Working Memory Differences Between Dancers and Non-Dancers
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Event Website
https://source2022.sched.com/
Start Date
18-5-2022
End Date
18-5-2022
Keywords
Working memory, Dance, Cognition
Abstract
Dance has long been regarded as being a therapeutic practice, particularly for physical and emotional states. Although the benefits of dance have primarily been focused on physical and emotional well-being, it has since been extended into the cognitive realm with emerging research examining the effects of dance when it comes to memory. Many studies have shown the preventative benefits of dance against diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia in older adults. However, research on the relationship between memory and dance has been isolated to the older adult population. To gain a better understanding of dance and memory, this study examined the relationship between dance and working memory in young adults. This study will utilize behavioral subtests of the Test of Memory and Learning, 2nd edition (TOMAL 2) measuring visual and auditory working memory. Following the evidence from previous research on the older adult population, we hypothesize that there will be working memory differences between dancers and non-dancers, more specifically, we hypothesize that dancers will score significantly higher on the TOMAL-2 than non-dancers.
Recommended Citation
Howard, Shaun and Low, Mason, "Working Memory Differences Between Dancers and Non-Dancers" (2022). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 55.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/COTS/55
Department/Program
Psychology
Additional Mentoring Department
Psychology
Working Memory Differences Between Dancers and Non-Dancers
Dance has long been regarded as being a therapeutic practice, particularly for physical and emotional states. Although the benefits of dance have primarily been focused on physical and emotional well-being, it has since been extended into the cognitive realm with emerging research examining the effects of dance when it comes to memory. Many studies have shown the preventative benefits of dance against diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia in older adults. However, research on the relationship between memory and dance has been isolated to the older adult population. To gain a better understanding of dance and memory, this study examined the relationship between dance and working memory in young adults. This study will utilize behavioral subtests of the Test of Memory and Learning, 2nd edition (TOMAL 2) measuring visual and auditory working memory. Following the evidence from previous research on the older adult population, we hypothesize that there will be working memory differences between dancers and non-dancers, more specifically, we hypothesize that dancers will score significantly higher on the TOMAL-2 than non-dancers.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/COTS/55
Faculty Mentor(s)
Ralf Greenwald