🧠 Basics

What is working memory?

Working memory is the cognitive system that temporarily holds and actively manipulates information needed for ongoing tasks. It is where thinking happens — the mental workspace for arithmetic, reading comprehension, following multi-step instructions, and reasoning.

Unlike a hard drive that passively stores data, working memory is an active processor. It's the difference between knowing the ingredients in a recipe (long-term memory) and holding each step in mind while you cook (working memory). The standard model, developed by Alan Baddeley and Graham Hitch in 1974, describes four components:

Central Executive
Coordinates attention and manages the other systems. Linked to the prefrontal cortex.
Phonological Loop
Temporarily stores verbal/sound information through subvocal rehearsal. Primary system in digit span tests.
Visuospatial Sketchpad
Handles visual and spatial information — mental maps, face recognition, geometric patterns.
Episodic Buffer
Integrates information across systems and connects working memory to long-term memory.

The Number Memory test primarily loads the phonological loop. The Sequence Memory test loads the visuospatial sketchpad. Both together give a comprehensive view of working memory capacity.

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