Reading and Working Memory

Abstract

The concept of working memory is outlined, with particular reference to a hypothetical component, the articulatory loop. Research on the possible involvement of the articulatory loop in fluent adult reading is discussed in connection with the effects of phonological similarities within the material to be read, and the effects of articulatory suppression. Evidence from written and spoken puns is also considered. The model is then used to investigate the comprehension and reading performance of a patient with defective short term memory attributable to an impairment in the phonological short-term store. The evidence combines to suggest that the articulatory loop is not essential for most fluent reading, but is important for the accurate processing of complex text. The final section considers the possible involvement of the articulatory loop in learning to read, presents evidence for its importance, and suggests possible strategies for optimizing its use.