Embodiment Helps Children Solve a Spatial Working Memory Task: Interactions with Age and Gender

Abstract

Physical movement that is meaningfully related to a cognitive task (embodiment) can enhance cognition. The current study investigates whether this effect decreases with age in childhood and young adulthood. In study 1, 7- and 9-year-olds performed a spatial 2-back task either while standing or while walking into the current stimulus field (embodied condition). Seven-year-olds profited from embodiment, while 9-year-olds did not, and boys profited more than girls. Study 2 did not detect an effect of embodiment in young adults in a spatial 3-back task. This indicates that cognitive enhancements induced by embodiment are stronger at younger ages.