Attention and Working Memory

Abstract

<p>The ability of attention and working memory are two very important cognitive functions. There is broad agreement that working memory is closely related to attention. There has been a lot of research in the past that tries to explain the relationship between the two. So far it seems that their relationship is closely related as well as very significant, while one affects the other. This article outlines several theoretical options for conceptualizing this link and evaluates the views of the authors coming to the same conclusion. Essentially, the purpose of the literature research is to show the interdependence of the two fundamental cognitive functions through mechanisms or daily processes - which require working memory and attention – as well as through neurodevelopmental disorders or diseases. In some of the articles listed, the working memory and attention have been divided into components that help to see the relationship between them too.</p>

Metacognition in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Digital Technologies in Metacognitive Skills Training

“…Concluding we underline the role of metacognition in its various forms and applications [69][70][71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83] in parallel use and exploitation, with ICTs, Mobiles [84][85][86], Games, VR, AI [96,97] and other digital technologies applications [87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95], in all the domains of education, and especially in Autism.…”

Assessing working memory in general education students for ADHD detection

“…Cognitive control deficits (Casey, Tottenham, & Fossella, 2002), and, therefore, working memory deficits (Fried, Chan, Feinberg, Pope, Woodworth, Faraone, & Biederman, 2016;Tillman, Eninger, Forssman, & Bohlin, 2011) are associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which, according to DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), is defined as neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by six or more symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that must be present prior to age 12 years in two or more settings, and must not be better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., anxiety disorder). Furthermore, given the intertwined relationship between working memory and attention and its crucial role in the proper functioning of individuals' cognitive mechanisms , in the case of ADHD, the deficient working memory equals to deficient attention, as the higher the working memory load, the higher the attention span (Zavitsanou & Drigas, 2021). Therefore, given the involvement of working memory in ADHD symptomatology, the present study aims to investigate the significant role of working memory assessment in detecting ADHD elements in general education students.…”

Nutrition and techniques for memory’s enhancement in children with special learning difficulties and the role of ICTs

“…The term "working memory" appeared in 1960 by Baddeley and Hitch. They referred to the existence of a central executive unit which consists of the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad which are responsible for the storage and processing of information [69]. Baddeley included in the same model the episodic buffer [4], while Klinberg identified as working memory that part of the brain which may retain information, while at the same time carrying out complex operations [44].…”

“…Baddeley included in the same model the episodic buffer [4], while Klinberg identified as working memory that part of the brain which may retain information, while at the same time carrying out complex operations [44]. In conclusion, the deficiencies observed in working memory are responsible for the appearance of many weaknesses, including specific learning difficulties [69].…”