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Working memory, executive function, and general fluid intelligence are not the same

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2006

Richard P. Heitz*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332psychology.gatech.edu/renglelab
Thomas S. Redick
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332psychology.gatech.edu/renglelab
David Z. Hambrick*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. 48824http://psychology.msu.edu/people/faculty/hambrick.htm
Michael J. Kane*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC27402-6164http://www.uncg.edu/psy/graduateprogram/cognitive/faculty/mjk-index.html
Andrew R. A. Conway*
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Princeton University, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544http://webscript.princeton.edu/~psych/psychology/research/conway/index.php
Randall W. Engle*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332psychology.gatech.edu/renglelab

Abstract

Blair equates the constructs of working memory (WM), executive function, and general fluid intelligence (gF). We argue that there is good reason not to equate these constructs. We view WM and gF as separable but highly related, and suggest that the mechanism behind the relationship is controlled attention – an ability that is dependent on normal functioning of the prefrontal cortex.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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