Chapter 5: Working Memory

Question 1

Digit span

Answer 1

A measure of the largest number of digits which an individual can recall when tested immediatelly afte their presentation.With LTM contribution: 5+-2. Without LTM 3-4 items. Predicy attention deficits.

Question 2

Recency- primacy effects

Answer 2

The tendency for individuals to show particularly good recall for items presented towards the end (recency), or the start (primacy).

Question 3

Working Memory Model

Answer 3

A hypothetical short - term memory system in which a variety of processes are carried out on both new input and retrieved memories. However, controlled attention theory proposed that WM depends primarily on controlled attention, which temporilly activates one part of storage memory before moving on to another part.

Question 4

Central executive (WM)

Answer 4

Central executive is a theoretic mechanism, which is assumed to have an overall control of the WM. Three functions (determined by heredity):
1. Inhibiotion, 2. Shifting (switching attention between different tasks), 3. updating (monitor stored information and new input). Predic self-control and willpower.

Question 5

Phonological loop

Answer 5

Phonological loop is assumed to provide short storage for verbally presented items. It contains two seperate components: Phonological store stores auditory information and articulatory control process allows subvocal (inner speech) rehearsal of the information. The verbal material inserts the phological loop, but non-speech sounds do not.

Question 6

Visuo-spatial sketchpad

Answer 6

Visuo-spatial sketchpad provides short storage for visually presentd items. It contains two sub-components: 1. Visual cache stores visual information about shapes and ccolours. 2. Inner scribe holds spatial information and assists with the control of physical actions.

Question 7

Articulatory suppression

Answer 7

A task used to occupy the process of the working memory, normally involving the repetition of a soun ‘the’.

Question 8

Word -length effect

Answer 8

The finding that the storage of WM is not only based on the number of items. Word span in immediate recall is greater for short words than for long words.

Question 9

Episodic buffer

Answer 9

A hypothetical component of WM which intergrades information from different sense modalities, and provides a link with the LTM.

Question 10

Neuro-imaging

Answer 10

WM activates the left hemisphere.
Viso-spatial WM activates right hemisphere.
Phonological loop activates the pariental lobe of supramarginal gyrus.