Putting Working Memory to Work: Integrating Cognitive Science Theories with Cognitive Engineering Research

Abstract

Human factors research has long included discussions of the importance of mental models when understanding human-human interaction and human-system interaction. Additionally, a small number of researchers in the field have included theories of working memory and related constructs in their research approaches. Nonetheless, little if any research has acknowledged the connection between these two very important constructs arising out of the cognitive sciences. In this paper we discuss recent theoretical and empirical developments on working memory from cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience and relate these to our understanding of mental models. We show how the connection between these two concepts can facilitate a deeper understanding of issues associated with cognitive engineering and decision making research.