Abstract:

Investigated the distinctiveness of working memory functions and their components against the background of a multi-facet model. 133 university students (mean age 26 years) performed a series of specially constructed working memory tasks. Each task represented an operationalization of specific cells of the proposed taxonomy of working memory functional and content-related facets. Dependent variables included recall performance and reaction time. Structural equation modeling yielded 3 distinct working memory functions: (1) simultaneous storage of information in the context of processing, (2) supervision, and (3) coordination of elements into structures. Further analyses allowed for a more detailed subdivision of each function into specific components. Only a minimal portion of the variance associated with working memory functions is specific to the verbal or the spatial domain. Overall, the findings demonstrate that working memory is best characterized as a highly interrelated collection of cognitive functions.