Cognitive neuroscientists Robert Logie and Alicia Forsberg talk about Their project on working memory and what it’s like to work with scientists who disagree with one another
You can also download the full transcript of this podcast below:
Transcript – Working memory across the adult lifespan
“Theories in Cognitive Psychology are a bit like a toothbrush, everybody needs one but you wouldn’t want to use one belonging to somebody else”
Professor Robert Logie quotes American psychologist Michael Watkins
Different ideas about how memory works
Our ability to keep track of ongoing thoughts, plans, actions, current tasks, and changes around us is essential for everyday living.
This ability is known as working memory, a system of the brain that allows us to focus on what we are doing, switch tasks, solve problems, or do several things at once such as walking and talking. However, scientists disagree about what limits our working memory ability, and how those limits change as people grow older.
The project Working Memory Across the Adult Lifespan (WoMAAC) brings together three research groups who disagree with different theories of how and why working memory changes with age.
Here to discuss are psychology researchers Professor Robert Logie and Dr Alicia Forsberg, both part of the University of Edinburgh project team.
You can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes:
Forward Thinking podcast on iTunes