Working Memory Model

Question 1

What did the WMM replace?

Answer 1

The idea of a unitary STM, it proposed that memory is a system involving active processing and short term storage of information

Question 2

What does the WMM consist of?

Answer 2

• Central executive
• Phonological loop
• Visuo spatial sketch pad
• Episodic buffer

Question 3

What is the central executive?

Answer 3

It is the ‘boss’ of the working memory, it has supervisory function and controls the slave systems

Question 4

What is the capacity of the central executive?

Answer 4

It has limited capacity but can process information form any sensory modality

Question 5

What is the phonological loop?

Answer 5

A limited capacity, temporary storage system for holding verbal information in a speech based form

Question 6

What 2 components are the phonological loop made up of?

Answer 6

1. The phonological store (inner ear)
2. Articulatory control system (inner voice)

Question 7

What does the phonological store do?

Answer 7

Holds information that is either speech or sound related

Question 8

What does the articulatory control process do?

Answer 8

A process for rehearsing the information using sub vocal and therefore keeping it in the loop

Question 9

What is the visuo-spatial sketch pad?

Answer 9

A limited capacity, temporary memory system for holding visual and spatial information, it enables you to mentally see things without looking at them

Question 10

What is the episodic buffer?

Answer 10

Added in 2000 by Baddeley who proposed it acts as a general store for memories which are both visual and acoustic