Working Memory Model

Question 1

What are the main components of the WMM?

Answer 1

• Central Executive
• Phonological Loop (articulatory control system, phonological store)
• Visuo-spatial sketchpad
• Episodic Buffer

Question 2

How does information arrive at the working memory?

Answer 2

If we pay attention to sensory input in our sensory memory, it’ll enter the working memory.

Alternatively, information from the long-term memory will go to the working memory to be processed.

Question 3

What is the central executive?

Answer 3

The central executive manages our attention and coordinates the operations of the other subcoordinate component.

Question 4

What is the phonological loop and what does its components do?

Answer 4

The phonological loop retains auditory information. The first component is the articulatory control system (inner voice), which can hold information in verbal form. The second component is the phonological store (inner ear), which stores auditory information.

Question 5

What is the visuo-spatial sketchpad?

Answer 5

The visuo-spatial sketchpad (inner eye) retains visual and spatial information.

Question 6

What is the working memory model?

Answer 6

Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that can hold information temporarily. It should be seen as a kind of mental workspace, which provides a temporary platform that holds relevant information to process and use in any cognitive task.

Question 7

How is the working memory model different to the multi-store model?

Answer 7

• The MSM illustrates short-term memory as one single store while WMM splits it into multiple.
• The WMM allows for multiple processes in short term memory at once.

NEEDS UPDATING