The Working Memory Model

Question 1

What components make up The Working Memory Model?

Answer 1

• Central Executive
• Visuo-spatial Sketchpad
• Episodic Buffer
• Phonological Loop
• Long-term memory

Question 2

What is the function of the Central Executive?

Answer 2

Monitors and allocates incoming data to the slave systems (the controller)

Question 3

What is the function of the Episodic Buffer?

Answer 3

• A temporary store for info

- Integrates visual, spatial and verbal info from other stores

Question 4

What is the function of the Phonological Loop?

Answer 4

Handles auditory info

Question 5

What subdivisions is the Phonological Loop divided into?

Answer 5

• Phonological Store (stores words we here)

- Articulatory Process (allows maintenance rehearsal)

Question 6

What is the coding and capacity of the Central Executive?

Answer 6

Coding: Flexible
Capacity: Very Limited

Question 7

What is the coding and capacity of the Episodic Buffer?

Answer 7

Coding: Flexible
Capacity: 4 ‘chunks’

Question 8

What is the coding and capacity of the Phonological Loop?

Answer 8

Coding: Acoustic
Capacity: 2 seconds

Question 9

What is the function of the Visuo-spatial Sketchpad?

Answer 9

Stores visual and spatial info

Question 10

What are the subdivisions of the Visuo-spatial Sketchpad?

Answer 10

• Visual cache (stores visual data)

- Inner scribe (Records the arrangement of objects in visual field)

Question 11

What is the coding and capacity of the Visuo-spatial Sketchpad?

Answer 11

Coding: Visual and Spatial
Capacity: 3 - 4 objects

Question 12

Strengths of The Working Memory Model

Answer 12

• Dual task performance studies support the Visuo-spatial Sketchpad
• Word length effect supports the Phonological Loop​
• Support from brain scan studies​ (Scientific)

Question 13

Weaknesses of The Working Memory Model

Answer 13

• Artificial tasks used in studies

- Lacks clarity over the central executive​