The Effect of Working Memory Training on Vocabulary Recall and Retention of Iranian EFL Learners: The Case of Dual N-Back Task

This study examined the effect of working memory training on vocabulary recall and retention ofIranian EFL learners using dual N-back task technique. To this end, 50 EFL learners at IslamicAzad University of Shoushtar were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 25) and control (n= 25) groups. Before the treatment, a vocabulary test was administered to the participants to assessthe participants’ vocabulary knowledge of the target words. The participants were taught 100English words in 20 sessions. In each session, the experimental group also received dual n-backtask to train the participants’ working memory. At the end and three weeks after the last treatmentsession, the vocabulary test was administered. The obtained data were analyzed through two-wayrepeated measure ANOVA and independent samples t-tests. The results showed that theexperimental group outperformed the control group in target words’ recall and retention.Implications arising from the findings and suggestions for further research are also explained.