The associations between working memory and the effects of multimedia input on L2 vocabulary learning

The efficient use of working memory (WM) increases the potential of a learner’s cognitive abilities in learning through multimedia. The present study aims to explore the role of working memory in vocabulary learning through multimedia input. In particular, we explore the possible associations between two components of WM – executive WM and phonological short-term memory (PSTM) – and the effects of three types of input conditions (Definition + Word information + Video, Definition + Word information, and Definition) on second language (L2) vocabulary learning. A total of 95 students completed learning under the three conditions and took two WM tests: a reading span test, which measures complex executive WM, and a non-word span test, which gauges PSTM. We administered a vocabulary knowledge test, which included receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge, immediately and after two weeks. Our findings, based on repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), support the pronounced effects of the Definition + Word information + Video condition in vocabulary learning and retention, as well as the significant role of complex and phonological WM in vocabulary learning and retention under the three conditions. Theoretical and pedagogical implications concerning the role of WM in vocabulary learning through multimedia input are discussed.

Phonological Short-term Memory’s Contribution to the L2 Reading Proficiency of Japanese EFL Learners

This study investigated whether phonological short-term memory (PSTM) capacity has a significant relationship with the reading proficiency of Japanese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, and the degree to which PSTM capacity contributes to L2 reading proficiency. For this purpose, the PSTM of 208 Japanese university students majoring in education and engineering was measured using an L1-based digit span test and an L1-based pseudoword span test, and reading proficiency was examined with a reading section of a standardized English proficiency test (Visualizing English Language Competency Test). The results of the regression analyses revealed that PSTM had significant positive effects on L2 reading, including its subcomponents. The study demonstrates the positive influence of PSTM on L2 reading proficiency, which previous studies have failed to do and provides insight into our understanding of the effects of PSTM on L2 reading proficiency. 本研究は、日本人英語学習者のリーディング力に、言語適性の一つである音韻的短期記憶力が与えている影響を調査することを目的に実施した。工学と教育学を専攻とする日本人大学生208名を対象に実験を実施した。実験参加者の音韻的短期記憶力は、日本語の数字暗証課題と非単語暗唱課題で、そして英語のリーディング力は語彙、文法、読解のセクションで構成されるVELCテストで測定した。各テストスコアを回帰分析によって検査したところ、音韻的短期記憶力は日本人英語学習者の英語のリーディング力に有意な影響を与えていることが示された。本研究は、先行研究ではまだ十分に調査がなされていない外国語のリーディング力の個人差要因としての音韻的短期記憶力の影響の理解に貢献できるものである。

Examining an Alternative Scoring Procedure for a Clinical Working Memory Measure

The Digit Span test is a widely used working memory measure. However, when using standardized scoring procedures, previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent relationships between Digit Span subtests and working memory measures frequently used in cognitive psychology experiments. Partial scoring involves awarding credit for all digits recalled in the correct serial location, whereas traditional scoring involves only awarding credit for a trial if all digits are recalled in the correct serial location. The current study compared the traditional all-or-nothing scoring method and the partial scoring method on Digit Span with other working memory measures and with measures of general fluid intelligence. The results showed that when differences were found, partial scoring was associated with stronger relationships with Digit Span Backwards but weaker relationships with Digit Span Forward and Sequencing compared with traditional scoring. These results support previous findings identifying differences between the Digit Span subtests and the utility of examining traditional scoring procedures.

Dual task interference in children from 8 to 12 years old (Interferencia de las dobles tareas en niños de 8 a 12 años)

