In this article, we will explore what working memory is, how it works, and how it can be assessed.

1. Working Memory: What It Is and How to Assess it?
Have you ever forgotten a name or a phone number just seconds after hearing
it? Or struggled to remember a list of items for a shopping trip? Losing track of
certain memories can be frustrating; however, they are a part and parcel of
everyday life. Wondering why this happens? Well, these are the result of
limitations in our working memory.
Working memory is the cognitive system that briefly allows us to temporarily
store and manipulate information. It plays a critical role in performing different
mental tasks, including learning, problem-solving, decision-making, and
language comprehension. In this article, we will explore what working memory
is, how it works, and how it can be assessed with a working memory test.
What is Working Memory?
Working memory falls under the umbrella of short-term memory allowing us to
keep information in mind while we use it to perform a mental task. It is a limited-
capacity system that can hold only a small amount of information for a brief
period, typically less than 30 seconds. The working memory capacity varies from
person to person, but on average, it can hold around seven items.
The active memory system involves both storage and manipulation of
information. For example, when we read a sentence, we use our working
memory to hold onto the words we have already read while we process the
words that come next. It also allows us to perform mental arithmetic, remember
a phone number long enough to dial it, or recall the steps of a recipe as we cook.
How Does Working Memory Work?
Working memory consists of three main components: the phonological loop, the
visuospatial sketchpad, and the central executive. The phonological loop is
responsible for processing and storing verbal information, such as words and
numbers, while the visuospatial sketchpad processes and stores visual and
spatial information, such as shapes and colors. The central executive is the
control center of working memory, responsible for coordinating and integrating
the information from the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad. It is
also responsible for selecting and switching between different types of
information, such as verbal and visual information, depending on the task at
hand.

2. How to Assess Working Memory?
Assessing working memory is essential for understanding cognitive abilities,
diagnosing learning difficulties, and developing effective interventions. Working
memory can be assessed in several ways, including:
• Standardized Tests: One of the most common methods for assessing
working memory is standardized tests, such as the Wechsler Adult
Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). These
tests involve presenting participants with a series of tasks requiring them
to remember and manipulate verbal or visual information for a short
period.
• Computerized Tasks: Computerized tasks are becoming increasingly
popular for assessing working memory due to their flexibility, precision,
and ease of administration. These tasks involve presenting participants
with different stimuli, such as numbers or letters, and asking them to
remember and manipulate the information in various ways.
• Neuroimaging Techniques: Neuroimaging techniques can provide
valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying working
memory. They can identify brain regions activated during working
memory tasks and assess the relationship between neural activity and
working memory performance and might range from Functional magnetic
resonance imaging to Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
Instead of static data, researchers can leverage cognitive functioning
assessment apps for running longitudinal studies on key cognitive domains like
memory, attention, executive function, etc.
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