FAO Pychologists.

[Abdulmajid]

Is memory and intelligence linked in any way whatsoever?

Thank you.

[Buenchico]

Hiya Wardy

There seems to be very little valid research into the correlation between long-term memory and 'intelligence' (whatever that might really be).

However, Ackerman, Beier, and Boyle's report on Working Memory and Intelligence�Their Correlation and Their Relation found a positive correlation between short-term memory (referred to as 'working memory capacity') and measures of intelligence (defined in their report as 'cognitive ability measures'). Their research has been challenged by a published comment from Oberauer, Schulze, Wilhelm & S�� but the basic principles seem to hold true.

In everyday terms, the ability to store plenty of data (for further analysis) would seem to be a prerequisite for successful completion of advanced tasks measuring cognitive ability. However, whether such tests measure 'true' intelligence is open to question.

Chris

[Abdulmajid]

Very thorough answer there Sir Chris.

Obliged.

[China Doll]

My memory is terrible but I function a (subjectively) intelligent human. I believe there is some bearing between the two but wisdom requires a little j'ai se quoi,(enter Max).

[Sir Alec]

My Dad had several tiny strokes which have almost wiped out his short term memory, but he's still a very intelligent man. He just has trouble learning new stuff as his memory wont accept the new information.

[Buenchico]

Sir Alec's post is an excellent example of 'anecdotal evidence' having at least as much importance as 'research findings'.

His father would probably perform very poorly with 'cognitive ability' tests (which assess 'measured intelligence') but, as Sir Alec's post clearly indicates, this is completely different to 'real intelligence'.

Chris

[jno]

I suspect not. Computers have wonderful memory but (so far) not much intelligence... though it depends what you mean by intelligence; I don't think there's any universally agreed definition.

[Eve]

I had a ridiculously good memory for certain things, more often than not things that happened or I've been told and particularly work related

The more my work memory has improved the more my personal memory has suffered, bills, medical appointments, picking up prescriptions etc....

I used to have certain personal details tatooed in my mind like birthdays and such but the more work fills my brain the more they disappear.

I've had other people in the same profession (law) say the same thing.