Hamdi Salehi, Samira Panahi,
Volume 13, Issue 26 (12-2023)
Abstract
This investigation aimed to determine the role of using specific gestures in simple arithmetic. Forty-seven university students (25 females; Mage = 23.45 ± 3.51 years) voluntarily participated in this study. The participants completed two tasks. In the item-counting task, the participants were shown sets of identical colored squares and asked to count a specific color by either finger-pointing, nodding, or without any gestures while counting. After completing the counting task and for measurement of the working memory performance, the participants were asked to recall lists of alphabets that were previously to them. The results revealed that when using finger-pointing or nodding while counting, the participants counted faster and more accurately than when gestures were not allowed. The results of the memory task showed that the participants retrieved significantly more alphabets and more quickly when using finger-pointing or nodding while counting than when not gesturing. Thus, the gestures helped to free up cognitive resources. The findings support the hypothesis that gestures may facilitate cognitive functions by reducing cognitive load. This present investigation, consistent with previous research, suggests that we can benefit from using our hand and head movements to facilitate some simple arithmetic tasks.
Mr Naser Omidzadeh, Dr Mahin Aghdaei, Dr Alireza Farsi,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of auditory focus with high and low cognitive load on adolescent sports performance and working memory. The present study was conducted quasi-experimentally and Its statistical population included adolescent primary and secondary school students in Koohnani. The statistical sample was 20 students with an age range of 11-13 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of auditory attention focus with high and low cognitive load and in the pre-test performed working memory task with N-BACK software and 6 football chip hits towards the target. The acquisition stage was performed in 4 days.. 7 days after the final acquisition session, N-BACK working memory test, delay retention and transfer test were taken from the participants. The results of combined analysis of variance test with repeated measures showed that the effect of auditory focus with high cognitive load on sports performance and working memory was significant (p <0.05) and the other group showed improvement only in working memory (p <0.05). Based on the results of the present, cognitive load manipulation affects work memory and athletic performance.
