Journal
PSYCHOLOGICAL BULLETIN
Volume 133, Issue 6, Pages 1038-1066Publisher
AMER PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.133.6.1038
Keywords
working memory; short-term memory; complex span tasks; simple span tasks
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Research has suggested that short-term memory and working memory (as measured by simple and complex span tasks, respectively) are separate constructs that are differentially related to higher order cognitive abilities. This claim is critically evaluated by reviewing research that has compared simple and complex span tasks in both experimental and correlational studies. In addition, a meta-analysis and re-analyses of key data sets were conducted. The review and analyses suggest that simple and complex span tasks largely measure the same basic subcomponent processes (e.g., rehearsal, maintenance, updating, controlled search) but differ in the extent to which these processes operate in a particular task. These differences largely depend on the extent to which phonological processes are maximized and variability from long list lengths is present. Potential methodological, psychometric, and assessment implications are discussed and a theoretical account of the data is proposed.
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