2.3 The working memory model

Question 1

What is the central executive?

Answer 1

Monitors and coordinates all other mental functions in the working memory

Question 2

What is the episodic buffer?

Answer 2

Receives input from many sources, temporarily stores this information, and then integrates it in order to construct a mental episode of what is being experienced.

Question 3

What is the phonological loop?

Answer 3

Codes speech sounds in working memory, typically involving maintenance rehearsal. This is why this component of working memory is referred to as a loop.

Question 4

What is the visuospatial sketchpad?

Answer 4

Codes visual information in terms of separate objects as well as the arrangement of these objects in ones visual field.

Question 5

What is the working memory model?

Answer 5

An explanation of the memory used when working on a task. Each store is qualitatively different.

Question 6

Summarise the working memory model

Answer 6

• Central executive acts as attention - allocates tasks to slave system no storage
• phonological loop preserves order of auditory information - phonological store for inner ear - articulatory process performs maintenance rehearsal as inner voice
• Visuospatial sketchpad for planning and processing visual/ spatial tasks - visual cache for form and colour - inner scribe for spatial relations
• episodic buffer records events as they happens, links to LTM

Question 7

Evaluate the working memory model (strengths)

Answer 7

• participants slower when dual tasks Hitch and Baddeley
• Damage to phonological loop, problems with verbal material (Shallice and Warrington)
• Damage to phonological loop, unable to learn word pairs presented out loud (Trojano and Grossi)
• Damage to spatial system (Farah et al)
• Word length effect - longer words cant be rehearsed (supports PL)

Question 8

Evaluate the working memory model (limitations)

Answer 8

• CE doesn’t explain anything and more complex than represented
• Brain damage evidence unreliable because trauma could cause problems

Question 9

What did Baddeley and Hitch study?

Answer 9

Dual task performance
Doing two things from same store causes you to do less well
two things from separate stores results in no interference