Point 19: Short Term Memory is limited

Short term memory, quick memory, working memory; it's all the same: memory that you need for less than a minute. From here on out this kind of memory will be referred to as working memory. Working memory relies on concentration and focused attention and is therefore easily interfered with. To maintain information in working memory, you have to keep your attention focused on it.

Short Term Memory is Limited

What is Working Memory | Explained in 2 min (Embed)

Caption: : Heres a short video giving you the basics of working memory

​​​​​​​Working Memory and Focused Attention

Researchers have been using fMRI technology have found that the prefrontal cortex "lights up" when using working memory as it focuses attention. They've also found that different parts of the brain will also be active when employing working memory, depending on the task the left or right hemisphere can work work with the prefrontal cortex. The connection between these different parts of the brain and the prefrontal cortex increases while working memory is in use.

Working Memory Prefrontal Cortex Public (binary/octet-stream)

More fMRI scans have shown that stress reduces the effectiveness of working memory as there is less activity in the prefrontal cortex while under stress.  Even while not under stress the prefrontal cortex impacts your memory as it is deciding strategies and what to pay attention to while working memory is active. The amount of sensory input being processed at any given time can also affect your working memory. Those with high-functioning working memories can tune out any sensory stimuli around them to focus their attention on whatever information and remember it; those who don't have a harder time.  

What Affects Working Memory?

Working Memory in Schools

A study done by Tracy Alloway found that those with higher working memory capacities were more successful academically by testing and tracking the working memory of a group of 5-year olds through high school and beyond. It was also realized that working memory can be tested and be used to help those with low scores by giving parents, teachers, and students the chance to tackle those problems early on. 

Istock 586379824 Custom 741b39cd56655a0f4bbd70245b26576c774b4049 (binary/octet-stream)

Takeaways 

Working memory is sensitive and easy to interfere with, so if someone is trying to remember something in working memory; best leave them alone until they're done. Don't ask people to remember information form one place to another as they'll probably forget the information and get frustrated.