The comparison of decision making and skin conductivity responses of high and low working memory capacity individuals

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of working memory capacity on skin conductance response (SCR), decision making, and executive functions. Additionally, the impact of working memory capacity on personality and cognitive emotion regulation has also been examined. The research sample consisted of 55 voluntary participants studying at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University. Working memory was measured using the Wechsler Memory Scale-III Letter-Number Sequencing Subtest (LNS); decision making was assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT); executive functions were evaluated using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Wechsler Memory Scale-III Spatial Span Subtest, and the Tower of London (TOF) task; cognitive emotion regulation by Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ); personality by Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Short Form (EPQ-R). SCR measurements were taken during the IGT. Independent samples t-test and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied research data. The findings indicate that working memory capacity has an impact on the relevant variables. Decision making, visual memory span, planning, and problem-solving performance were found to be better in the high working memory capacity group, while perseveration scores were higher in the low working memory capacity group. Additionally, working memory capacity influenced the lying subscale of personality and the acceptance and positive reappraisal subscale of the CERQ. The findings were discussed within the relevant literature, and suggestions for future research were provided.