{"id":"mymindmine-knowledge-working-memory-v1","slug":"working-memory","domain":"mind","title":"Working Memory","deck":"The temporary maintenance and manipulation of information used during complex cognition.","directAnswer":"Working memory refers to systems that keep information highly accessible while it is being manipulated for tasks such as reasoning, comprehension, planning, and problem solving.","mechanism":["Information must remain available long enough to be compared, transformed, or combined.","Working-memory models commonly distinguish temporary verbal and visuospatial maintenance from executive coordination.","Capacity and interference constrain how many active relationships can be managed at once."],"whyItMatters":["Working memory sits directly between attention and action.","When active information overloads the available workspace, external structure can reduce cognitive friction."],"questions":["What is the difference between working memory and long-term memory?","Why does interruption make complex tasks harder?","How does working memory support planning?"],"related":["attention","executive-function","memory","adhd"],"sources":[{"label":"APA Dictionary: working memory","url":"https://dictionary.apa.org/working-memory","publisher":"American Psychological Association"}],"updated":"2026-09-20","canonicalUrl":"https://www.mymindmine.com/mind/working-memory","author":{"name":"John Brajer","url":"https://www.mymindmine.com/people/john-brajer"},"publisher":"MyMindMine","knowledgeSystem":"MyMindMine Knowledge System v1","epistemicBoundary":{"externalSources":"Sources support the external factual orientation.","originalLayer":"Brajology and MyMindMine interpretations are original framework material and are not attributed to external sources."}}