The development of a short domain-general measure of working memory capacity

Abstract

Working memory capacity is one of the most frequently measured individual difference constructs in cognitive psychology and related fields. However, implementation of complex span and other working memory measures is generally time-consuming for administrators and examinees alike. Because researchers often must manage the tension between limited testing time and measuring numerous constructs reliably, a short and effective measure of working memory capacity would often be a major practical benefit in future research efforts. The current study developed a shortened computerized domain-general measure of working memory capacity by representatively sampling items from three existing complex working memory span tasks: operation span, reading span, and symmetry span. Using a large archival data set (Study 1, N = 4,845), we developed and applied a principled strategy for developing the reduced measure, based on testing a series of confirmatory factor analysis models. Adequate fit indices from these models lent support to this strategy. The resulting shortened measure was then administered to a second independent sample (Study 2, N = 172), demonstrating that the new measure saves roughly 15 min (30%) of testing time on average, and even up to 25 min depending on the test-taker. On the basis of these initial promising findings, several directions for future research are discussed.

Selectively Distracted: Divided Attention and Memory for Important Information

“…Participants in the replication experiment also completed a modified Operation Span (OSpan) task (Oswald, McAbee, Redick, & Hambrick, 2015) to determine whether the impact of the digit detection task or the background music on selectivity would differ as a function of individual differences in working memory capacity (WMC). It was thought that participants with greater WMC might be better able to inhibit the distractors during study and so devote more of their attention towards the valuable information.…”

Executive functions in the context of complex learning: Malleable moderators?

“…Shifting as well as working memory capacity and inhibition can be measured with three computerized tasks for each construct (e.g., Friedman et al, 2016;Redick, Broadway, et al, 2012). In the case of working memory, even short versions allow assessment of working memory capacity on a latent variable level within about 25 minutes (Oswald, McAbee, Redick, & Hambrick, 2015). In these working memory tasks, participants have to complete series of process-storage sequences (e.g., solve a simple mathematical equation and store a letter) and afterwards recall the stimuli (e.g., the letters) (Oswald et al, 2015).…”

“…In the case of working memory, even short versions allow assessment of working memory capacity on a latent variable level within about 25 minutes (Oswald, McAbee, Redick, & Hambrick, 2015). In these working memory tasks, participants have to complete series of process-storage sequences (e.g., solve a simple mathematical equation and store a letter) and afterwards recall the stimuli (e.g., the letters) (Oswald et al, 2015). In typical shifting tasks, participants have to flexibly switch between two tasks, for instance by indicating the shape or the color of a stimulus.…”

Working memory test battery for young adults: Computerized working memory assessment

“…Oswald [27] developed a shortened computerized measure of WM capacity by representatively sampling items from operation span, reading span, and symmetry span tasks. Although these tasks were similar to those employed in other studies, notably, the test time was shortened.…”

“…A short and effective measure of WM capacity could be a major practical benefit in the future [27]. Previous studies have also proven that shortened test tasks can effectively test WM ability [28].…”