Individual Differences in Working Memory as Strategy Selection: Implications for Computational Models of Scientific Discovery

In contrast to storage-based models, the present paper attempts to explain the role of working memory in scientific reasoning in terms of the strategic functions of the executive control system. According to this approach, strategies are selected to achieve the individual’s goals. A strategic approach provides accounts for the findings of the research on scientific discovery. Furthermore, a strategic approach has implications for a variety of areas of cognitive science.