Interference with prior knowledge while writing from sources: Effects of working memory capacity

Abstract

Writing from sources requires the processing of both external (documentary) and internal (long-term memory; LTM) sources of information, which can sometimes interfere with each other. We hypothesised that writers with high working memory (WM) capacity would resolve interference faster than those with low-capacity WM. However, results showed that writing pause duration was shorter for low-capacity writers. This result suggests that when WM resources are limited, access to domain knowledge in LTM is restricted, thereby avoiding interference between the two sources. Results are discussed within the broader context of text composition from sources and individual differences.

Keywords:

• Formulation
• Interference
• Memory
• Writing

Notes

¹Weighting was unnecessary because the number of arguments displayed on the screen was constant (16 arguments). Therefore, participants had to process exactly the same amount of external information, when looking at the computer screen.

²Weighting by production time was necessary in this case, since produced texts varied from one participant to another.