Working memory, sustained attention and academic performance in students aged 14 to 16 at an educational institution in Valledupar

Abstract

The present research seeks to analyze the relationship between the variables working memory, sustained attention, and academic performance. We worked with a population of 32 young students whose ages range from 14 to 16 years, which are part of a private institution in the city of Valledupar, Colombia. For the evaluation of the neuropsychological variables, the NEUROPSI battery was used, which used several subtests Work Memory, detection of digits in regression; Work Memory, Cubes in Regression that evaluate work memory; and attention Concentration, Successive Series, Frequency Attention and Concentration; Digit Detection sustained attention; To measure attention and to measure academic performance, the academic reports of the institution were taken into account, which is governed by the Ministry of National Education of Colombia (MEN). The results of the investigation showed that there is a significant relationship between the variables studied and the academic performance, since those students who achieved NORMAL, NORMAL ALTO results in the subtests, are those who have average HIGH grades. It is recommended to follow the proposed intervention plan, for those students who presented negative results in the evaluated tests.