What is working memory?
Working memory is the type of memory we use to develop reasoning; to remember things in the very short term. It’s what allows us to develop action plans and make decisions. Let’s say it’s the type of memory we call a processor, or CPU, on a computer. Working memory allows us to manage a large quantity of information in a short amount of time. We can put everything together in order to assess what to do, how we feel, and what’s the next step to take.
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Our Working Memory
The limited amount of load we can take on our working memory, which functions like computer RAM, is called the cognitive load.
Miller's Law states that we need to limit our cognitive loads and hold on to approximately seven number of objects at a given time.
Working memory is a skill
If you practice this skill, you can improve it. To set out how to improve your working memory, it is useful to know how you can measure it.
There is a difference between short-term memory capacity and working memory capacity.
- Short-term capacity
Working Memory
- what you're immediately & consciously processing in your mind
- through its connections to other parts of your brain, you can access long term memories
- holds only about 4 chunks of information (researchers said 7 in the past)
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