Working memory, also known as working memory, corresponds to the brain’s ability to assimilate information as we perform certain tasks. It is due to working memory that it is possible to remember the name of someone we meet on the street or dial a telephone number, for example, as it is responsible for storing and organizing information, whether recent or old.
Working memory is fundamental to the learning process, understanding language, logical reasoning and problem solving, in addition to being essential for better development at work and studies.
Main features
Working memory does not have the capacity to assimilate all information and, therefore, develops strategies to absorb as much information as possible. Thus, the main characteristics of working memory are:
- It has limited capacitythat is, selects the most important information for the person and ignores what is irrelevant, which is called selective attention;
- AND activethat is, it has the ability to capture new information at every moment;
- It has associative and integrative capacityin which new information can be correlated with old information.
Understanding the logical sequence of a film is only possible due to working memory, for example. This type of memory processes both information contained in short-term memory, which is stored for a short time, and information in long-term memory that can be stored for a lifetime.
People who have working memory disorders may have problems related to learning such as dyslexia, attention deficit, hyperactivity and problems with language development. Find out what can cause memory loss.
How to improve working memory
Working memory can be stimulated through cognitive exercises, such as sudoku, memory games or puzzles. These exercises improve memory performance, in addition to regaining attention and concentration to carry out everyday tasks. See what exercises there are to improve memory and concentration.
