The authors of [1], define the working memory (WM) in the following way: “Working memory (WM) is what allows you to access information (in your short and long term memories) and put it to good use. IQ is what you know. Working memory is what you can do with what you know”.
In [2] it is defined in this way: “Working memory is one of the brain’s executive functions. It’s a skill that allows us to work with information without losing track of what we’re doing”.
In [3] it is defined in this way “Working memory is a form of memory that allows a person to temporarily hold a limited amount of information at the ready for immediate mental use. It is considered essential for learning, problem-solving, and other mental processes”.
For the reason that our knowledge become outdated as time passes, the knowledge (IQ) is not as important, today, as an ability to use what we know to solve real problems, fast (WM). That is why a person with the lowest IQ, but the strongest working memory can win in many types of competitions in the real world.
Let us, consider a simplified analogy to understand this fact. In our analogy, we consider a processor instead of a brain. Suppose, we have two processors: one with a faster speed of computations, but a smaller read only memory (RAM) and the other with a bigger RAM but a slower speed of computation. In this analogy, the first processor is similar to a person with low IQ, but strong WM and the second processor is similar to a person with high IQ, but weak WM. Now, if we need to solve a problem, which requires one trillion of binary operations then the first processor will do it faster than the second processor, because it has the faster speed of computations. This analogy explain why a person with a lower IQ, but a stronger WM can win in competitions with persons having high IQs, but weak WMs. It is not critically important how many mental objects are in a brain’s memory (IQ). What is critically important is the brain’s ability to operate with the mental objects, fast (WM).
According to the authors of [1], an advantage of good working memory is better performances in the following:
-prioritize information;
-focus on the important stuff;
-think fast on your feet;
-take smarter risks;
-learn more easily in school and college;
-make judgment calls;
-adapt to new situations;
-stay motivated to achieve long term goals;
-stay positive in the midst of a dire situation;
-follow your moral compass;
-be a better athlete.
A simple way to train your working memory is to use "Working Memory Stimulator".
At the start, it asks you to select a complexity level (start from 1) and a number of training tasks.
Each task is to multiply two numbers using only your memory.
After you enter your answer, it evaluates the answer and shows if it correct or not.
At the end, you will see your results, which you should record in your notebook for tracking your progress.
References:
[1] The Working Memory Advantage, Tracy & Ross Alloway, Simon & Schuster, 2013
[2] https://www.understood.org/en/articles/working-memory-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
[3] https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/memory/working-memory
