When information processing is demanding: the importance of performance feedback

Abstract

Working memory is a limited component of the cognitive system that requires attentional control to store information despite internal and external interruptions actively. There is a prolonged understanding that working memory capacity is a trait variable; and emerging evidence indicates that it possesses state variable qualities (i.e. momentary oscillations). Corresponding variations have been discovered in WM-consuming situations such as stress, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. The current study investigated such phenomena using false feedback as a manipulation to investigate transient changes in working memory capacity. Participants performed a highly correlated working memory task, preceded by manipulating either negative or positive feedback, and then completed a second closely correlated working memory task. The results indicated that the manipulation affected participants’ performance on a subsequent second working memory task. Our results indicated that it is feasible to modulate the level of working memory capacity accessible on a limited basis. The findings of present study are pertinent to additional domains such as (social, educational, professional) in which information load may lead to stress and decrease working memory capacity and processing speed. The current research demonstrates the importance of feedback to enhance working memory capacity. Our study also recommends that the information load can be handled more efficiently to promote learning through different strategies.