Video Module 12: Working Memory

Question 1

How has the modal model for memory been changed?

Answer 1

1. Sensory memory is less emphasized as a store of info, and more so as an access to sensory info
2. Short-term memory is replaced with working memory, which suggests more effort is involved
3. working memory emphasises the active manipulation of info and not just passive storage like in STM

Question 2

phonological loop

Answer 2

component of working memory which maintains linguistic, verbal, and auditory information
- composed of sounds that we can repeat to ourselves

Question 3

visuospatial sketchpad

Answer 3

component of working memory which maintains visual and spatial info
- a mental “sketchpad” of where things are and what they look like

Question 4

episodic buffer

Answer 4

component of working memory which keeps track of the events occurring around us in the present
- temporarily holds and integrates info from the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and long term memory
- creates a coherent representation of what’s in your conscious awareness

Question 5

central executive

Answer 5

a component of working memory which helps us choose what to pay attention to and manipulates info in our conscious awareness
- helps interpret and link together stimuli in our environment
- coordinates info from the episodic buffer, visuospatial sketchpad, and phonological loop
- same thing as executive control

Question 6

How can we test our working memory capacity using digit span tests?

Answer 6

Digit span tests require participants to repeat increasingly long sequences of numbers until they make an error, which helps us understand how many items an individual can maintain in their working memory.
- Backwards DS: more effective than digit span tests b/c requires active manipulation of info
- Simple Span: uses letters instead of digits; just as effective as DS

Question 7

Are there more effective tests for WM than digit span?

Answer 7

• Backwards DS: more effective; requires participants to repeat increasingly long digit sequences backwards
• Simple Span: uses letters instead of digits; just as effective as DS
• Reading Span: participants read sentences one at a time with letters at the end, recalling letters at the end; requires the use of divided attention & phonological loop
• Operation Span: participants mark math operations as T or F and are presented with letters at the end of each question; requires coordination of multiple tasks

Question 8

What is chunking? How does it help us remember information?

Answer 8

“Units” in our WM are bits of meaningful info. Chunking is condensing many pieces of info into a lesser number of meaningful chunks. This helps us expand our working memory capacity, which has a capacity of 7±2 units.

Question 9

What is our short-term memory capacity?

Answer 9

The maximum number of items we can recall from out WM is around 7±2 items. However, Nelson Cowan proposed that with rehearsal and LTM factored out, our true STM capacity is actually around 4 chunks.