Age characteristics of the working memory

Abstract

This paper raises the question of the relationship between two mechanisms of working memory - Retrieval-Induced Forgetting (RIF) and Retrieval-Based Learning (RBL) in ontogenesis. Working memory is an element of executive functions, the effectiveness of which predetermines the success of learning, which determines the importance of studying the mechanisms of its implementation. RIF is a deterioration in the reproduction of subsequent stimuli as a result of reproduction of previous stimuli that are similar in some parameter. RBL is the reverse process, in which each subsequent reproduction in the working memory leads to better memorization of information when the memory is repeatedly tested. Comparison of works representing specific ages of the subjects does not allow us to imagine the complete change in the interaction of the two mechanisms with age. This is what became the task of this study. An original computerized technique was used (Razumnikova et al., 2016) which had been designed to memorize visual objects presented on a computer screen. The technique included three series, during which the same set of simple objects were presented, but the order of the presentation varied from series to series. The study involved 201 children: 17 children who were 3-4 years old, 90 children who were 5-7 years old, 47 children 10-11 who were years old and 47 children who were 12-14 years old. It is shown that RIF processes are mostly formed in children 3-4 years old. The effectiveness of RBL increases with age and reaches its greatest values by adolescence.