FAST Working Memory and Information Retention

Question 1

Working memory capacity is BEST measured by:

Accepted Answer

How many items can be maintained and manipulated while performing a concurrent task

Answer

Working memory is specifically about active maintenance AND manipulation of information under cognitive load — the concurrent processing demand is the defining feature. Simple recall without interference measures short-term memory, not working memory.

Question 2

A candidate hears the sequence 7-3-9-2-5 and must repeat it in reverse order. This task primarily tests:

Accepted Answer

Working memory — specifically the central executive's manipulation function

Answer

Reversing a sequence requires both holding the digits (storage) and mentally reordering them (manipulation) — this is the central executive function of working memory. Pure forward repetition tests storage only.

Question 3

According to Baddeley's model of working memory, which component handles verbal rehearsal (the 'inner voice')?

Accepted Answer

Phonological loop

Answer

The phonological loop stores and rehearses verbal and auditory information through articulatory rehearsal (inner voice). The visuospatial sketchpad handles visual/spatial information; the central executive coordinates; the episodic buffer integrates across systems.

Question 4

A pilot remembers: runway 28L, wind 270/15, QNH 1013. ATC then issues a new clearance: descend to FL080. Which working memory phenomenon poses the greatest risk?

Accepted Answer

Displacement — new information pushing out earlier items

Answer

Working memory has limited capacity. New, high-priority information (descent clearance) can displace earlier items (QNH, wind) — particularly if those items have not yet been written down or read back.

Question 5

Which technique BEST improves working memory performance during a complex aviation task?

Accepted Answer

Chunking information into meaningful groups

Answer

Chunking reduces the number of distinct units in working memory (e.g., treating '270/15' as 'westerly wind 15 knots' rather than six separate characters), effectively expanding functional capacity.

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

FAST Working Memory and Information Retention