Written Communication Apr 2006

Is Working Memory Involved in the Transcribing and Editing of Texts?

John R. Hayes Carnegie Mellon University ; N. Ann Chenoweth North American University

Abstract

Generally, researchers agree that that verbal working memory plays an important role in cognitive processes involved in writing. However, there is disagreement about which cognitive processes make use of working memory. Kellogg has proposed that verbal working memory is involved in translating but not in editing or producing (i.e., typing) text. In this study, the authors used articulatory suppression, a technique that reduces working memory to explore this question. Twenty participants transcribed six texts from one computer window to another, three of the texts with articulatory suppression and three without. When participants were in the articulatory suppression condition, they transcribed significantly more slowly and made significantly more errors than they did in the control condition. Implications for Kellogg’s proposal are discussed.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
2006-04-01
DOI
10.1177/0741088306286283
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
digital rhetoric
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (12)

  1. Xu et al. (2023)
    A multidimensional approach to assessing the effects of task complexity on L2 s…
    Assessing Writing
  2. Kim (2022)
    Do Written Language Bursts Mediate the Relations of Language, Cognitive, and Tr…
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  3. Nowbakht et al. (2021)
    The Role of Error Type and Working Memory in Written Corrective Feedback Effect…
    Written Communication
  4. Magnifico et al. (2019)
    Teachers as co-authors of student writing: How teachers’ initiating texts influ…
    Computers and Composition
  5. Limpo et al. (2017)
    Written Language Bursts Mediate the Relationship Between Transcription Skills a…
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Show all 12 →
  1. Steen et al. (2017)
    The Effect of Keyboard-Based Word Processing on Students With Different Working…
    Written Communication
  2. Waes et al. (2015)
    Fluency in Writing: A Multidimensional Perspective on Writing Fluency Applied t…
    Computers and Composition
  3. Leijten et al. (2013)
    Keystroke Logging in Writing Research: Using Inputlog to Analyze and Visualize …
    Written Communication
  4. Connelly et al. (2012)
    Predicting the Quality of Composition and Written Language Bursts From Oral Lan…
    Written Communication
  5. Quinlan et al. (2012)
    Coordinating the Cognitive Processes of Writing: The Role of the Monitor
    Written Communication
  6. Hayes (2012)
    Modeling and Remodeling Writing
    Written Communication
  7. Hayes et al. (2007)
    Working Memory in an Editing Task
    Written Communication

References (16) · 3 in this index

  1. 10.1016/S0079-7421(08)60452-1
     ↗
  2. CHENOWETH et al. (2001)
    Fluency in Writing: Generating Text in L1 and L2
    Written Communication
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    The Inner Voice in Writing
    Written Communication
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    Writing without teachers
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Show all 16 →
  1. Hayes, J. R. (1996)
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     ↗
CrossRef global citation count: 77 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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