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Relation between working memory capacity and frontal-midline theta increase in the Sternberg Task

Brinkmann, Michelle (2019) Relation between working memory capacity and frontal-midline theta increase in the Sternberg Task.

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Abstract:The goal of this study was an investigation of the relationship between working memory capacity and individual differences in frontal-midline theta. In dependence on prior research, it was assumed that (1) frontal-midline theta power increases with increasing memory load (n) on a working memory task and (2) that this increase would only be visible for individuals with a high working memory capacity as opposed to individuals with a low working memory capacity. In order to test these hypotheses, the current study employed the Sternberg Task as a working memory task and the OSPAN as a working memory capacity measurement in a similar approach as Zakrzewska and Brzezicka (2014). Results did not yield support for both hypotheses. Mental load was successfully manipulated, and mental effort induced by means of the Sternberg Task with focus on retrieval and comparison processes. The mental effort produced by these processes alone seemed not able to induce an increase in frontal-midline theta from a lower to a higher load. These results might suppose a difference in increase of frontal-midline theta for isolated mental processes and mixed mental processes such as seemingly employed in the study of Zakrzewska and Brzezicka (2014). Hence, mental effort might not only be manipulated by memory load (n) but further by mixed mental processes.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/78497
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