ABSTRACT
Working memory (Baddeley & Hitch, 1974; Miller, Galanter, & Pribram, 1960) is the small amount of information held in mind at any time. It is often critical for the successful completion of cognitive tasks including language comprehension, reasoning, and problem-solving. In this chapter, we will briefl y review the neo-Piagetian approach to cognition and describe some research advancing our understanding of a basic principle within that approach, the coordination of working memory storage and processing. Many researchers have remained skeptical of the neo-Piagetian conclusion that the basic storage capacity of working memory increases during childhood (e.g., Pascual-Leone, 1970). New research confi rms that working memory matures not only because processing capabilities improve, but also because storage capacity increases.
