ERIC Number: EJ778354
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Nov
Pages: 29
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-2909
EISSN: N/A
On the Division of Short-Term and Working Memory: An Examination of Simple and Complex Span and Their Relation to Higher Order Abilities
Unsworth, Nash; Engle, Randall W.
Psychological Bulletin, v133 n6 p1038-1066 Nov 2007
Research has suggested that short-term memory and working memory (as measured by simple and complex span tasks, respectively) are separate constructs that are differentially related to higher order cognitive abilities. This claim is critically evaluated by reviewing research that has compared simple and complex span tasks in both experimental and correlational studies. In addition, a meta-analysis and re-analyses of key data sets were conducted. The review and analyses suggest that simple and complex span tasks largely measure the same basic subcomponent processes (e.g., rehearsal, maintenance, updating, controlled search) but differ in the extent to which these processes operate in a particular task. These differences largely depend on the extent to which phonological processes are maximized and variability from long list lengths is present. Potential methodological, psychometric, and assessment implications are discussed and a theoretical account of the data is proposed.
Descriptors: Phonology, Short Term Memory, Psychometrics, Cognitive Ability, Meta Analysis, Evaluation Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A