Abstract

JACOBI, Michéli da Silva. Instruments for assessing children’s working memory: A systematic review. Rev. psicopedag. [online]. 2024, vol.41, n.126, pp.599-609.  Epub Dec 16, 2024. ISSN 0103-8486.  https://doi.org/10.51207/2179-4057.20240045.

Working memory refers to the ability to mentally retain information in the short term while it is being manipulated during the performance of a task. As such, it represents an important component of executive functions for cognitive development. The aim of the study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature to identify the main instruments used to assess working memory in children. A survey was carried out in July 2023 in the databases (PePsic, PubMed, Medline and SciELO) using the descriptors “working memory”, “child”, “test”, “instrument”. The search was limited to articles published in English and Portuguese in the last eight years. The inclusion criteria for the selection of articles were: a) empirical study; b) inclusion of children in the sample; c) use of tests or instruments to assess working memory. Studies which appeared in more than one database were excluded, as were those which did not meet the requirements set out in the inclusion criteria. Initially, 76 articles were retrieved, of which 14 were selected. The review made it possible to describe different tasks using a cognitive model. It is worth highlighting the need for more studies on this subject, especially psychometric studies to build and validate instruments, as well as refining the understanding of working memory, enriching the research process in this area.

Keywords : Working Memory; Children; Tests; Instruments.

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