WORKING MEMORY Meaning and
Definition
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Working memory is a cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information during the execution of various mental tasks. It refers to the limited capacity of the human brain to actively process and store information for short periods of time, usually ranging from a few seconds to a minute. This component of cognitive function plays a crucial role in everyday activities and is involved in problem-solving, decision-making, comprehension, and learning.
Working memory involves three main processes: encoding, manipulation, and retrieval. Firstly, it encodes information from the external environment or internal thoughts, allowing it to be temporarily stored and accessed. Secondly, it involves the active manipulation and updating of this information, allowing individuals to mentally work with it, manipulate it, and draw connections. This manipulation can involve mental arithmetic, mental visualization, or any other cognitive task requiring active processing. Finally, working memory allows for the retrieval of stored information, enabling individuals to access it as needed.
The capacity of working memory is limited, typically allowing individuals to hold an average of seven plus or minus two pieces of information in mind at one time. Factors such as attention, organization, and strategies can influence its capacity. Working memory is closely related to other cognitive processes, such as attention, executive functions, and long-term memory, and deficits in working memory can impact various aspects of cognitive functioning and academic performance.
Common Misspellings for WORKING MEMORY
- qorking memory
- aorking memory
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- eorking memory
- 3orking memory
- 2orking memory
- wirking memory
- wkrking memory
- wlrking memory
- wprking memory
- w0rking memory
- w9rking memory
- woeking memory
- wodking memory
- wofking memory
- wotking memory
- wo5king memory
- wo4king memory
- worjing memory
Etymology of WORKING MEMORY
The word "working memory" has its etymology rooted in the combination of the words "working" and "memory".
1. "Working" originates from the Old English word "weorcian", which means "to perform or do work". It is related to the German word "werken" and the Dutch word "werken", both of which have similar meanings.
2. "Memory" comes from the Latin word "memoria", which refers to the faculty of the mind that retains information and experiences.
When combined, "working memory" refers to the cognitive system responsible for the temporary storage and manipulation of information needed for various mental tasks, such as problem-solving or reasoning. The term "working memory" was first introduced in the 1970s by British psychologist Alan Baddeley.
Similar spelling words for WORKING MEMORY
- working day,
- working class,
- working group,
- working person,
- working girl,
- working rule,
- working papers,
- working dog,
- working man,
- working party,
- working out,
- working agreement.
