Final answer:
Improvements in processing speed and storage capacity support the development of working memory in middle childhood, aiding in more logical thinking processes and enhanced learning abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Improvements in the processing speed and storage capacity of information are found to aid in the development of working memory in middle childhood. Cognitive skills continue to evolve rapidly during this stage, which spans roughly from 6 to 11 years old. Children's thought processes become more logical and the ability to plan and work toward goals improves. The processing of complex ideas such as addition, subtraction, and understanding cause-and-effect relationships is enhanced.
As processing speed and efficiency increases, children in middle childhood are better able to use strategies like chunking of information and engage in more complex levels of processing. The use of these strategies, along with elaborative rehearsal, helps to consolidate information from short-term to long-term memory, which is particularly relevant as their attention spans increase around the age of 11 years old.
Therefore, enhanced processing abilities contribute significantly to the efficiency of their memory systems, potentially leading to more effective learning and information retrieval.