Working memory is a cognitive system allowing a person to temporarily hold and manipulate information in mind, which enables the person to perform complex tasks like learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. It has been called a “mental scratchpad to hold information briefly while the person works with it, like when following multi-step instructions or remembering a route to someone’s home. Working memory holds information only temporarily, and not storing it for for extended periods of time, like long-term memory. Working memory is not merely passively holding data. Working memory involves actively manipulating it, organizing it, and even applying it when solving problems. Working memory is not only brief, but it is of limited capacity, meaning you can only hold a certain amount of information at a time. It is a like a small espresso cup versus a large coffee mug. Working memory is vital for many cognitive functions like language comprehension, reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Parts of working memory include a “central executive” or controller of where attention and processing are directed; a “phonological loop” to capture auditory information; and a “visuospatial sketchpad” to grab visual or spatial information.
More about working memory
Getting an assessment for working memory issues – New Patient Inquiry Form
