Working memory, visual–spatial-intelligence and their relationship to problem-solving

The relationship between working memory, intelligence and problem-solving is explored. Wittmann and Süß [Wittmann, W.W., & Süß, H.M. (1999). Investigating the paths between working memory, intelligence, knowledge, and complex problem-solving performances via Brunswik symmetry. In P.L. Ackerman, R.D. Roberts (Ed.), Learning and individual differences. Process, trait content determinants (pp. 77–104). Washington: APA.] showed that working memory shares unique variance with problem-solving beyond intelligence. We used measures of visuo-spatial intelligence (Gv) and working memory to predict performance in the simulation-based problem-solving test MultiFlux in a sample of N = 144 undergraduate students. SEM analyses showed that while there was no unique contribution of Gv, working memory was a significant predictor of MultiFlux rule knowledge and rule application. This result is not in line with findings by Wittmann and Süß. It is discussed that task content (verbal, figural, numerical) might play an important role in explaining the relationship between intelligence and problem-solving.