the working memory model Flashcards
what is the working memory model (WMM)
the WMM is an explanation on how one aspect of memory ( short - term memory) is organised and how its functions
It is concerned with the part of the mind that is active when we are temporarily storing and manipulating information
e.g. when we are working on an arithmetic problem or playing chess
alternative description for the WMM
it is a representation of STM that suggest that the STM is a dynamic processor of different types of info using sub - units coordinated by a central decision making system
what are the four main components of the WMM
central executive
phonological loop
visuo -spatial sketchpad
episodic buffer
what is the central executive?
essentially attentional process that monitors incoming data, makes decisions, and allocates slave systems tasks
what are the slave systems
phonological loop
visuo -spatial sketchpad
episodic buffer
what is the phonological loop
it deals with auditory information ( i.e. acoustics) and preserves the order in which the information arrives
what is the phonological loop subdivided into
it is subdivided into:
- the phonological store, which stores the words you hear. It also counts for words that you see e.g reading a book ( the inner ear)
- the articulatory process which allows maintenance rehearsal ( repeating sounds or words) in a “loop” to keep them in the working memory while they are needed)
- the capacity of this loop is believed to be two seconds worth what you can say (inner voice)
what is the visuo - spatial sketchpad
the VSS sketchpad stores visual and/ or spatial info when required
e.g.
when you are asked to work out how many windows there are in your house, you can visualize it and you are aware of its spacing (e.g. dimensions)
what is the capacity of the VSS
it has a limited capacity, which according to Baddeley, ( 2003) is about three or four objects
what is the VSS subdivided into
Logie((1995) subdivided the VSS into:
- the visual cache, which stores visual data
- the inner scribe, which recorded the arrangement of objects in the visual field e.g. the arrangement of a desk
what is the episodic buffer
it was added to the model by Baddeley in 2000
it is the temporary store for info, integrating the visual, spatial and verbal information processed by other stores and maintaining a sense of time sequencing - basically recording events
it can also e seen as the storage component of the central executive and has a limited capacity of four chunks (Baddeley 2012
why is the episodic buffer important
it links the working memory to the LTM and wider cognitive process such as perception
what is the difference between the central executive and the episodic buffer
the CE can be seen as the “sorter” - info arrives after the CE has paid attention, it then controls where the info is going ( to one of the slave systems)
EB is the link between CE and LTM - before it was introduced there was no way for info from the LTM could enter the WMM
EB also holds info together and remembers the sequence
