Working Memory Model Flashcards
Working memory model (figure)
Working memory model(definition)
-An explanation of how one aspect of memory(STM) is organised and it’s function
-WMM is focused on the part of memory used when we are temporarily storing and processing information i.e when performing arithmetic functions or conversing with someone.
-Model consists of 4 main sections all of which with different characteristics, specifically capacity and coding.
Central executive
-An attentional process that monitors and processes incoming stimulus/information and dictates where it goes and what slave systems(the systems the central executive can send information to) manage it.
-It has a very limited capacity
Phonological loop
-One of the 3 slave systems.
-Handles acoustic information.
-Preserves the order of arrival of information.
-It is split in to two sub systems:
-Phonological store: stores the words we hear.
-Articulatory process: allows maintenance rehearsal (to extend duration) keeps words in a loop, capacity believed to be about two seconds worth of what you can say.
Visuo-spatial sketchpad(VSS)
-A slave system of the central executive.
-Stores visual/spatial information when required.
-Baddely(2003) found the capacity of the VSS to be approximately 3 to 4 objects.
-Logie devised the VSS into:
-The visual cache, which stores visual data.
-The inner scribe, which records the arrangement of objects in the visual field.
Episodic buffer
-One of the slave systems.
-Added to the model by Baddeley.
-A temporary store of information, integrating visual, spatial and verbal Information processed by the other systems and maintaining a sense of time sequencing - essentially acting as a recorder for the events that are happening.
-It can be seen as a storage for the central executive and has a limited capacity of about 4 chunks.
-The episodic buffer links working memory to the LTM and wider cognitive processes like perception.
Clinical evidence (Working memory model)
-Shallice and Warring(1970) case study of KF, he had poor STM ability due to brain damage. However, only aspects of his STM were effected I.e. he struggled with sounds (acoustic information) but he could still recall letters and digits (visual information).
-This supports WMM as the findings suggest there are separate systems involved in STM for visual and acoustic stores.
COUNTER: Evidence from brain damaged patients may not be reliable because it concerns unique cases with patients who have had traumatic experiences.
Dual task performance(WMM)(AO3)
-Studies on dual task performance support the idea of a Visio spatial sketchpad.
-Baddeley(1975) found that participants in a study on dual task performance struggled more doing two visual tasks than doing 1 visual and 1 verbal task simultaneously. -This is due to the two visual tasks being processed by the same slave system whereas a visual and verbal task can be executed simultaneously using two slave systems.
-This study suggests there must be a separate slave system (the VSS) that processes visual stimuli.
Lack of clarity over the central executive(WMM)(AO3)
-Certain psychologists argue the working memory model doesn’t explain anything.
-Baddeley stated that the central executive is the most important aspect and yet least understood part of the working memory model.
-The central executive needs to be more specific than just ‘attention’
-Some psychologists argue the central executive may have multiple components and that the WMM isn’t fully explained.
