Memory

State of the art: Working memory

Robert H. Logie explains what we know so far about the ‘desktop of the brain’.

18 April 1999

What were you doing just before you looked at this article? How many other things are currently 'at the back of your mind'? What is 37 times 4? If all Society members are psychologists and some psychologists enjoy real ale, then what can be concluded? Can you close your eyes and then pick up an object in front of you? Without looking back, can you recall the last word of each of the previous five sentences? All of these questions require the use of what is often referred to as 'working memory.

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