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Cited by 146Cognitive Abilities and TestingMemory Processes and InfluencesNeurobiology of Language and Bilingualism

On the interpretation of working memory span in adults.

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Towse, John N., Hitch, Graham J., Hutton, Una·2000·Memory & Cognition
DOI 10.3758/bf03198549
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Abstract

Experimental research into children's working memory span has shown that retention duration contributes substantially to span performance, while processing efficiency need not be related to concurrent memory load (Towse, Hitch, & Hutton, 1998). These findings have been used to argue for a model of working memory span that emphasizes time-based forgetting rather than the popular resource-sharing or tradeoff framework. The present paper considers whether adults perform working memory span tasks in a qualitatively different way. Data from reading span and operation span tasks show that adults' performance can be distinguished from that of children, but also that a task-switching model of working memory span can explain some important aspects of performance.

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  • Dual tasking may require both WM capacity and IC mechanisms.

    “suggesting that dual tasking may require both WM capacity and IC mechanisms (Towse et al., 2000; Smith et al., 2001; Unsworth, 2010; Chein et al., 2011).”

    From Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults (2016) · cites this paper as Towse et al., 2000

  • Faster speed processing has been proposed to reduce the possibility of items being forgotten, and less time for rehearsing or refreshing processes.

    “Similarly, faster speed processing has been proposed to reduce the possibility of items being forgotten, and less time for rehearsing or refreshing processes (Towse et al., 2000; Hudjetz and Oberauer, 2007; Unsworth et al., 2009).”

    From Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults (2016) · cites this paper as Towse et al., 2000

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. BADDELEY, A. D. ( 1986). Working memory. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Clarendon Press.
  2. DANEMAN, M. (1995). [Review of the book Workingmemory and severe learning difficulties]. American Journal of Psychology, 108,464- 470.

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Authors
Towse, J. N., Hitch, G. J., & Hutton, U.
Affiliations
  • University of London (GB)
  • Lancaster University (GB)
  • Royal Holloway University of London (GB)
Corresponding author
Towse, John N.
ORCID
Venue
Memory & Cognition
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2000-05
Volume
28
Issue
3
Pages
341-348
ISSN
  • 0090-502X (ISSN-L)
  • 1532-5946
DOI
10.3758/bf03198549
OpenAlex
W2129027733
Cited by
146
References
31
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 4
FWCI
8.13
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Memory & Cognition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Lancaster EPrints (Lancaster University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Economic and Social Research Council
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism
Keywords
working memory span, adults, processing efficiency, resource sharing models, reading span, operation span, task switching, children versus adults
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Child, Cognition, Humans, Memory, Middle Aged, Models, Psychological, Problem Solving, Mental Recall

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