Literacy: exploring working memory systems

Silva, Catarina; Faísca, Luís; Ingvar, Martin; Petersson, Karl Magnus; Reis, Alexandra

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/4866

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Name:	Description:	Size:	Format:
Literacy. Exploring working memory systems.pdf		212.27 KB	Adobe PDF	Download

Send Feedback

Authors

Silva, Catarina

Faísca, Luís

Ingvar, Martin

Petersson, Karl Magnus

Reis, Alexandra

Abstract(s)

Previous research showed an important association between reading and writing skills (literacy) and the phonological loop. However, the effects of literacy on other working memory components remain unclear. In this study, we investigated performance of illiterate subjects and their matched literate controls on verbal and nonverbal working memory tasks. Results revealed that the phonological loop is significantly influenced by literacy, while the visuospatial sketchpad appears to be less affected or not at all. Results also suggest that the central executive might be influenced by literacy, possibly as an expression of cognitive reserve.

Keywords

Literacy Illiteracy Reading skills Writing skills Working memory Phonological loop Visuospatial sketchpad Central executive

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/4866

Citation

Silva, Catarina; Faísca, Luís; Ingvar, Martin; Petersson, Karl Magnus; Reis, Alexandra. Literacy: Exploring working memory systems, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 34, 4, 369-377, 2012.