A Comprehensive Investigation to Identify Working Memory Components Utilizing Thematic Analysis Technique: A Qualitative Research

Background: Working memory (WM) is commonly known as a mediator between short-term and long-term memory. However, WM as well is a data processor and manipulator in charge of a considerable portion of our cognitive abilities. Due to the recently grasped significance of further investigations of WM, this study was conducted aiming to identify the entire WM components present in the current literature utilizing qualitative thematic analysis. Methods: Stirling’s novel method of qualitative inductive thematic analysis was applied to extract the entire components of WM from the current literature up to 2018. Results: Our results yielded 57 basic concepts (themes) related to WM out of 1099 concepts, which was integrated into 18 organizing concepts that altogether comprise the global notion of WM. Statistical validation was conducted through expert confirmation and content validity index (CVI) calculation (0.88). Moreover, the Holsti coefficient was 0.60 that indicates relatively appropriate reliability. Conclusion: Considering the growing interest in studying WM components, conducting an integrative research aiming to thoroughly clarify these components was required. Herein, through applying the novel technique of thematic analysis, we have developed a comprehensive theme network designed to facilitate future studies on WM.