Working Memory as an Indicator for Comparative Cognition – Detecting Qualitative and Quantitative Differences

Abstract

Working memory (WM), the representation of information held accessible for manipulation over time, is an essential component of all higher cognitive abilities. It allows for complex behaviors that go beyond simple stimulus-response associations and inflexible behavioral patterns. WM capacity determines how many different pieces of information (items) can be used for these cognitive processes, and in humans, it correlates with fluid intelligence. As such, WM might be a useful tool for comparison of cognition across species. WM can be tested using comparatively simple behavioral protocols, based on operant conditioning, in a multitude of different species. Speciesspecific contextual variables that influence an animal's performance on a non-cognitive level are controlled by adapting the WM paradigm. The neuronal mechanisms by which WM emerges in the brain, as sustained neuronal activity, are comparable between the different species studied (mammals and birds), as are the areas of the brain in which WM activity can be measured. Thus WM is comparable between vastly different species within their respective niches, accounting for specific contextual variables and unique adaptations. By approaching the question of "general cognitive abilities" or "intelligence" within the animal kingdom from the perspective of WM, the complexity of the core question at hand is reduced to a fundamental memory system required to allow for complex cognitive abilities. This article argues that measuring WM can be a suitable addition to the toolkit of comparative cognition. By measuring WM on a behavioral level and going beyond behavior to the underlying physiological processes, qualitative and quantitative differences in cognition between different animal species can be identified, free of contextual restraints.

Memory-Enhancing Effect of 8-Week Consumption of the Quercetin-Enriched Culinary Herbs-Derived Functional Ingredients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Thus, these data indicate that this group of volunteers show an improvement in the quality of working memory [ 51 ], which in turn reflects an improvement in cognitive abilities [ 52 ]. Furthermore, our data also reveal an accuracy response elevation and response time reduction in the digit vigilance task, a validity test for assessing attention [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Therefore, these data point out that the supplement containing the functional ingredient at a dose of 1500 mg per day can enhance attention and working memory, which in turn indirectly indicates an improvement in cognitive processing abilities.…”

Entropy and Cross-Level Orderliness in Light of the Interconnection between the Neural System and Consciousness

“…The ability to discriminate between and within experienced states is critical for control over behavior, an important part of one’s cognitive skills closely related to working memory [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. In addition to arguing about the nature and definition of this concept, it has been demonstrated that various neural areas are involved in its functioning [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ].…”

Humans, fish, spiders and bees inherited working memory and attention from their last common ancestor

“…It permits flexibility of responding by allowing details of the situation to be incorporated into the choice of response. Ultimately, all mental processes from remembering something no longer sensed, or knowing the way home; to problem-solving, thinking, and planning; requires that relevant information be held in STM and activated by attention for processing ( Roth, 2013 ; Hahn and Rose, 2020 ; Buschman, 2021 ). The WM mechanism is a basic component of mind 1 that is necessary for all response systems (other than S-R mechanisms) to function.…”