Аннотация:Working memory and long-term memory differ in many ways. One difference is in the storage capacity of each. Traditionally, the capacity of the
working memory has been measured by a memory span task in which the individual hears series of items and must repeat them. Most of the research
has focus on individual differences in working memory capacities. Daneman and Carpenter (1980) developed the Reading span test, which they
interpret as providing a measure of an individual’s working memory capacity. The subject is given a series of sentences to read, and then must recall the last word from each of the preceding sentences. Span is calculated as the maximum number of sentences on which the subject can perform
this task perfectly. In 1986 Daneman and Green developed the Speaking span test. Most of the research has done on English-speaking individuals.
The main goal of this paper is to provide and describe the Verbal span tests on Russian material. The present study shows how the use of the notion
of verbal working memory contributes to our understanding the individual differences in language comprehension and language production mechanisms. Using Russian adaptations of the working memory reading span and speaking span tests we demonstrated that the working memory capacity is really correlated with some referential processes, as well as it is a predictor of verbal fluency.