The Working Memory Model

Question 1

Who developed the Working Memory Model?

Answer 1

Alan Baddeley & Graham Hitch

This model was developed based on Baddeley’s research into memory in the 1960s.

Question 2

What does the Working Memory Model propose about memory?

Answer 2

It carries out the functions of Short Term Memory (STM) and some work of Long Term Memory (LTM)

This model is considered an advance on Atkinson & Shiffrin’s Multi Store Model.

Question 3

What is the significance of the Working Memory Model for cognitive psychology?

Answer 3

It illustrates features of the Cognitive Approach and helps explain Alzheimer’s

The model uses a diagrammatic representation similar to information processing in computers.

Question 4

What is the dual test paradigm?

Answer 4

The idea that sound and vision are processed separately by memory

This was observed when participants became confused when asked to listen and look at two things at the same time.

Question 5

Define Working Memory according to Baddeley.

Answer 5

A temporary storage system under attentional control that underpins our capacity for complex thought

This definition emphasizes the role of attention in managing memory.

Question 6

What are the two slave systems in the Working Memory Model?

Answer 6

Phonological Loop and Visuo Spatial Sketchpad

These systems handle sound and vision, respectively.

Question 7

What is the function of the Central Executive in the Working Memory Model?

Answer 7

It allocates memories to the slave systems and retrieves information from the senses or LTM

The Central Executive does not handle memories directly but organizes them.

Question 8

What are the two sub-systems of the Phonological Loop?

Answer 8

Articulatory Loop and Primary Acoustic Store

The Articulatory Loop involves mental rehearsal while the Primary Acoustic Store holds sound memories.

Question 9

What is subvocalising?

Answer 9

Mental ‘talking to yourself’ that occurs during rehearsal

This process is part of the Articulatory Loop.

Question 10

What new system did Baddeley introduce in 2000?

Answer 10

Episodic Buffer

This system specializes in episodic LTM and combines information from the other systems.

Question 11

What is the role of the Episodic Buffer?

Answer 11

To bind memories together and form coherent episodes

It integrates visual and phonological memories into single episodes.

Question 12

How does the Central Executive interact with the Episodic Buffer?

Answer 12

It selects information from the Phonological Loop and VSSP to form memory episodes

The Central Executive also retrieves episodes from LTM for analysis.

Question 13

True or False: The Episodic Buffer is limited to processing one sense.

Answer 13

False

The Episodic Buffer is multi-modal and can integrate information from various senses.

Question 14

What does the dual testing evidence suggest about the Phonological Loop?

Answer 14

It codes acoustically and gets overloaded when similar-sounding items are presented.

Baddeley (2003) found that similar-sounding letters are recalled less effectively than dissimilar ones.

Question 15

What happens to memory recall when participants recite irrelevant words aloud?

Answer 15

Memory recall is ruined; this blocks the Phonological Loop.

This indicates the importance of focused attention for effective memory processing.

Question 16

According to Nelson Cowan (2005), how can Working Memory be more efficient?

Answer 16

By ‘chunking’ information together, handling about 4 ‘chunks’ at a time.

Chunking helps to optimize the limited capacity of Working Memory.

Question 17

Where is the Phonological Loop located in the brain?

Answer 17

In the left hemisphere, specifically in the temporal lobe.

This localization is important for understanding how auditory information is processed.

Question 18

Where is the Visual-Spatial Sketchpad (VSSP) located in the brain?

Answer 18

In the right hemisphere; simple tasks in the occipital lobe and complicated ones in the parietal lobe.

This division allows for different processing strategies for visual and spatial tasks.

Question 19

Where is the Episodic Buffer primarily located?

Answer 19

In both hemispheres, particularly in the hippocampus.

This region is crucial for linking memories and is involved in various memory tasks.

Question 20

Which part of the brain is the Central Executive linked to?

Answer 20

The frontal lobes.

The frontal lobes are associated with higher cognitive functions and decision-making.

Question 21

What is the ‘Cocktail Party Effect’?

Answer 21

The confusion experienced when trying to listen to two conversations at once.

It illustrates the limitations of Working Memory in processing multiple sources of information.

Question 22

Why can you play on Xbox and listen to your mother at the same time?

Answer 22

Because you are processing two different sources of information.

This demonstrates that different types of information can be handled simultaneously without overload.

Question 23

What particular difficulty do dementia sufferers have with dual tasks?

Answer 23

They struggle significantly with dual tasks.

Baddeley & Erses found that Alzheimer’s patients have difficulties with these tasks, indicating issues with the Central Executive.

Question 24

How can the dual load for dementia sufferers be reduced?

Answer 24

By creating a quiet environment without background noise.

Reducing distractions helps improve cognitive performance for individuals with dementia.

Question 25

What role does the Episodic Buffer play for brain-damaged patients?

Answer 25

It explains why they can recall stories or lists without using Long-Term Memory (LTM).

The Episodic Buffer may facilitate memory recall despite damage to other memory systems.

Question 26

What is Cognitive Stimulation used for in dementia treatment?

Answer 26

To reawaken early memories and encourage patients to talk about their lives.

It utilizes prompts and activities to engage memory and communication.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The Central Executive is thought to be faulty in dementia, which may explain many _______ symptoms.

Answer 27

dementia

This suggests a connection between executive function and the cognitive decline observed in dementia.