The relation between a multicomponent working memory and intelligence: The roles of central executive and short-term storage functions

This study examined the relationship among multifaceted functions of working memory, namely central executive functions (shifting, inhibition and updating) and short-term storage components (phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad), and general intelligence in 110 healthy participants using structural equation modelling. The key findings support a multidimensional model of the central executive in showing that updating, inhibition and short-term storage differentially correlate with general intelligence, including both fluid and crystallized intelligence. These results suggest that both processing and storage components of working memory contribute to the relation with general intelligence. •The central executive of working memory as represented by inhibition, shifting, and updating functions was examined.•The relation among the central executive and short-term storage components of working memory and g was investigated.•Inhibition and updating function predicted general intelligence.•Common short-term storage mechanisms also predict general intelligence.