortful cognitive process that requires the formation of a novel metaphoric mapping between two disparate domains during which irrelevant properties have to be suppressed. The present study aims to examine the relationship between the comprehension of both unfamiliar and familiar metaphors and working memory. Three experiments were conducted: a comprehension task (Experiment 1), a recognition task (Experiments 2a and 2b), and a free recall task (Experiment 3). In the first experiment comprehension of both unfamiliar and familiar metaphors correlated with digit span backward but not with digit span forward. Results of the second experiment revealed that unfamiliar metaphors induced a higher rate of semantic errors relative to phonological errors, whereas familiar metaphors induced the same number of phonological and semantic errors. The third experiment confirmed that unfamiliar metaphors were harder to recall than were familiar metaphors. These findings show that working memory capacity may be involved in the computation of unfamiliar metaphoric interpretations, and more specifically in the process of suppressing irrelevant information via the central executive. Familiar metaphor recognition may rely on either phonological codes that are maintained in the phonological loop or on semantic processing that involves long term storage.

scholarly journals Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with listening to preferred music on memory in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricky Chow ◽  
Alix Noly-Gandon ◽  
Aline Moussard ◽  
Jennifer D. Ryan ◽  
Claude Alain
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Subsequent Performance ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation

AbstractListening to autobiographically-salient music (i.e., music evoking personal memories from the past), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have each been suggested to temporarily improve older adults’ subsequent performance on memory tasks. Limited research has investigated the effects of combining both tDCS and music listening together on cognition. The present study examined whether anodal tDCS stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (2 mA, 20 min) with concurrent listening to autobiographically-salient music amplified subsequent changes in working memory and recognition memory in older adults than either tDCS or music listening alone. In a randomized sham-controlled crossover study, 14 healthy older adults (64–81 years) participated in three neurostimulation conditions: tDCS with music listening (tDCS + Music), tDCS in silence (tDCS-only), or sham-tDCS with music listening (Sham + Music), each separated by at least a week. Working memory was assessed pre- and post-stimulation using a digit span task, and recognition memory was assessed post-stimulation using an auditory word recognition task (WRT) during which electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Performance on the backwards digit span showed improvement in tDCS + Music, but not in tDCS-only or Sham + Music conditions. Although no differences in behavioural performance were observed in the auditory WRT, changes in neural correlates underlying recognition memory were observed following tDCS + Music compared to Sham + Music. Findings suggest listening to autobiographically-salient music may amplify the effects of tDCS for working memory, and highlight the potential utility of neurostimulation combined with personalized music to improve cognitive performance in the aging population.

scholarly journals A-160 Understanding the Validity of the Digit Span Sequencing Task: A Least Executive Demand Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 954-954
Author(s):  
Romano Morris J ◽  
Lazar M ◽  
Henry J
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Demand Model ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Functioning Inventory ◽  
Attentional Difficulties ◽  
Sequencing Task

Abstract Objective This study aimed to explore the patterns of Longest Digit Span from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), including understanding the newest sequencing condition. While there is a large body of research discriminating the cognitive demands of the forward and backward conditions, there is less literature devoted to the cognitive underpinnings of the sequencing task, and no studies looking at the applicability of this task with children. Patterns observed clinically on these conditions have suggested that the sequencing condition may involve less executive demand than the backwards condition (Least Executive Demand model). Therefore, it was predicted that Longest Digit Span Backwards (LDSB) would predict the most amount of variance in Working Memory scores on the Comprehensive Executive Functioning Inventory (CEFI). Method Hierarchal multiple regression analysis controlling for FSIQ was completed utilizing an archival database (n = 38) of children and adolescences (ages 6–15) referred to a university-based neuropsychological assessment clinic. Results Longest digit span scores were not significant predictors of Working Memory scores on the CEFI [F (4, 27) =1.746, p = .169]. However, digit span capacity was weakly predictive of CEFI Attention scores [F (4, 27) = 2.818, p < .05; R2 = .295]; with sequencing capacity as the only significant predictor (beta = .62, p < .05). Conclusions While there was no evidence that working memory capacity predicts real world working memory skills, there was evidence that digit sequencing capacity is predictive of parent reported attentional difficulties. Poor performance on DSS in children may be due to difficulties concentrating, sustaining attention or with avoiding distractions.

A Comparison of Computation Span and Reading Span Working Memory Measures’ Relations With Problem-Solving Criteria

2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 430-444
Author(s):  
Richard Perlow ◽  
Mia Jattuso
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Working Memory Models

Researchers have operationalized working memory in different ways and although working memory–performance relationships are well documented, there has been relatively less attention devoted to determining whether seemingly similar measures yield comparable relations with performance outcomes. Our objective is to assess whether two working memory measures deploying the same processes but different item content yield different relations with two problem-solving criteria. Participants completed a computation-based working memory measure and a reading-based measure prior to performing a computerized simulation. Results reveal differential relations with one of the two criteria and support the notion that the two working memory measures tap working memory capacity and other cognitive abilities. One implication for theory development is that researchers should consider incorporating other cognitive abilities in their working memory models and that the selection of those abilities should correspond to the criterion of interest. One practical implication is that researchers and practitioners shouldn’t automatically assume that different phonological loop-based working memory scales are interchangeable.

