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Does short-term memory develop?

Jones, Gary; Justice, Lucy V.; Cabiddu, Francesco; Lee, Bethany J.; Iao, Lai-Sang; Harrison, Natalie; Macken, Bill

Authors

Gary Jones

Lucy V. Justice

Francesco Cabiddu

Bethany J. Lee

Lai-Sang Iao

Bill Macken



Abstract

Such is the consistency by which performance on measures of short-term memory (STM) increase with age that developmental increases in STM capacity are largely accepted as fact. However, our analysis of a robust but almost ignored finding - that span for digit sequences (the traditional measure of STM) increases at a far greater rate than span for other verbal material - fundamentally undermines the assumption that increased performance in STM tasks is underpinned by developmental increases in capacity. We show that this digit superiority with age effect is explained by the relatively greater linguistic exposure to random sequences of digits versus other stimuli such as words. A simple associative learning process that learns incrementally from exposure to language accounts for the effect, without any need to invoke an STM mechanism, much less one that increases in capacity with age. By extension, using corpus data directed at 2-3 year old children, 4-6 year old children, and adults, we show that age-related performance increases with other types of verbal material are equally driven by the same basic associative learning process operating on the expanding exposure to language experienced by the child. Our results question the idea that tests such as digit span are measuring a dedicated system for the temporary maintenance and manipulation of verbal material, and as such have implications for our understanding of those aspects of typical and atypical development that are usually accounted for with respect to the operation of such a system.

Citation

Jones, G., Justice, L. V., Cabiddu, F., Lee, B. J., Iao, L.-S., Harrison, N., & Macken, B. (2020). Does short-term memory develop?. Cognition, 198, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2020.104200

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 20, 2020
Online Publication Date Jan 28, 2020
Publication Date 2020-05
Deposit Date Sep 2, 2024
Journal Cognition
Print ISSN 0010-0277
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 198
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2020.104200
Keywords Short-term memory; Digit span; Child development; Associative learning; Capacity
Public URL https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/885894
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010027720300196?via%3Dihub