The Working memory model Flashcards
What does the working memory model (WMM) explain?
The organization and functioning of short-term memory
Developed by Baddeley and Hitch in 1974.
What is the primary focus of the working memory model?
The mental space active when temporarily storing and manipulating information
Examples include working on arithmetic problems or comprehending language.
How many main components does the working memory model consist of?
Four main components.
What is the role of the central executive (CE) in the WMM?
Monitors incoming data and allocates subsystems to tasks
It has a supervisory role but does not store information.
What type of information does the phonological loop (PL) deal with?
Auditory information.
What are the two main subdivisions of the phonological loop?
- Phonological store
- Articulatory process
What does the phonological store do?
Stores the words you hear.
What is the function of the articulatory process in the phonological loop?
Allows maintenance rehearsal.
What is the capacity of the phonological loop believed to be?
Two seconds’ worth of what you can say.
What type of information does the visuo-spatial sketchpad (VSS) store?
Visual and/or spatial information.
According to Baddeley, what is the limited capacity of the visuo-spatial sketchpad?
About three or four objects.
What are the two subdivisions of the visuo-spatial sketchpad?
- Visual cache
- Inner scribe
What does the visual cache do?
Stores visual data.
What is the function of the inner scribe in the visuo-spatial sketchpad?
Records the arrangement of objects in the visual field.
What is the episodic buffer (EB) in the working memory model?
A temporary store for integrating visual, spatial, and verbal information.
When was the episodic buffer added to the working memory model?
In 2000 by Baddeley.
What is the limited capacity of the episodic buffer?
About four chunks.
What role does the episodic buffer play in relation to long-term memory?
Links working memory to long-term memory.
Strengths of WMM
Clinical evidence- KF, STM was damaged poor auditory sound information however good at processing visual information. Could Recall letters and numbers when seen them visually but not geard
Dual task performance Baddley, verbal and visual tasks were easier. Participants found it hard to recall when both tasks were visual or verbal Shows there is a separate slave system
Weaknesses
KF counterpoint unclear whetehr he had other cognitive impairments as caused by motorcycle accident therefore brain injury
Lack of clarity over Central executive
Validity is bad as tasks lacked mundane realisms