The main aim of this manuscript was to analyze the effect of dual task and their difficulty on the motor and cognitive performance using a postural control and a memory tasks in middle childhood group ages children, establishing the differences between the effect of the tasks in the different age groups. The study sample was composed by one hundred and sixteen children, between 8 and 12 years old. The participants completed three single tasks and two dual-tasks. The postural single task (EO) consisted in maintain the balance in the bipedal stance position and two cognitive single tasks performed were the Backward Digit Span Test with 3-Digits sequences length and the Backward Digit Span Test 5-Digits sequences length. The dual-tasks were the combination of the postural task and the cognitive tasks. Regarding the postural control measurement, CoP signals were acquired with a Wii Balance Board. The analysis performed showed that the younger groups (8-9 years old) had worse punctuations in postural control variables in dual-task conditions than the older age groups (11-12 years old), especially than the 12 years old group. Regarding the effect of dual task in postural control, in all groups between 9 to 12 years old, higher postural control and stability were observed during the execution of the 5D dual-task than during the 3D task. Finally, no differences were found in the number of correct answers in the cognitive task when performing a single or dual-task, in any age group. Resumen. El objetivo principal de este manuscrito fue analizar el efecto de la doble tarea y su dificultad sobre el rendimiento motor y cognitivo mediante una tarea de control postural y otra de memoria en niños, estableciendo las diferencias entre el efecto de las tareas en los distintos grupos de edad. La muestra del estudio estuvo compuesta por ciento dieciséis niños, de entre 8 y 12 años de edad. Los participantes completaron tres tareas simples y dos tareas dobles. La tarea individual postural (EO) consistió en mantener el equilibrio en posición de bipedestación y las dos tareas individuales cognitivas realizadas fueron el Backward Digit Span Test con secuencias de 3 dígitos y el Backward Digit Span Test con secuencias de 5 dígitos. Las dobles tareas fueron la combinación de la tarea postural y las tareas cognitivas. En cuanto a la medición del control postural, las señales del CoP se adquirieron mediante una Wii Balance Board. El análisis realizado mostró que los grupos más jóvenes (8-9 años) obtuvieron peores puntuaciones en las variables de control postural en condiciones de doble tarea que los grupos de mayor edad (11-12 años), especialmente que el grupo de 12 años. En cuanto al efecto de la doble tarea sobre el control postural, en todos los grupos de 9 a 12 años se observó un mayor control postural y estabilidad durante la ejecución de la doble tarea 5D que durante la tarea 3D. Por último, no se encontraron diferencias en el número de respuestas correctas en la tarea cognitiva al realizar una tarea simple o dual, en ningún grupo de edad.

Neurocognitive Constructs Underlying Executive Control in Statistically-Determined Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: The model of executive attention proposes that temporal organization, i.e., the time necessary to bring novel tasks to fruition is an important construct that modulates executive control. Subordinate to temporal organization are the constructs of working memory, preparatory set, and inhibitory control. Objective: The current research operationally-defined the constructs underlying the theory of executive attention using intra-component latencies (i.e., reaction times) from a 5-span backward digit test from patients with suspected mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: An iPad-version of the Backward Digit Span Test (BDT) was administered to memory clinic patients. Patients with (n = 22) and without (n = 36) MCI were classified. Outcome variables included intra-component latencies for all correct 5-span serial order responses. Results: Average total time did not differ. A significant 2-group by 5-serial order latency interaction revealed the existence of distinct time epochs. Non-MCI patients produced slower latencies on initial (position 2-working memory/preparatory set) and latter (position 4-inhibitory control) correct serial order responses. By contrast, patients with MCI produced a slower latency for middle serial order responses (i.e., position 3-preparatory set). No group differences were obtained for incorrect 5-span test trials. Conclusion: The analysis of 5-span BDT serial order latencies found distinct epochs regarding how time was allocated in the context of successful test performance. Intra-component latencies obtained from tests assessing mental re-ordering may constitute useful neurocognitive biomarkers for emergent neurodegenerative illness.

Visuospatial working memory dysfunction from tapping span test as a diagnostic tool for patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy

Posterior cortical atrophy is a rare degenerative condition with prominent visuospatial dysfunction which commonly occurs between ages 50 and 65. A diagnosis of mild posterior cortical atrophy sometimes challenging and can be delayed because there are currently no established neuropsychological examination methods that can easily be used in clinical settings. In this study, we examined whether the tapping span test is a potential diagnostic tool for posterior cortical atrophy and what impairment the tapping span test is indicative of in this condition. Eight patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy were recruited. Age- and severity-matched individuals with amnesic Alzheimer’s disease (n = 9) were also recruited as a control group. The participants were subjected to the tapping span test and several visuospatial working memory tests. The results of the tapping span and visuospatial working memory tests were worse for the posterior cortical atrophy group when compared with the control group. The results from the tapping span tests were strongly correlated with those from the visuospatial working memory tests. The tapping span test is a simple and potentially useful diagnostic tool for patients with mild posterior cortical atrophy, as it reflects visuospatial working memory function.

