Working memory: a foundation for executive abilities and higher-order cognitive skills.

This paper presents a discussion of working memory and the relationship between working memory and executive abilities. An overview of three prominent models of working memory is provided with experimental support for each. The importance of assessing working memory in individuals with brain damage and related language disorders is discussed, as well as limitations of the currently available assessment tools. Lastly, future directions for the development of both theory and assessment tools are offered.