C-09 The effect of the dual-task on the individual differences of working memory capacity

Abstract

The effect of dual-tasks on individual differences in working memory capacity was examined. Subjects were divided into high and low working memory capacity groups using the Japanese reading span test. Using a dual-task method, the differences of processing on language comprehension between the high-span group and low-span group was explored. The primary task was the listening comprehension task, in which, subjects were required to answer questions concerning the contents of sentences after listening to the materials. The secondary task was a target-pursuit task. A significant interference effect in the dual-task was found in the high-span group, indicating that the high-span group comprehended sentences more deeply than the low-span group with multiple processing.