Effects of Complexity on Visuo-spatial Working Memory
Loading...
Date
2000-09-21
Authors
Kemps, Eva Bertha
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Rights
Copyright Psychology Press
Rights Holder
Psychology Press
Abstract
Four experiments are reported in which the effect of complexity on short-term retention of visuo-spatial material was explored. The determinants of complexity can be separated into a quantitative factor, which sets an upper bound on complexity, and a structural factor, which reduces complexity. Variants of the Corsi blocks task were administered across the various experiments. Quantitative complexity was manipulated through the number of blocks on the board. Structural complexity was induced through the positioning of the blocks. Visuo-spatial span was found to be susceptible to both measures of complexity. Performance was inversely related to the number of blocks. Recall was also better when the blocks were positioned in a matrix than in a random fashion. Moreover, the effect of complexity was shown to be moderated by an interaction between structure and amount of information presented. These results demonstrate that complexity is an important characteristic of visuo-spatial working memory. This phenomenon may be used to further explore the properties of the visuospatial sketch pad, and advance its theoretical development.
Description
“This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in European Journal of Cognitive Psychology on 21 Sept 2010, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/713752320.”
Keywords
visuo-spatial, Corsi blocks task, complexity
Citation
Kemps, E. (1999). Effects of Complexity on Visuo-spatial Working Memory. European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 11(3), 335-356.