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The Development of Nonverbal Working Memory and Executive Control Processes in Adolescents
Author(s) -
Luciana Monica,
Conklin Heather M.,
Hooper Catalina J.,
Yarger Rebecca S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
child development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.103
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1467-8624
pISSN - 0009-3920
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2005.00872.x
Subject(s) - working memory , psychology , prefrontal cortex , executive functions , recall , cognitive psychology , nonverbal communication , control (management) , cognition , action (physics) , attentional control , developmental psychology , spatial memory , neuroscience , physics , management , quantum mechanics , economics
The prefrontal cortex modulates executive control processes and structurally matures throughout adolescence. Consistent with these events, prefrontal functions that demand high levels of executive control may mature later than those that require working memory but decreased control. To test this hypothesis, adolescents (9 to 20 years old) completed nonverbal working memory tasks with varying levels of executive demands. Findings suggest that recall‐guided action for single units of spatial information develops until 11 to 12 years. The ability to maintain and manipulate multiple spatial units develops until 13 to 15 years. Strategic self‐organization develops until ages 16 to 17 years. Recognition memory did not appear to develop over this age range. Implications for prefrontal cortex organization by level of processing are discussed.