Memory - Working Memory Model

Question 1

Working memory model - Baddeley + Hitch

Answer 1

Type of short term memory
Used when we are working on a complex task which requires you to store information as you go along
STM stores + processes info
Has a limited capacity

Question 2

Phonological loop

Answer 2

Processes sound based info
2 sub components:
Articulatory control process - inner voice, rehearses sound info, think in words
Phonological store - inner ear, receives sound info, speech perception

Question 3

Visuospatial sketchpad

Answer 3

Inner eye
Visual info
Spatial info (location)

Question 4

Central executive

Answer 4

Controls phonological loop and visuospatial sketchpad (slave systems)
Decides what we pay attention to

Question 5

Episodic buffer

Answer 5

Didn’t consider how long term memories may be brought into WM or how sound + visual info could be integrated:
Backup store
Integrates info from other components

Question 6

Supporting evidence

Answer 6

KF: damage to STM + verbal recall but visual info was normal.
WM may have separate components, verbal + visual

Paulesu et al: PET scan while carrying out memory tasks which used inner voice or inner ear
Inner voice located in Broca’s area, inner ear located in supramarginal gyrus
WM contains separate components in phonological loop. PPP

Dual task studies:
If you carry out one visual and one verbal task, they don’t interfere with each other - separate components of WM

Question 7

Evidence against

Answer 7

Dual tasks carried out lack ecological validity, are artificial tasks, don’t reflect typical memory tasks carried out in everyday life
Demand characteristics - behaving differently to normal

Wolbers et al: compared special awareness in sighted and blind since birth people - could use other senses e.g, touch to understand spatial awareness
Not dependent on vision - is separate

Not much is known on central executive, untestable, could be separated into different parts