Cited by 257Cognitive Abilities and TestingAging and Gerontology ResearchCognitive Functions and Memory

Does the capacity of working memory change with age?

Wingfield, Arthur, Stine, Elizabeth A.L., Lahar, Cindy J., Aberdeen, John S.·1988·Experimental Aging Research

Abstract

Young and elderly adults were compared for recall performance on simple digit and word spans (traditional tests of primary memory), versus a "loaded" auditory word span test designed to emphasize working memory capacity. Although digit spans were identical for the two age groups, there were small but significant age differences in word span, and even larger differences in working memory performance. An analysis of correlations between span measures and verbal ability scores supported the position that working memory loading represents a special problem for the elderly.

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Crossref · 10.1080/03610738808259731

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28 of 28 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • The decline of working memory in aging includes a reduction of working-memory capacity, which reduces the number of information elements that can be processed, undermining comprehension and learning of complex material.

    “First, due to a reduction of the working-memory capacity (Salthouse & Babcock, 1991;Wingfield, Stine, Lahar, & Aberdeen, 1988), less information elements can be processed, which undermines comprehension and learning of complex material.”

    From Cognitive load theory and aging: effects of worked examples on training efficiency (2002) · cites this paper as Wingfield, Stine, Lahar, & Aberdeen, 1988

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Authors
Wingfield, A., Stine, E. A. L., Lahar, C. J., & Aberdeen, J. S.
Affiliations
Brandeis University (US)
Venue
Experimental Aging Research
Published
1988-06
Volume
14
Issue
2
Pages
103-107
ISSN
  • 0361-073X (ISSN-L)
  • 1096-4657
OpenAlex
W2027320759
Cited by
257
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 8
FWCI
10.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Experimental Aging Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Aging (AG 04517)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
working memory, aging, age differences, digit span, verbal ability, older adults, recall performance
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Aging, Female, Humans, Male, Memory, Middle Aged, Mental Recall, Wechsler Scales

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