Developmental investigation of memory capacity using functional neuroimaging

工作记忆容量是一个人在同一时间可以记住的项目的数量。 这种能力在整个童年时期逐渐增加，并与智力和学校表现有关。 虽然随着年龄的增长，记忆力的改善与大脑的成熟有关，但研究还没有确定大脑中的特定区域或其成熟模式与记忆力发展的关系。 我们最近设计了一个颜色匹配任务，以六个难度递增的步骤来测量儿童的记忆能力。 7岁的儿童可以完成这项任务，但年龄较大的儿童能够逐步完成更困难的水平。

Working memory capacity is the number of items one can hold in mind at the same time. This capacity increases gradually across childhood, and is related to intelligence and school performance. Although memory improvements with age are associated with brain maturation, studies have not determined how specific areas in the brain or their maturational pattern are related to memory development. We have recently designed a colour matching task which measures memory capacity in children in a six steps of increasing difficulty. Children as young as 7 years can complete this task, but older children are able to do progressively more difficult levels.