Functional opponency in working memory capacity predicts cognitive flexibility in problem solving.

working memory;cognitive flexibility;attention;problem solving;mental set

Charles A. Van Stockum, Jr.

University:University of Louisville

Department:Psychological and Brain Sciences

关键词: working memory;    cognitive flexibility;    attention;    problem solving;    mental set;   

Others  :  https://ir.library.louisville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4475&context=etd

美国|英语

来源: The Universite of Louisville's Institutional Repository

【 摘 要 】

Cognitive flexibility is a hallmark of individuals with higher working memory capacity (WMC). Yet, research demonstrates that higher WMC individuals are sometimes more likely to adopt rigid problem-solving approaches. The present research examines a novel account for these contradictory findings—that different WMC mechanisms interact in ways that both support and constrain cognitive flexibility. Across three studies, participants completed the water jug task—a problem-solving task requiring them to first establish and then break mental set using a complex strategy. Participants then completed measures targeting three WMC mechanisms: attention control, primary memory, and secondary memory. Study 1 demonstrated that primary memory and secondary memory predict breaking mental set in opposite directions. Study 2 replicated these findings while also demonstrating that attention control moderates these effects. Study 3 replicated these results using a less restrictive sampling procedure (i.e., participants were provided the complex strategy). The present research supports the proposed theory of functional opponency in WMC.