Evaluating the working memory model

Question 1

What are the strengths of the WMM?

Answer 1

1. It explains a lot
2. Shows there are different kinds of memory.
3. Improves on MSM,with a expansion on processing.

Question 2

What Weaknesses have we already seen?

Answer 2

Logie (1995) suggested the sub-division of the visuo -spatial sketch pad into the inner scribe and visual cache.
Farah et al (1988) supported this with the case study of LH who preformed better in spatial tasks than visual ones after a traffic accident.

Question 3

What are the issues with the Central Executive

Answer 3

1. It is too ambiguous
2. It is also unlikely to be unitary as Eslington and Damasio’s (1985) case study of EVR found that he could reason well but not make decisions after a cerebral tumour. Both of which should be done by the central executive, indicating it wasn’t wholly unitary.

Question 4

What is the issue with the WMM being supported by case studies?

Answer 4

1. There is no ‘before and after comparison so you can’t tell if something is due to the damage with much certainty.
2. The trauma of the damage may cause the change in behaviour rather than the damage in of itself.