Working memory as a link between brain processes

A large part of our progress has to do with improving our working memory processing. This post explains in detail what the working memory is. Below I will try to interpret it in simple terms related to our activities.

Our memory uses several very fast and small buffers to work with various types of information: words and ideas, images and scenes, linking and binding everything together. While each type of brain processing may use its own buffer, all these buffers are a part of working memory pool. There are special brain processes that work with working memory pools. These processes are responsible for transferring information between the memory pools and the long-term memory.

The typical size of working memory is 7+-2 objects, which means that we can remember effortlessly between 5 and 9 objects, depending on our inborn predisposition. Typically small working memory correlates with faster decision making, and large working memory correlates with analysis of complex ideas. Since all processes working with working memory are some form of neural connections, they may be improved and new processing routines may be added by training.

Dual coding is a training process where the same piece of information is coded into different memory buffers to improve retention. In many ways, this is similar to having a backup disk to whatever we learn. By analysis of the paragraph we read we activate phonological loop, linking and chunking activate episodic memory and visual marker creation activates visuospatial sketchpad. By practicing preread-read-analyze cycle, we activate dual coding.

When we analyze a paragraph of what we read, asking questions or generating answers, we typically speak in our head. We vocalize much less that we read, maybe 2 short sentences per paragraph, but we must vocalize very fast. Therefore, our phonological loop with time becomes faster.

When chunking and linking markers we improve the way we use episodic memory. With time this improves creativity and enables more complex connections and analysis. We also learn to use simple chunking and linking templates very efficiently, in such form that generating connections does not take effort.

Finally, when using visuospatial sketchpad we improve the detail level of our visualization, the speed with which our visualization morph and replace each other, and ability to have several visualizations in parallel.

We do need to practice A LOT to build new neurons and to switch our processes into automatic, e.g effortless mode. However, this is well worth it. Both our memorization and speedreading have a lot to do with working memory – if you improve your working memory you immediately boost your IQ and learning capabilities.