Everyday Working Memory: The Ecological Validity of Three Working Memory Tests

Abstract

Working memory plays a crucial role in adaptive functioning, yet the ability of traditional working memory tests to predict real-life challenges remains uncertain. Despite their everyday use in laboratory settings, there needs to be more research on the ecological validity of the n- back test, Symbol Span subtest, and Digit Span subtest in capturing everyday life problems related to working memory. This gap is especially noticeable in South Africa, where cultural and contextual factors may influence working memory performance and its impact on daily functioning. This study aimed to address this research gap by assessing the ecological validity of three working memory tests, the n-back test, the Symbol Span subtest, and the Digit Span subtest, in predicting everyday life problems related to working memory. Sixty-nine bilingual and multilingual young adults aged 18 to 25 completed a demographic questionnaire, the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ), and the three working memory tests. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Significant correlations were found between various working memory tests and specific working memory questions, providing valuable insights into the relationships between these variables. These findings contribute to the understanding of working memory assessment and have implications for everyday functioning, particularly in educational settings, highlighting the relevance of working memory in cognitive processes.