Working memory

Working memory is the new term for what was once called short term memory. Neurologists have been able to isolate where working memory happens in the brain but trying to figure out how we use working memory is not so easy.

Some of the early research that was done on working memory recognized that there is limited information that can be held in working memory. George Miller’s research in the mid 50’s came to the conclusion that the working memory can hold 7 plus or minus 2 chunks of memory at a time. This exact number is debated but it is generally agreed to be correct.  There is also research that suggests that working memory can be improved and that there is a correlation between improved working memory and IQ.

Working memory is needed to learn new ideas and tasks.  Children who have low working memory skills have trouble with math and literacy. New research is beginning to find a correlation between working memory and ADD and ADHD.  With the ever increasing number of children being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD more research is needed to see if the problems with these learning disorders can be helped by strengthening the working memory.

http://www.aboutworkingmemory.com/      Web page that explains working memory

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080423171519.htm   Article that explains new research about working memory

http://www.york.ac.uk/res/wml/FAQ.htm   York universities work on working memory

http://www.brainconnection.com/teasers/  Games to help improve your working memory