The Functions of a Working Memory, Article Review Example

The working memory is the defined as the system by which the mind holds viable information that provides the commission to release both verbal and non verbal tasks. These tasks primarily involve the correlative condition of reasoning and comprehension which the brain is expected to perform in line with the course of defining language acquisition and integration activities. In relation to this, Randall Engle’s article on Working Memory Capacity as Executive Attention, he refers to the working memory as a primary factor that capacitates the mind to concentrate so as to make decisions in line with situations that an individual deals with within a specific span of time. Here he makes a distinctive indication on how the capacity of the capacity of the working memory is implied in relation to its differentiating function compared to the short-term memory, its importance as an component of general fluid intelligence and as a domain free limitation that has the ability to control attention. Comparing all the three primary relations that the working memory has in consideration with how the brain functions, Engle makes it a point to show how individuals differ from each other in relation to this particular function. He provides a distinction on the fact that the mind’s ability to function cognitively indicates the performance level of concentration that an individual could impose on a particular matter relating to his tasks which would later on result to indicative course of developed performance. Wide-range functions done within a specific span of time all at once, or most often noted as multi-tasking is noted by Engle as another primary role that the working memory takes into consideration.

In relation to the same subject on working memory and the process by which the brain functions in accordance with it, Alan Baddeley tries to examine the different research materials relating to the matter in his article entitled Working Memory: Looking Back and Looking Forward. Baddeley tries to collectively indicate the facts that the researches he has examined into a specific conclusion. He notes that the working memory and its capacity to store knowledge and information enhance WM function especially when times of immediate decisions are being asked for. Separate from the short term memory function of the brain, the working memory [as termed to be “working”] specifically functions fully generating past information from past experiences and learning in correlation to how these points of understanding relate to the current situations that the individuals are facing. Considerably, Baddeley indicates the capacity of the brain to “sort” information. This aspect of accessing information at the right time and at the right instance is a proof that defines the capacity of the mind to decode and sort data according to the need. To prove this possibility, several participants grouped into different sets according to the job that they do have been tested as to how they respond to a particular set of tasks compared to another group belonging to another nature of job positions.

Relatively, those who were given tasks relative to their functional regular works performed properly while the other groups belonging to other concentrated jobs performed at an average. This approach to proving the hypothesis of the study that has been considered specifically indicates that working memory does perform in line with the capacity of one to store knowledge and use it regularly in a specifically relative function that is handled in a constant manner.

Gaining understanding from these articles regarding the function of the working memory, it could be realized that the brain does function in accordance to the comprehension it could create based from past knowledge and/or information. The practical description that Engel and Baddeley presented regarding the matter provides a considerable distinction on how the working memory functions apart from the utilization of the brain relating to short term memory. The articles overall, provide a constructive definition on how the working memory tries to improve how one functions in relation to the responsibilities that he is supposed to finish within a specific time with a required quality defined by the distinctive decisions he has to make.

References:

Baddeley, A. (2003). Working Memory: looking Back and Looking Forward. Department of Psychology. University of New York.

Engle, R. (2002). Working Memory Capacity as Executive Attention. Current Directions in Psychological Science. American Psychological Society. School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.