Phonological short-term memory, working memory and foreign language performance in intensive language learning

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUDIT KORMOS ◽  
ANNA SÁFÁR
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Memory Capacity ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Digit Span Test ◽  
Span Test

In our research we addressed the question what the relationship is between phonological short-term and working memory capacity and performance in an end-of-year reading, writing, listening, speaking and use of English test. The participants of our study were 121 secondary school students aged 15–16 in the first intensive language training year of a bilingual education program in Hungary. The participants performed a non-word repetition test and took a Cambridge First Certificate Exam. Fifty students were also tested with a backward digit span test, measuring their working memory capacity. Our study indicates that phonological short-term memory capacity plays a different role in the case of beginners and pre-intermediate students in intensive language learning. The backward digit span test correlated very highly with the overall English language competence, as well as with reading, listening, speaking and use of English (vocabulary and grammar) test scores.

Sex differences in verbal forward digit span: A brief communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-377
Author(s):  
Majid Manoochehri
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Memory Span ◽  
Classical Method ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Score Distribution ◽  
Significant Difference

The overarching role of working memory, its characteristics, and functions in our cognitive system is conspicuous. Nevertheless, sex differences in digit span as an index of the phonological loop - one of the main components of the working memory system - remain puzzling. In spite of numerous attempts, the previous studies yielded inconsistent results. The focus of this article was to study potential sex differences in verbal forward digit span. To this end, a sample of 120 young adults ranging from 16 to 25 years old from Persian population was measured and the memory span scores were analyzed using the classical method of comparing the mean score as well as the relatively new method of comparing the frequency of extreme performances. Similar to some previous studies, no significant difference was observed between males and females’ mean score. However, analyzing the frequency of extreme scores revealed that females were slightly overrepresented in the lower tail of the score distribution. Considering the evidence observed in the present study and other similar works, it is very likely that sex differences in performing memory strategies, but not in the true size of short term memory, are the underlying reasons of the observed differences. The theoretical implications and practical importance of these findings are broadly discussed.

Working Memory in Music: A Theoretical Model

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
William L. Berz
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Musical Memory ◽  
Term Storage

Many psychologists have accepted a dual memory system with separate short-and long-term storage components. More recently, the concept of working memory, where short-term memory is composed of both storage and processing segments, has been considered. Baddeley (1990) proposes a model for working memory that includes a central executive controller along with two slave systems: the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketch pad. The model allows for both storage and manipulation of information. However, this model does not seem to account adequately for musical memory (Clarke, 1993). Through a review of relevant literature, a new model is proposed in which an additional slave system is added to the Baddeley model to account for musical information. Consideration of this kind of cognitive processing is important in understanding the significant demands placed on working memory in such activities as taking music dictation, where there would be a tradeoff between storage and processing functions.

Impairments in working memory associated with spontaneous dieting behaviour

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1063-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
MICHAEL W. GREEN ◽  
PETER J. ROGERS
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Body Shape ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Restrained Eaters ◽  
Tower Of London ◽  
Report Measure

Background. The current study investigated the fundamental nature of the cognitive processing deficit that has been demonstrated to be associated with dieting to lose weight. Previous work has characterized this deficit as being primarily one of a reduction in working-memory capacity. The present study investigated the particular components of the working-memory system affected during dieting.Method. A sample of female subjects was classified as either low/medium restrained eaters (N=34), highly restrained eaters (N=18) or current dieters (N=19), based on their responses to a modified version of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ). Each subject completed tasks that assessed the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad (mental rotation), Phonological Loop (effect of phonological similarity on recall) and the Central Executive (Tower of London Task) components of working memory.Results. Those subjects who reported themselves to be currently dieting displayed poorer recall on the Phonological Loop task and slower planning times on the Tower of London Task. Performance on both these tasks correlated significantly with a self-report measure of body shape concern.Conclusions. These results support the hypothesis that the mediating variable in this deficit is that of preoccupying cognitions concerning food and body shape.

scholarly journals Two Year Progression of Working Memory Impairments In Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Appraisal of Working Memory Profiles And Measurement Sensitivity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meaghan Clough ◽  
Jade Bartholomew ◽  
Owen White ◽  
Joanne Fielding
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Central Executive ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Cognitive Processing Speed

Abstract Working memory (WMem) impairments are a devastating symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that manifest as distinct profiles depending upon the type of impairment. It is unknown what WMem impairment profiles occur in early MS and how best to diagnose and measure their progression.88 participants (63 early relapsing-remitting MS, 25 healthy controls) were reviewed annually for two years (baseline, +1 year, +2 years) and completed five WMem tasks: oculomotor (OM) n-back-visual spatial sketchpad; digit-span forwards-phonological loop; California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT)-episodic buffer; digit-span backwards- central executive; symbol digit modalities test (SDMT)-cognitive processing speed. 65% of RRMS patients exhibited visual-spatial WMem impairments followed by 32% for episodic, 30% phonological loop, 24% central executive, 11% cognitive processing speed. These manifested alone (51%) or in combination (48%), with combined impairments the best marker of general WMem impairment. Significant progression in visual-spatial impairments was found for 24% of RRMS patients, with the OM n­-back maintaining sensitivity to general WMem impairment and progression. No other WMem subcomponent progressed or task maintained sensitivity. The results of this study provides crucial knowledge for the creation of interventions to treat WMem impairment in early RRMS, providing key targets for treatment and endpoints for determining efficacy.

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