The Effect Of Cognitive Style And Task Complexity On Visuo-spatial Working Memory

Working memory (WM) implies a system for the temporary holding and manipulation of information during the performance of a range of cognitive tasks such as comprehension, learning , and reasoning. Baddeley (1986) suggested the architecture of the WM system comprised three separated components: a central executive and two slave systems, the phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad. The central executive is a limited-capacity attention system with controls and supervising functions. The phonological loop is responsible for the temporary storage of verbal material in a phonological code. The visuo-spatial sketch pad (VSSP) is involved in the temporary retention of visuo-spatial information.VSSP comprises two functional components: a passive visual cache and an active inner scribe. The visual cache is involved in the temporary maintaining of visual information, such as patterns and color. The inner scribe is an active spatial rehearsal mechanism, which is responsible for the storage, planning, and controlling spatial dynamic information.There is individual difference during of each operation. Thus, individual difference is an important factor affecting the performance of VSWM. Researchers have explored the personality variables affect the performance of VSWM, such as, blindness, sex and age.Cognitive style is an important variable to imply individual difference during cognitive process. The definition of FDI is corresponds to the two-component of working memory which are central executive system and visuo-spatial sketchpad. The level of psychological differentiation and cognitive the restructure of FD is higher than FI. FD individuals are inclined to process information positively and use a deep-analyse style. They are sensitive to the difference of the materials and are good at finding rules in complex background. FI individuals are different. FDI is a style and not an ability. But there are some research indicated that FD individuals have high visuo-spatial cognitive ability. Therefore, FDI cognitive styles certainly will affect visuo-spatial working memory.Two experiments are reported to explore the effect of FDI cognitive on VSWM in different task-situation. The present research employs Letter revolution test presenting by computer.. Experiment 1 focused on the effect of cognitive style, process load and experiment material on VSWM, which adopted a 2 (cognitive style: FD; FI )×2(process load: low; high)×2 (experiment material: R; he)mixed factorial design. Cognitive style is between-subjects variables.Process load and experiment material are within-subject variable. VSWM span is the depended variable. Experiment 2 explored the effect of cognitive style, interference task and process load on VSWM, the design of experiment was a 2 (cognitive style: FD; FI )×3 (interference task:2;4;6 )×2 (process load: low; high) mixed factorial design. Cognitive style is between-subjects variable and interference task and process load are within-subject variable. VSWM span is the depended variable.The results indicated: (1) process load and experiment material affected VSWM span significantly. The interaction between process load and experiment material was very significant. (2) FDI cognitive style affected VSWM span significantly. The interaction between cognitive style and process load was very significant. (3) Interference task affected VSWM span significantly. The interaction between interference task and process load was very significant.These findings have important implications for theory research and practical appliance. In theory, they widen the field of VSWM and cognitive style research. In practice, they can help people improve the level of VSWM.