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Random number generation and working memory.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>05/2007
<mark>Journal</mark>European Journal of Cognitive Psychology
Issue number3
Volume19
Number of pages21
Pages (from-to)374-394
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

We demonstrate the close relationship that exists between random sequence generation and working memory functioning. We clarify the nature of this link by examining the impact of concurrent requirements for random sequence response quality. Experiments 1A and 1B show that marking specific response choices for differential treatment, either by requiring an ancillary behaviour or by suppressing these choices from output, impairs overall sequence quality. Contrasting with previous findings, these distinct concurrent tasks have comparable effects. We show that disruption is found only when concurrent demand is high. Experiment 2 demonstrates that increasing the dynamic working memory load by requiring the ancillary response to change during the task leads to additional disruption of randomisation. The results extend and refine our understanding of the contribution of active maintenance of representations in random generation.

Bibliographic note

The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, European Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 19 (3), 2007, © Informa Plc