Processing of Ordinal Information in Math-Anxious Individuals

This study aimed to investigate whether the ordinal judgments of high math-anxious (HMA) and low math-anxious (LMA) individuals differ. Two groups of 20 participants with extreme scores on the Shortened Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (sMARS) had to decide whether a triplet of numbers was presented in ascending order. Triplets could contain one-digit or two-digit numbers and be formed by consecutive numbers (counting condition), numbers with a constant distance of two or three (balanced) or numbers with variable distances between them (neutral). All these triplets were also presented unordered: sequence order in these trials could be broken at the second (D2) or third (D3) number. A reverse distance effect (worse performance for ordered balanced than for counting trials) of equal size was found in both anxiety groups. However, HMA participants made more judgment errors than their LMA peers when they judged one-digit counting ordered triplets. This effect was related to worse performance of HMA individuals on a symmetry span test and might be related to group differences on working memory. Importantly, HMAs were less accurate than LMA participants at rejecting unordered D2 sequences. This result is interpreted in terms of worse cognitive flexibility in HMA individuals.

Effects of masticatory exercise on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND: Mastication improves cognitive function by activating cerebral cortical activity, and it is important to demonstrate the cognitive effects of masticatory training using a variety of different interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of masticatory exercise on cognitive function in healthy older adults living in the community. METHODS: For six weeks, twelve participants performed a masticatory exercise using a NOSICK exerciser device, and thirteen subjects performed daily life without masticatory exercises. Trail Making Test, Digit Span Test, and Stroop test were used to measure the cognitive function. RESULTS: The participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in TMT-A/B (p= 0.001 and 0.004), DST-forward (p= 0.001), and ST-word (p= 0.001). The effect sizes after the intervention were calculated as (1.2 and 0.8) for TMT-A/B, (0.8 and 0.2) for Digit Span Test forward/backward, and (0.6 and 0.2) for Stroop test color/word. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the masticatory exercises improve cognitive function in healthy older adults. Therefore, masticatory exercises can be used as a therapeutic exercise during cognitive rehabilitation.

Tapping Span Test as a Simple Diagnostic Tool for Patients With Initial-stage Posterior Cortical Atrophy: Short Tapping Span Length Indicates Visuospatial Working Memory Dysfunction

Posterior cortical atrophy is a rare degenerative condition with prominent visuospatial dysfunction which commonly occurs between ages 50 and 65. A diagnosis of posterior cortical atrophy during its initial stage is sometimes challenging and can be delayed because there are currently no established neuropsychological examination methods that can easily be used in clinical settings. In this study, we examined whether the tapping span test is a potential diagnostic tool for posterior cortical atrophy and what impairment the tapping span test is indicative of in this condition. Eight patients with initial-stage posterior cortical atrophy were recruited. Age- and severity-matched individuals with amnesic Alzheimer’s disease (n = 9) were also recruited as a control group. The participants were subjected to the tapping span test and several visuospatial working memory tests. The results of the tapping span and visuospatial working memory tests were worse for the posterior cortical atrophy group when compared with the control group. The results from the tapping span tests were strongly correlated with those from the visuospatial working memory tests. The tapping span test is a simple and potentially useful diagnostic tool for patients with initial-stage posterior cortical atrophy, as it reflects visuospatial working memory function.

Assessing the capacity for mental manipulation in patients with statically-determined mild cognitive impairment using digital technology

Aims: Prior research employing a standard backward digit span test has been successful in operationally defining neurocognitive constructs associated with the Fuster’s model of executive attention. The current research sought to test if similar behavior could be obtained using a cross-modal mental manipulation test. Methods: Memory clinic patients were studied. Using Jak-Bondi criteria, 24 patients were classified with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 33 memory clinic patients did not meet criteria for MCI (i.e. non-MCI). All patients were assessed with the digital version of the WRAML-2 Symbolic Working Memory Test-Part 1, a cross-modal mental manipulation task where patients hear digits, but respond by touching digits from lowest to highest on an answer key. Only 4 and 5-span trials were analyzed. Using an iPad, all test stimuli were played; and, all responses were obtained with a touch key. Only correct trials were analyzed. Average time to complete trials and latency for each digit was recorded. Results: Groups did not differ when average time to complete 4-span trials was calculated. MCI patients displayed slower latency, or required more time to re-order the 1st and 3rd digits. Regression analyses, primarily involving initial and latter response latencies, were associated with better, but different underlying neuropsychological abilities. Almost no 5-span analyses were significant. Conclusions: This cross-modal test paradigm found no difference for total average time. MCI patients generated slower 1st and 3rd response latency, suggesting differences in time allocation to achieve correct serial order recall. Moreover, different neuropsychological abilities were associated with different time-based test components. These data extend prior findings using a standard backward digit span test. Differences in time epochs are consistent with constructs underlying the model of executive attention and help explain mental manipulation deficits in MCI. These latency measures could constitute neurocognitive biomarkers that track emergent disease.