Cognitive Approach - Models of Memory

Question 1

Stages of memory

Answer 1

1. Encoding
2. Storage
3. Retrieval

Question 2

Multi-stage model of memory

Answer 2

Describes how informations flows through sensory register, STM, and LTM

• Environmental Stimuli
• Sensory Register
• STM
• Processing (rehearsal : maintenance, elaborative)
• LTM
• Retrieval
  INFORMATION CAN BE LOST AT ANY STAGE

Question 3

Working memory model of memory

Answer 3

1. Development of MSM
2. Includes several components (Central executive, Auditory loop, Visual-spatial sketchpad, Episodic buffer)

Question 4

Central Executive

Answer 4

An attention control system that monitors and coordinates the operations of the sub-systems of processing and storage (decides how and when the sub-systems are used)

Question 5

Auditory loop

Answer 5

Auditory component of STM. Any activity that requires retention of a verbal sequence relies on the auditory loop

Question 6

Episodic Buffer

Answer 6

Temporarily holds several sources of information active at the same time.

Question 7

Visual Spatial Sketchpad

Answer 7

Visual component of STM. Temporary store for visual and spatial information.

Question 8

Robbins et al (1996) WMM

Answer 8

Aim: To investigate the role of working memory in chess moves

Participants: Male chess players recruited from chess clubs. Variety of rankings

Procedure:
1. Participants were shown a chessboard arranged as if mid game (all pieces still there)
2. They had 10 s to memorise the placing of the pieces and then had to recreate the exact placing of every piece on an empty chess board. No time limit
3. Four conditions
- Articulatory loop suppression: have to repeat the word ‘the’ in time to a metronome during 10s memorisation period
- Visuo-spatial sketchpad suppression: have to press keys on a calculator in time to a metronome during 10s memorisation period
- Central Executive suppression: Have to call out a sequence of letters at random in time to a metronome during 10s memorisation period
-Control: No suppression task

Results:
- Central Executive suppression/Visuo-spatial suppression had worse recall of chess positions than other conditions
- Stronger chess players performed slightly better

Conclusion:
Visual suppression appears to create ‘overload’ effect preventing visual material from being recalled as easily. Working memory was not affected by verbal processing suppression