Certified Brain Injury Specialist Practice Exam

An example of working memory is:

1. Remembering a friend's address

2. Rehearsing a phone number then writing it down

3. Reading a book

4. Solving a math problem

The correct answer is: Rehearsing a phone number then writing it down

Working memory refers to the system that temporarily holds and manipulates information needed for complex cognitive tasks. It is crucial for tasks that require you to keep information in mind over a short period while using it to perform a task. Rehearsing a phone number and then writing it down is a classic demonstration of working memory. In this scenario, an individual must hold the digits of the phone number in their mind long enough to repeat them, which involves active maintenance of that information. The act of rehearsing indicates that the person is using their working memory to support a transient need for that information. While remembering a friend's address involves recall, and reading a book engages long-term memory and comprehension, these activities do not require the same level of immediate, active manipulation of information as working memory does. Solving a math problem may involve working memory, but it typically involves a more complex set of operations and potentially long-term memory knowledge as well, depending on the math involved. Thus, the act of rehearsing a phone number directly aligns with the concept and functionality of working memory.