Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information: "Working memory" refers to the brain's capacity to maintain a limited amount of information in an active, readily available state for a short period while it is being used in cognitive tasks like reasoning, comprehension, and learning.

Usage

• "Working memory" is a specific term used primarily in psychology, neuroscience, and education. It describes a core executive function. It is often contrasted with short-term memory (more passive storage) and long-term memory (permanent storage).

Examples

• Noun:
  • Solving this complex math problem requires good working memory to hold the intermediate steps.
  • The researcher studied how aging affects the capacity of the working memory.
  • Children with attention deficits often struggle with tasks that load the working memory.

Advanced Usage

• "to load/place a demand on working memory": to require the use of working memory resources.
  • Multitasking places a heavy load on your working memory.
• "working memory capacity": the limited amount of information one can hold in working memory at once.
  • Individual differences in working memory capacity can predict academic performance.
• "working memory model": a theoretical framework describing the structure and function of working memory (e.g., Baddeley's model).
  • The central executive is a key component of the multicomponent working memory model.

Variants and Related Words

• Working-memory (used attributively as a compound adjective): Describing tasks or processes related to this system.
  • The experiment included a working-memory task.
• Short-term memory (n): Closely related but often implies simpler, passive storage without manipulation.
• Executive function (n): A broader category of cognitive processes that includes working memory.

Synonyms

• Mental workspace: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its function as an area for mental manipulation.
• Operative memory: A less common synonym with similar meaning.

Related Phrases

• "Hold in working memory": To actively maintain information for immediate use.
  • Try to hold these three numbers in your working memory while I give you the next instruction.
• "Exceed working memory limits": To present more information than the system can handle.
  • The complicated instructions exceeded the team's working memory limits, causing confusion.

Noun

1. memory for intermediate results that must be held during thinking