The term working memory refers to the cognitive system that allows us to keep information

available for processing while intelligence is a complex ability that allows us adapt our thinking
to a new cognitive problem or situation. It has recently been proposed that working memory is
closely related to fluid intelligence or general intelligence, and both play an important role in a
variety of developmental areas especially during childhood though the exact relationship till date
is still being debated. “Evidence shows that when solving simple to moderately difficult tasks,
more intelligent people exhibit less brain activity than individuals of lower intelligence.”
(Aeschlimann, 2017).

“Cognitive psychologists often define general intelligence in terms of the g factor which is a
statistical measure of an imaginary aptitude that correlates across numerous measures of
intelligence including but not limited to: verbal ability, foreign language learning, math, abstract
reasoning, problem solving, music, reading comprehension, and others” (Contributor, 2013).
Though working memory capacity may be the most highly correlated component of general
intelligence, it is not all of it.

While the nature and functioning of general intelligence in the brain is murky and not clearly
understood, there are several proposed components that have always emerged as recurring
themes such as:

 Short term memory (STM) capacity which is the ability to maintain ready access to
information.
 Working memory (WM) capacity which integrates attention and multiple short term
memory systems.
 Attention which is the ability to block out distractions and reduce memory interference.
 Set shifting and cognitive flexibility which is the ability to recognize a change in
environmental context and adapt behavioral rules appropriately.
 Persevering which is the ability to stay stuck in a pattern even when it no longer makes
sense.

Memory is the sum of what we have experienced and is usually broken into pieces and stored
unto different parts of the brain. When this happens, it causes us to develop intelligence in
certain aspects of life especially those that have been stored in our memories. For example while
studying python here at the UoPeople, it was so difficult initially but after much rehearsing it
became a cake walk for me thereby developing my intelligence in that field. Another typical
example is the memories of segregation and bad parenting I had while growing up with my
father which made me so fearful of him that I had to distant myself from him so much. Those
memories made me aware to the negative effects of bad parenting on a child thereby become
emotional intelligent to avoid making the same mistakes with my children. This sure is proof of
how memory relates to intelligence.
A memory strategy refers to any of a broad set of techniques that is designed to help one
remember. Such strategies range from external aids (e.g., using a planner) to internal memory
strategies (e.g., mnemonic devices) that facilitate storage and retrieval from long-term memory
and can be divided into two main categories: external and internal (Carney, 2011).

To enhance my memory, I intend to use the following memory strategies such as focusing my
attention, to avoid cramming by studying regularly, elaborating and rehearsing often, use
visualization concept, teaching others, reading out loud to myself, use mnemonics to improve
memory and getting ample sleep.

Reference

Aeschlimann, E. (2017, November 3). The relationship between working memory and
intelligence in children. BOLD. https://bold.expert/the-relationship-between-working-memory-
and-intelligence-in-children/

Carney, R. N. (2011). Memory Strategies. SpringerLink.

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-0-387-79061-9_1756?
error=cookies_not_supported&code=c123d165-0d7a-4e89-92ef-69e588889143

Contributor, Q. (2013, June 17). What Is the Relationship Between Working Memory and
Intelligence? Slate Magazine. https://slate.com/human-interest/2013/06/what-is-the-relationship-
between-working-memory-and-intelligence.html