Buch, Englisch, 342 Seiten, Format (B × H): 178 mm x 253 mm
Buch, Englisch, 342 Seiten, Format (B × H): 178 mm x 253 mm
ISBN: 978-0-19-516863-1
Verlag: Oxford University Press
Working memory is the ability to hold in mind information that has been previously processed, while simultaneously processing and assimilating incoming information. It is an ability that is central to many everyday tasks, such as reading, making sense of spoken discourse, problem solving, and mental arithmetic. As such it is the focus of considerable research in cognitive neuroscience, and this research has wide-ranging implications for a general understanding of cognitive processes in a variety of populations and settings.
Consequently, since Baddeley and Hitch introduced their seminal model of working memory in 1974, there has been growing interest in this area. Despite the existence of various books on working memory, no previous publication has properly explored the causes and consequences of variation or individual differences in working memory. Variation is an issue of particular importance because research on it has been the major contributor to the development of a general theory of working memory.
Existing models and theories of working memory variation are from many different research areas in psychology, making it very difficult to compare difference research findings.
Thus, there is clearly a need to bring together recent work on variation in a comprehensive yet cohesive volume. The proposed volume will represent explicit, detailed comparisons of the current major theories on variation. In order to elucidate the similarities and differences among the various theoretical perspectives, each chapter will be authored by a research group that has examined a different aspect of variation, including those led by Lynn Hasher, Rose Zacks, Yuko Munakata, Patricia
Reuter-Lorenz, and John Jonides. In order to ensure consistency each research group addresses the same set of theoretical questions. In addition to the contributing research groups, two discussants, Alan Baddeley and James Pellegrino, provide a chapter of commentary.
The volume attempts to offer an integrative yet comprehensive approach to working memory by focusing on explicit, detailed comparisons of current major theoretical proposals about working memory variation.
