What Is the Working Memory Scale (WMS)?

The Working Memory Scale (WMS) is a structured assessment tool used to evaluate the working memory skills of children between the ages of 5 years 0 months and 8 years 11 months. Working memory is a critical cognitive skill that forms the foundation of daily and academic functions, such as the ability to hold information in mind for a short period while simultaneously processing it, following instructions, sustaining attention, and solving problems.

An EIA not only assesses the overall level of short-term and working memory skills; it also helps to understand in detail which areas—whether visual or auditory memory—the child excels in and where they need additional support. This makes it possible to develop a more targeted roadmap for educational planning, creating intervention programs, and coordinating home-school arrangements.

What Areas Does the ÇBÖ Evaluate?

General Working Memory is not a single skill; it consists of the interaction of various components. The General Working Memory Assessment generally addresses these dimensions:

• Verbal Short-Term Memory: Refers to the ability to temporarily retain information presented auditorily in the mind.
• Verbal Working Memory: This refers to the ability to hold verbal information in mind while simultaneously processing, organizing, and transforming that information.
• Visual Short-Term Memory: Refers to the ability to retain visually presented information in the mind for a short period of time.
• Visual Working Memory: This refers to the ability to hold visual information in one’s mind while simultaneously comparing, organizing, and mentally processing that information.

While some children have sufficient ability to retain information in memory, they may have more pronounced difficulties with tasks that require processing while retaining information; in other children, however, the difficulties may be concentrated more in the verbal or visual channels. These differences become observable through this assessment.

Why Is the CBÖ Important?

Working memory plays a critical role in learning processes. Children with working memory difficulties may experience challenges in the following areas:

• Following multi-step instructions
• The process of reading comprehension and fluent reading
• Carrying Out the Steps of a Mathematical Operation
• Note-taking, planning, homework tracking
• Maintaining attention and sustaining performance under cognitive load
• Self-regulation skills

An IEP evaluation provides a clearer framework for understanding “where such challenges might stem from” and helps clarify the goals of the support plan.

How Does the Application Process Work?

The CBÖ is administered individually by a specialist. During the administration, age-appropriate instructions are given to the child; in some sections, the child performs recall tasks, while in others, the child performs tasks that involve processing information while recalling it.

What Should You Keep in Mind Before the Test?

On the day of the test, it is important that the child has had enough sleep and that their basic needs have been met. It is recommended to dress the child in comfortable clothing and to plan the day to follow as natural a routine as possible. If the child wears glasses, they should not be forgotten, and it is recommended to follow the specialist’s instructions regarding any medication.

It is not necessary to provide the child with detailed information before the test; however, a brief, age-appropriate explanation that does not cause anxiety may be given (e.g., “You’ll be doing some attention and memory games together”). A detailed introduction to the test and the instructions will be provided by the specialist administering the assessment during the evaluation process.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ÇBÖ

Is the ÇBÖ an intelligence test?

No. The ÇBÖ is not an intelligence test. However, it measures one of the skill sets assessed in intelligence tests. While relevant tests measure working memory skills solely through auditory means, the ÇBÖ evaluates overall ability through both visual and auditory assessments.

Can the CBÖ make a diagnosis on its own?

No. The CBÖ is not a “diagnostic tool”; it is an assessment tool that helps understand cognitive functions and complements clinical observation. The results are considered in conjunction with other measures and findings from the clinical interview, as needed.

For which children is the ÇBÖ recommended?

An evaluation may be helpful, particularly when difficulties are experienced in the areas of attention, learning, and academic performance; or when symptoms such as difficulty following instructions, reading comprehension issues, trouble following mathematical steps, or becoming easily distracted under mental strain are present. In particular, for neurodevelopmental diagnoses such as Specific Learning Disorder (Dyslexia), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an assessment of working memory performance can be helpful.