Working Memory

The concept of “working memory” is not new and researchers have been looking at its’ role in learning and daily life for some time. Memory is a complex process and there are many factors that affect how well we learn.
It is important to distinguish between short term memory, long term memory and working memory.

Short term memory refers to processes such as storing a phone number for a brief period of time or remembering three grocery items for an hour. There is no ‘processing’ of the information and it will not go into permanent storage or long term memory.

Long term memory refers to information we either consciously store (e.g., family member’s birthdates) or unconsciously store and can recall at will (e.g., vacation memories).

Working memory is the ability to keep information “on-line” in your mind for brief periods of time. It is central to concentration, problem solving and impulse control.
In addition, when working memory is impaired, the impact on daily life can be quite debilitating. Working memory problems are present in a range of medical conditions including many who have been diagnosed with ADHD, victims of stroke and traumatic brain injury and cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy. Understanding the way that working memory functions and how it is made stronger of weaker is crucial for effectively improving the daily functioning for these populations.

This requires high levels of attention and efficient accessing of multiple processes many authors use the metaphor of an orchestra. The individual musicians all know their parts but it takes a conductor to organize all the components to produce the song.

To extend this metaphor, regardless of one’s native abilities (i.e., intelligence) and knowledge (i.e., stored facts) without these capacities are only useful if one is able to rapidly access information and correctly apply it to specific situations. Current research is proving that working memory is a key factor in this process. An individual with strong working memory a capacity are less distracted by irrelevant information and better able to apply themselves when problem-solving and faces challenges