Memory- The Working Memory Model Flashcards
Working memory model (WMMM) -
A representation of short-term memory (STM). It suggests that STM. is a dynamic processor of different types of information using sub-units coordinated by a central decision-making
System.
Central executive (CE) -
The component of the WMM that co-ordinates the activities of the three subsystems in memory It also allocates processing resources to those Activities.
Phonologicalcop (PL) -
The component of the WMM
that processes information in terms of sound. This includes both written and spoken material. It’s divided into the phonological store and the articulatory process.
Visuo-spatial seetchpad (V55) -
The component of the WMM that processes visual and spatial information in a mental space often called our ‘inner eye’.
Episodic butter (138) -
The component of the WMM that brings together material from the other subsystems into a single memory rather than separate strands. It also provides a bridge between working memory and long-term menor.
What is the working memory model (WMM)?
The working memory model is an explanation of how short-term memory is organized and functions, focusing on the part of the mind active when temporarily storing and manipulating information, such as during arithmetic problems, playing chess, or comprehending language.
What are the four main components of the WMM?
The four main components are the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad, and episodic buffer.
What is the central executive?
The central executive is an attentional process that monitors incoming data, makes decisions, and allocates tasks to slave systems. It has a very limited processing capacity.
What is the phonological loop?
The phonological loop is a slave system that deals with auditory information, preserving the order of information. It has two subdivisions: the phonological store (stores words you hear) and the articulatory process (allows maintenance rehearsal). Its capacity is about two seconds’ worth of speech.
What is the visuo-spatial sketchpad?
The visuo-spatial sketchpad is a slave system that stores visual and spatial information. It has a limited capacity of about three or four objects and is subdivided into the visual cache (stores visual data) and the inner scribe (records object arrangement).
What is the episodic buffer?
The episodic buffer is a temporary store that integrates visual, spatial, and verbal information, maintaining a sense of time sequencing. It links working memory to long-term memory and wider cognitive processes. Its capacity is about four chunks.
What clinical evidence supports the WMM?
Shallice and Warrington’s (1970) case study of patient KF, who had poor STM for verbal information but normal visual processing after brain damage, supports the existence of separate visual and acoustic stores.
What does dual-task performance research show about the WMM?
Baddeley et al. (1975) found that participants struggled more with two visual tasks than a visual and verbal task simultaneously, supporting the existence of a separate visuo-spatial sketchpad.
What is a criticism of the central executive?
The central executive is considered unclear and unsatisfactory by some psychologists. Baddeley (2003) acknowledged it as the least understood component, needing more detailed explanation beyond just “attention.”
What is the word length effect, and how does it support the WMM?
The word length effect, demonstrated by Baddeley et al. (1975), shows people struggle more to remember long words than short ones due to limited rehearsal space in the articulatory process. This supports the phonological loop’s role in working memory.
How do brain scanning studies support the WMM?
Braver et al. (1997) found increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex during tasks involving the central executive, especially as tasks became harder. This aligns with the WMM, as the central executive works harder under increased demands.
