Stellaria_graminea
Padawan Learner
Working memory is mentioned in a selection of threads on the forum, but I couldn't find a thread concentrating on it, thus I start this.
Kahneman separates our mental abilities in two categories, system 1 (the unconscious, easy-going, associate network) and system 2 (the conscious, deliberate thinking processes).
Working memory is closely linked to system 2. It is regarded as the mental, inner workplace, where the conscious handling and connecting of topics takes place. System 2 is like an entrance through psychology, while working memory is more connected to brain structure in the literature.
Here's the wikipedia link if anyone is interested: _https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_memory
Working memory is commonly thought to consist of a few modules (according to the common Baddeley and Hitch-model). One of those parts, «the central executive», is located in the frontal lobe, a structure that has increased significantly through human evolution. The size of the working memory has also increased a lot. Although our brains and genetics shares a lot with chimpanzees, our working memorys are very different. The relatively large working memory is one of those things that makes us human.
Working memorys are also highly variable within the human population. Both genetics and environment seem to have an impact on the size. For instance, high levels of stress gives a burden on the working memory, decreasing the available work space for thinking. Working memory is correlated with intelligence, and especially useful when learning new topics. It is also connected to attention and awareness, and our ability to consciously consider and select information. The size of the working memory gives limits for how many topics one can compare at the same time.
Having a larger working memory seems, to say the least, highly favorable.
One author argues that meditation is good for the working memory function. Other exercises of working memory has been proposed, but are highly discussed. There's also ways to help the working memory, work better within the limits.
I can provide references, this is only a brief overview, by all means.
There's also some questions I do wonder about, as the potential connections between consciousness, size of working memory, potential ability to consider information critically; and the potential benefits of increasing it/avoid to decrease it/use it smarter. Also, when some people are «taken over» when they communicate with non-human entities, while some others can communicate with them inside their heads, do the latter maybe have a larger working memory? Is working memory connected to the adamic versus pre-adamic division within humanity (for instance, mentioned here: http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,21637.msg227019)?
Kahneman separates our mental abilities in two categories, system 1 (the unconscious, easy-going, associate network) and system 2 (the conscious, deliberate thinking processes).
Working memory is closely linked to system 2. It is regarded as the mental, inner workplace, where the conscious handling and connecting of topics takes place. System 2 is like an entrance through psychology, while working memory is more connected to brain structure in the literature.
Here's the wikipedia link if anyone is interested: _https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_memory
Working memory is commonly thought to consist of a few modules (according to the common Baddeley and Hitch-model). One of those parts, «the central executive», is located in the frontal lobe, a structure that has increased significantly through human evolution. The size of the working memory has also increased a lot. Although our brains and genetics shares a lot with chimpanzees, our working memorys are very different. The relatively large working memory is one of those things that makes us human.
Working memorys are also highly variable within the human population. Both genetics and environment seem to have an impact on the size. For instance, high levels of stress gives a burden on the working memory, decreasing the available work space for thinking. Working memory is correlated with intelligence, and especially useful when learning new topics. It is also connected to attention and awareness, and our ability to consciously consider and select information. The size of the working memory gives limits for how many topics one can compare at the same time.
Having a larger working memory seems, to say the least, highly favorable.
One author argues that meditation is good for the working memory function. Other exercises of working memory has been proposed, but are highly discussed. There's also ways to help the working memory, work better within the limits.
I can provide references, this is only a brief overview, by all means.
There's also some questions I do wonder about, as the potential connections between consciousness, size of working memory, potential ability to consider information critically; and the potential benefits of increasing it/avoid to decrease it/use it smarter. Also, when some people are «taken over» when they communicate with non-human entities, while some others can communicate with them inside their heads, do the latter maybe have a larger working memory? Is working memory connected to the adamic versus pre-adamic division within humanity (for instance, mentioned here: http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,21637.msg227019)?