Working memory is entirely equivalent to fluid intelligence
Is it true that working memory is entirely equivalent to fluid intelligence?
No. Working memory and fluid intelligence are closely related but distinct cognitive constructs, with research demonstrating that working memory is only one component contributing to fluid intelligence rather than being entirely equivalent to it.
Verdict: REFUTED · 0 sources for, 6 against · Last checked
The claim states that working memory is 'entirely equivalent' to fluid intelligence. Multiple retrieved papers explicitly demonstrate that while working memory and fluid intelligence are strongly correlated, they are separable constructs; working memory capacity is only a partial mediator or contributor to fluid intelligence, and other factors are involved. Therefore, the claim is refuted by the literature.
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Fukuda, K., Vogel, E., Mayr, U., & Awh, E. (2010). Quantity not quality: The relationship between fluid intelligence and working memory capacity. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3758/17.5.673
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Singh, K. A., Gignac, G. E., Brydges, C. R., & Ecker, U. K. H. (2018). Working memory capacity mediates the relationship between removal and fluid intelligence. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JML.2018.03.002
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Mashburn, C. A., Tsukahara, J. S., & Engle, R. W. (2020). Individual Differences in Attention Control. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198842286.003.0007
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Li, C., Ren, X., Schweizer, K., & Wang, T. (2021). Strategy use moderates the relation between working memory capacity and fluid intelligence: A combined approach. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/5gxts
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Hagemann, D., Ihmels, M., Bast, N., Neubauer, A. B., Schankin, A., & Schubert, A. (2023). Fluid Intelligence Is (Much) More than Working Memory Capacity: An Experimental Analysis. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11040070
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J, C. & D, K. (2026). Mapping Executive Function Performance Based on Resting-State EEG in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic and Mechanistic Review.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031306
- Is it true that human working memory capacity is strictly limited? SUPPORTED
- Is it true that human working memory capacity can be trained and improved? SUPPORTED
- Is it true that working memory can be reliably measured in non-human animals? SUPPORTED
- Is it true that working memory recovers fully after episodes of depression? REFUTED
- Is it true that general fluid intelligence is a distinct component of human cognitive ability? SUPPORTED
- Is it true that visual short-term memory and visual working memory are distinct cognitive systems? CONTESTED
What does the evidence say?
The claim states that working memory is 'entirely equivalent' to fluid intelligence. Multiple retrieved papers explicitly demonstrate that while working memory and fluid intelligence are strongly correlated, they are separable constructs; working memory capacity is only a partial mediator or contributor to fluid intelligence, and other factors are involved. Therefore, the claim is refuted by the literature.
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