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Working Memory

The temporary maintenance and manipulation of information used during complex cognition.

Direct answer

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

How it works

  1. 01

    Information must remain available long enough to be compared, transformed, or combined.

  2. 02

    Working-memory models commonly distinguish temporary verbal and visuospatial maintenance from executive coordination.

  3. 03

    Capacity and interference constrain how many active relationships can be managed at once.

Consequence

Why it matters

  1. 01

    Working memory sits directly between attention and action.

  2. 02

    When active information overloads the available workspace, external structure can reduce cognitive friction.

Search intent

Questions this page answers

3 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?

Evidence

Sources

1 cited
  1. 01
    APA Dictionary: working memoryAmerican Psychological Association

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