What is working memory?
Quick Answer
Working memory is the mental system that temporarily holds and manipulates information for tasks like reasoning, reading, and problem-solving. It is limited in capacity and duration.
The Full Story
Working memory allows you to keep information in mind while using it, such as remembering a phone number long enough to dial it or following multi-step directions. Psychologist Alan Baddeley helped shape the modern model of working memory in the 1970s, describing components such as the phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad. The prefrontal cortex and parietal regions play major roles in supporting it. Working memory is central to many cognitive tasks and is strongly related to attention.
Key Facts
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