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Chunking improves symbolic sequence processing and relies on working memory gating mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: Chunking, namely the grouping of sequence elements in clusters, is ubiquitous during sequence processing, but its impact on performance remains debated. Here, we found that participants who adopted a consistent chunking strategy during symbolic sequence learning showed a greater improvement of their performance and a larger decrease in cognitive workload over time. Stronger reliance on chunking was also associated with higher scores in a WM updating task, suggesting the contribution of WM gating mechanisms to sequence chunking. Altogether, these results indicate that chunking is a cost-saving strategy that enhances effectiveness of symbolic sequence learning.

SUBMITTER: Solopchuk O

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4755266 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Chunking improves symbolic sequence processing and relies on working memory gating mechanisms.

Solopchuk Oleg O Alamia Andrea A Olivier Etienne E Zénon Alexandre A

Learning & memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.) 20160216 3

Chunking, namely the grouping of sequence elements in clusters, is ubiquitous during sequence processing, but its impact on performance remains debated. Here, we found that participants who adopted a consistent chunking strategy during symbolic sequence learning showed a greater improvement of their performance and a larger decrease in cognitive workload over time. Stronger reliance on chunking was also associated with higher scores in a WM updating task, suggesting the contribution of WM gating ...[more]

PMID: 26884228

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