C003

Working Memory Capacity

B01 Attention & Processing
Core LayerMML-1

Version v1.3.2

Definition

A baseline capacity to hold and manipulate multiple units of information simultaneously (numbers, constraints, steps, intermediate results) during ongoing activity.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Working memory fragility: information drops out quickly, forcing repeated rereading, rechecking, or re-asking for steps and conditions.

High Pole

A larger “mental workspace”: more units can be held and used correctly. Multi-constraint tasks are easier without constant external scaffolding.

Reference

Sufficient for everyday demands, but complexity quickly requires external support (notes, checklists, diagrams).

Measure

Capacity—the maximum number of information units that can be concurrently maintained and correctly used under specified task conditions.

Measuring Methods

• Standard working memory tasks (maintenance, updating, interference).
• Practical protocols: executing multi-step instructions without prompting.

Empirical Anchor

Working memory capacity (Baddeley, 2000); operation span tasks (Turner & Engle, 1989); WM and intelligence (Conway et al., 2003).

Notes

• Risks at MAX: overcommitting to complexity, taking on too many concurrent constraints.
• Risks at MIN: errors in multi-step work, dependence on external prompts.
• Differs from C004Information Processing Speed (capacity vs. speed).
• Differs from C001Attentional Stability (one can have high capacity but unstable focus, and vice versa).

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Working Memory Capacity (HES Passport C003, v1.3.2). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/C003

BibTeX

@misc{hes_C003, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Working Memory Capacity}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport C003, v1.3.2}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/C003}} }