The Domain-Generality of Working Memory and Fluid Intelligence

Abstract

Working memory (WM) is a critical system enabling temporary storage and manipulation of information for performance of complex cognitive tasks. Several individual differences studies have shown that WM capacity is strongly correlated with fluid intelligence, suggesting that WM capacity is largely domain-general (e.g., Kane et al., 2004). In the current study, we re-analyzed data from Kane et al. (2004), to compare traditional factor analytic models and more recent psychometric network models. The results from our network models suggest that domain-specific abilities play a more significant role than previously recognized, highlighting the limitations of relying primarily on traditional latent factor approaches, which emphasize domain-general sources of variance in WM capacity. The findings of the current study suggest that both domain-general and domain-specific abilities should be considered to better understand individual differences in WM capacity, fluid intelligence, and other broad cognitive abilities.