Working Memory Model Flashcards
What was the initial structure of the WMM
The Central executive, the Phonological loop and the visuo-spatial sketchpad
What was added after it was criticised for only focusing on STM
The episodic buffer
What is the role of the central executive
Co-ordinating the activity needed to carry out more than one processing task at a time
What are the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad referred to as?
Slave systems
What does the episodic buffer do
It was introduced to explain how we temporarily store information combined from the central executive, the phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad and long-term memory
Strengths of the WMM(at least 2)
Complexity and Realism: Unlike the MSM, the WMM recognizes that short-term memory isn’t a single unitary store. Instead, it consists of multiple components (e.g., the central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad, and later, the episodic buffer), reflecting the complexity of real-life cognitive processes.
Experimental Evidence: The WMM is supported by a range of experimental studies. For example, dual-task experiments show that people can process visual and auditory information simultaneously without interference, supporting the idea of separate sub-systems.
Application to Real Life: The model has practical relevance, particularly in understanding cognitive disorders such as ADHD and dyslexia, as these conditions are often linked to deficits in working memory components.
Flexibility: The WMM allows for interaction between different memory systems, such as integrating information from long-term memory during problem-solving or decision-making tasks.
Integration of Research: The inclusion of the episodic buffer in 2000 demonstrates how the model can evolve to incorporate new findings, adding depth to our understanding of memory.
Weaknesses of the WMM(at least 2)
Vagueness of the Central Executive: While the central executive is a crucial component of the WMM, its exact functions are not well-defined, leading to criticism that it is more of a theoretical construct than a scientifically measurable entity.
Limited Scope: The WMM focuses primarily on short-term memory processes and does not provide a comprehensive explanation of long-term memory or sensory memory.
Overemphasis on Laboratory Research: Much of the supporting evidence comes from controlled lab experiments, which may lack ecological validity. Real-world memory tasks are often more complex and less predictable.
Individual Differences: The WMM does not account for variations in working memory capacity across individuals, which can significantly affect cognitive performance.
Simplistic Representation of Visual and Auditory Systems: Although the model separates visual and auditory memory (via the visuo-spatial sketchpad and phonological loop), it may oversimplify these systems and ignore the interplay between them in natural scenarios
