Working memory, exploration, and cognitive development

doi:10.1016/j.tics.2026.07.007

Working memory, exploration, and cognitive development

2026-08-17

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Vladimir M. Sloutsky *

DOI：10.1016/j.tics.2026.07.007

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Children tend to explore broadly, and, despite its costs, exploration confers important benefits, especially early in development, when they know little. What drives this exploratory behavior? In contrast to accounts that emphasize heightened curiosity or increased randomness, we propose that early exploration reflects the immaturity of the working memory–selective attention system.

Working memory, exploration, and cognitive development

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