Oberauer & Hein 2012

Question 1

Regarding the amount of information, how many chunks can be hold in the working memory according to Cowan and according to Garavan and McElree?

Answer 1

Cowan: four chunks

Garavan & MacElree: only one item

Question 2

Describe the “Three-embedded-components model of working memory”.

Answer 2

An activated part of the long-term memory holds information that is relevant to a current task. The focus of attention binds about four items into a new structure. The focus of attention selects one item as target of the next cognitive operation.

Question 3

What is the conclusion of Oberauer and Hein?

Answer 3

Working memory has a limited capacity component, with one item often achieving privileged status. There is a broad focus of attention: a selection of long-term memory representations. There is a narrow focus of attention: selection of information needed for next cognitive operation (mostly not more than one item).